Probably of Roman origin, Cucigliana is first mentioned in 9th-century bishop’s documents. In the village there is a medieval bell tower decorated with some marble friezes that was part of the nearby church of S. Andrea Apostolo destroyed by the flooding of the Arno. The present church bears the same name but dates back to the 18th century. The single-nave interior houses the 19th-century high altar and paintings on the walls. Cucigliana was once famous for its pottery, as was nearby San Giovanni alla Vena. Its speciality was the production of ‘piatti neri all’uso di Genova’, i.e. painted terracotta plates, as well as pottery that was sold in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Lugnano also appears to be of Roman origin (Fundus Lunianus, i.e. land belonging to Luniano). The church of Santi Quirico e Giuditta, in the town square, is worth visiting. On the outside back side of the church, two lion heads of medieval origin can be seen, while the single-nave, barrel-vaulted interior preserves an organ from 1840. Near the village is also the 14th-century Church of San Giorgio, which has been renovated several times and rebuilt in Romanesque style.
Tourism Office