The name appears for the first time in a parchment from 793 as Picciole, Petiole and Pecciori, and is probably derived from the Latin term picea, “wild pine”. Mention of Peccioli appears as early as the first half of the 12th century. Many prestigious buildings remain from this period, such as the rural parish church at San Verano, the Peccioli chapel and the Palazzo Pretorio (Pretorian Palace).


In addition to having preserved its medieval foundations, Peccioli covers a territory rich in rural landscapes and small villages of ancient origins, such as Cedri, Ghizzano, Fabbrica, Montecchio, Libbiano and Legoli.
The latter has a splendid chapel where frescoes by the well-known Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli can be admired.


For other interesting and unusual visits: dedicate yourself to astronomy at the Astronomical Observatory “Galileo Galilei” in Libbiano, an ideal place for astronomy lovers. www.astrofilialtavaldera.it
What’s more, you can visit the Prehistoric Park at Peccioli, where 18 life-size fiberglass prehistoric animals on display. www.parcopreistorico.it


Returning to Peccioli’s history, let’s continue to follow that part of history leading us to the present and to the current owners of Le Palaie.
The Peccioli castle originally belonged to the counts of Gherardesca.

The powerful feudal lords then cede the small fortress to the Volterra bishopric in the twelfth century and  Peccioli becomes a Volterran bulwark against Pisan expansion until 1163, when Pisa manages to storm it and subject it to Pisan rule. After the Pisans suffer defeat at the hands of the Genoans near Meloria islet in 1284, the Volterra curia places itself under Florence’s protection rather than resign itself to losing its ancient possessions.

Peccioli is lost and reconquered by the curia more than once. Although with the consolidation of Florentine rule over all Pisan centers, fate will subjugate it to the Tuscan Grand Duchy of the Medicis and later to the Lorenas until the unification of Italy. 
The Bishop’s Curia of Volterra however always maintains ownership of its farms and estates scattered across the territory, such as the beautiful 17th century farmhouses later acquired by the Caponi family.