Cascina

Cascina
Name	Cascina
Region	Tuscany
Province	Pisa
Population total	45612
Population as of	31 December 2017
Coordinates	43, 40, N, 10...

Cascina. A historic town in the Metropolitan City of Pisa within the Tuscan region of Italy, it is situated on the left bank of the Arno river. Strategically located near major urban centers like Pisa and Livorno, it has long been a significant agricultural and industrial hub. Its rich history is marked by pivotal medieval conflicts and a legacy of fine woodworking and furniture craftsmanship.

History

The area shows evidence of Etruscan and Roman settlement, but Cascina rose to prominence in the Middle Ages. Its strategic position made it a contested site during the ongoing conflicts between the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Florence. The town is most famous for the Battle of Cascina in 1364, where Florentine forces, commanded by Galeotto I Malatesta, achieved a decisive victory over the Pisan army. This battle was later celebrated in a never-completed fresco by Michelangelo intended for the Palazzo Vecchio. Following the decline of Pisan power, Cascina came under the control of the Florentine Republic and later the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. During the Italian Campaign of World War II, it suffered significant damage from aerial bombardment due to its railway infrastructure.

Geography

Cascina is located approximately 10 kilometers east of Pisa in the central-western part of Tuscany. The town's territory is part of the fertile alluvial plain of the Arno river, which has historically supported its agricultural economy. It borders several other communes, including San Giuliano Terme, Vicopisano, and Calcinaia. The landscape is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Pisa plain, and is crossed by several minor waterways and irrigation canals that feed into the larger Arno system. This geographical setting has profoundly influenced local land use and settlement patterns for centuries.

Main sights

The historic center retains a medieval layout, anchored by the **Pieve di Santa Maria**, a Romanesque parish church with a distinctive Pisan-style facade. Other notable religious architecture includes the **Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista** and the **Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo**. The **Oratorio di San Giovanni** contains valuable frescoes from the Renaissance period. Secular landmarks include the **Palazzo del Comune** (Town Hall) and remnants of the old town walls. The **Museo della Grafica** at the **Villa di Corliano** showcases contemporary graphic art. Just outside town, the **Certosa di Pisa** (Carthusian Monastery) in Calci is a major regional attraction.

Economy

Traditionally, the economy was based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cereals, olives, and grapes for the renowned Chianti wines. Since the post-World War II period, Cascina has developed into a major center for woodworking and the manufacturing of high-quality furniture, with numerous artisanal workshops and industrial plants. This sector supplies both the domestic market and international exports. Other significant industries include mechanics, textiles, and food processing. The town also benefits from its proximity to the economic and tourist poles of Pisa, with its Galileo Galilei Airport, and the port of Livorno.

Culture

Local culture is deeply tied to Tuscan traditions, with several annual festivals and fairs. The **Palio di Cascina**, a historical pageant and competition between the town's districts, commemorates the 1364 victory. The town has a strong musical tradition, home to the **Filarmonica "Giuseppe Verdi"** concert band. Cascina's culinary offerings feature classic Tuscan dishes and local produce, often highlighted during the weekly market and food festivals. The area has inspired numerous artists and writers over the centuries, from the depictions by Giorgio Vasari to modern contributors.

Sports

The most popular sport is association football, with **U.S. Città di Cascina** representing the town in regional leagues. Basketball is also widely played, with the **Pallacanestro Cascina** club having a strong local following. The flat terrain of the Arno plain makes cycling a common recreational and competitive activity. The town supports various sports facilities, including the **Stadio Comunale** for football and athletics, and several multi-purpose sports halls. Local athletes have competed in national championships in sports like volleyball and athletics.

Category:Cities and towns in Tuscany Category:Metropolitan City of Pisa