Lari Map and Travel Guide
Lari is one of those "hidden" gems in Tuscany, a medieval town and borgo with some interesting attractions, not far from larger and better known. Mouse over the icons on the map to identify them.
Lari Travel Tips
Lari is in the Tuscan province of Pisa. If you have a car, you can "do" Lari on a day trip from Florence, Pisa, or nearby Casciano Terme. Notice that all around the outer walls there are parking lots.
Lari Attractions
The recommended things to see in Lari are marked on our map. Mouse over the icons to identify them.
Lari Castle, Castello dei Vicari was first mentioned in a document of 1061. You can visit inside to see some of the 16th century cells men slept in, the court room and the Torture room. There are also some recently uncovered frescoes. The walls of the courtyard are lined with the Vicar's coats of arms, as you can see in the pictures below. The castle of Lari is currently (2010) undergoing some restoration.
Palace of the Podestà, the Vicar, or Podestà was the chief magistrate or governor; and this was the administration building since the time of the Pisan Republic. It remains today in this function, and you can get tourist infomation here. There is a good view of the surrounding countryside from the little piazza in front.
Martelli Pasta Factory in the Ex Oratory of S. Martino and S. Bona - You can take a short, free, tour to get the facts on how Martelli's artisan pasta is better than factory pasta.
The Volterrana Gate doesn't exist these days, but it was once the drawbridged gate to Lari. Today it marks the center of commerce of Lari. Drop into the bar/store marked by the sign "Guido Meini" and get a coffee or buy some of that Martelli Pasta. There is also local wine and biscotti available.
Lari - Recommended Restaurant
Antica Osteria al Castello Located in the piazza just outside the Market Portico, this restaurant serves very interesting, seasonal and traditional Tuscan cuisine. The link goes to our review. Highly recommended.
La Locanda di Angy is located just outside of the medieval center of Lari on Via Belvedere 1. Unreviewed. Closed Monday.
Lari is a walled city with a castle at its core and an interesting borgo (medieval village) with three named gates to access it. Unlike many towns of its small size, Lari has some good tourist infrastructure, including a fine restaurant in the borgo and another just out of the old town.
Lari Travel Planning
Maps of Hidden Italy
Calcata Map (The Holy Foreskin was here!)
Lari Map
Lugo Map (Birthplace of Ponzi, of the scheme!)