Cascina di Spedaletto and Oratory of Sant’Anna

Cascina di Spedaletto is also the visitor center of the Acquerino-Cantagallo nature reserve. Beautiful structure surrounded by lawn and centuries-old beech trees with sweeping views over the Pistoia-Prato plain. It is located along the road that comes from Lake Suviana and leads to Tobbiana through the Acquiputoli pass. The building, whose origins can be traced back to medieval times, must have been, in the past, a "hospital" for pilgrims, the structure is in fact located on an important crossroads between the Agna, Bisenzio and Limentra valleys. In the past, on the day of Sant'Anna, July 26, the inhabitants of the three valleys met in the meadows adjacent to the farmhouse to sell their goods and for a party that lasted until late, with music, food and lots of wine which in some cases led to fights between men, so much so that it was called "the party of punches".
The structure was part of the patrimony of the Bardi di Vernio counts. In fact, next to the Cascina, a plaque in the small oratory dedicated to Sant'Anna commemorates the first owners, the Bardi Counts, who restructured the chapel in the mid-1700s.
To find out more: acquerinocantagallo.it/giro-dei-5-rifugi

In April, the shelter is closed. However, it is possible to sleep in the small chapel next door. Requires a mattress and sleeping bag. Presence of water fountain and tables for eating. Magnificent setting