Vinacciano
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The village has ancient origins and was fortified in the Middle Ages. Conquered in 1318 by Castruccio Castracani, it played a strategic role in the conflicts between Pistoia and Lucca.
The castle of Vinacciano is located at the top of a hill on the slopes of Montalbano, surrounded by olive groves and terraces overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The village, whose name derives from the Latin Vinacius, has ancient origins, but the first known document dates back to 998. Over the centuries, the castle was fortified, and in 1221 it became the property of the municipality of Pistoia.
In the 14th century, Uguccione della Faggiola, lord of Lucca, waged war against the city of Pistoia and conquered the strongholds of Serravalle, Castellina, Casore del Monte, and Marliana. He eventually occupied Vinacciano as well, stationing his soldiers there and forcing the inhabitants to take part in the assault on Pistoia. However, Uguccione failed in his attempt, even after bribing some soldiers inside Pistoia to open the city gates for him.
The strategic importance of the castle of Vinacciano was reaffirmed in 1318 when the Lucchese forces decided to move against Pistoia. After subjugating the nearby castles, Castruccio Castracani, lord of Lucca, arrived in the lands of Vinacciano on January 2, 1318. The castle had no choice but to surrender to his will. In 1322, after the Lucchese had taken Pistoia and were returning to their city, they passed through Vinacciano, fortifying it and stationing their soldiers there.
