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Way of San Jacopo
2 min read
Nestled among rows of cypress trees and olive groves, surrounded by soft rolling hills, Villa Agnolaccio is more than just a historic residence — it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the beauty of simple living.
Located along the picturesque Via Acciaio e Agnolaccio, which winds through the Floro-Faunistic Reserve of Groppoli, the villa is ideally positioned for those seeking a balance between exploration and rest: just 3 km from the center of Pistoia, 30 km from Florence, and 40 km from Lucca.
Villa Agnolaccio’s history dates back to the early 1700s, as recorded in the writings of Alberto Chiappelli, preserved in the Forteguerriana Library in Pistoia.
In the mid-19th century, the villa was expanded by Canon Roberto Galli, who also had the small chapel of San Giuseppe built in 1856 — a space that soon became a local gathering point for the community.
A short walk from the villa reveals two hidden gems of the area:
the Romanesque Church of San Michele a Groppoli, home to the oldest pulpit in Pistoia (1193),
and the majestic Convent of Giaccherino, dating back to the 15th century.
Every corner of Villa Agnolaccio — from the original beams to the quiet gardens — tells a story rooted in Tuscan heritage.
An additional glimpse into the villa’s past comes from a school essay written by a local child roughly 100 years ago.
The student explains that while the origin of the name "Agnolaccio" remains unknown, it is known that at some point a noble family from Pistoia — the Galli family — renovated and enlarged the estate.
One member of this family, a wealthy priest, later commissioned the construction of the chapel mentioned above, where he would celebrate mass for the nearby residents.
It’s a small yet meaningful testimony that shows how deeply Villa Agnolaccio was woven into the life of the local community, even a century ago.
As you walk through the villa’s interiors and outdoor spaces, you’ll notice original architectural details that speak of centuries past.
One of the most striking is the imposing wooden entrance door, still standing from the villa’s original construction in the early 1700s.
Rich with texture, the door has witnessed generations of visitors and tells its own silent story. Every mark left by time adds to its character, embodying what makes Villa Agnolaccio a place where history lives in every detail.
Today, Villa Agnolaccio has been lovingly restored by Ettore and his wife, who transformed the historic estate into a welcoming and refined bed & breakfast.
With its spacious rooms, panoramic swimming pool, and quiet open spaces, the villa is also ideal for families seeking a peaceful holiday surrounded by nature and culture.
Children are free to play in the garden, while adults can relax among the scents of aromatic herbs or read in the shade of an olive tree. It’s the perfect place to rediscover the joy of doing nothing, together.