History of Capraia, an Antique, Fortified Village and Limite, the nearby township has been associated over the centuries with the Arno River
The history of Capraia, an antique, fortified village located on a rocky ridge, and Limite, the nearby township which extends onto the lower plane, has been associated over the centuries with the Arno River. It was, in fact, the proximity to this important waterway that favoured the economical and cultural exchanges which stimulated the development of a flourishing activity in the construction of boat hulls, facilitated by the presence of thick woodlands in the surrounding areas.
Thus the tradition of the ‘Maestri d’ascia’ (masters of the axe) was born, which is still handed down today in the production of open water and competition boats.
The origins of Capraia are without a doubt, very ancient. In the Middle Ages, Capraia was of renown importance for its position at the summit of the hill, dominating the plane. Feud of the family of Alberto di Mangona, it was contested between the Florentines and the Pistoiese.
In 1203, the Florentines built the Castle of Montelupo opposite Capraia, to contrast the expansionism of the Pistoiese who were forced the following year to sign an act of vassallage towards the Florentines.
The origins of Limite are much more recent. In fact, the first official news dates back to an act of donation in 940 by the Count Guido Guidi, owner of numerous landholdings in the area, in favour of the city of Pistoia, where the Count resided.
In the following centuries, it prosperred as a modest river port. After being feud of Count Guidi, it first passed to the city of Pistoia and in the 14th century it was given to the Florentine Republic. The name Limite is derived from its position on the border of two political and ecclesiastical jurisdictions, Pistoia and Florence.
|