Castelvecchio Throughout its long history, the village of Castelvecchio followed the alternating fortunes of Vellano: in 1333, it was granted as a fief to the Garzoni family; later captured by a member of the same family, it was ceded to the Pisans in 1362, only to return under Florentine control two years later. In the center of the village, at its highest point, the remains of the tower destroyed during the disputes between Florence and Pisa are still visible.

The Parish Church of SS. Tommaso and Ansano(documented since 879) is the most famous example of Romanesque architecture in the Valdinievole. Along with its bell tower, the church stands in an isolated and elevated position overlooking the village. The facade is of particular interest, as it is the part that has best preserved its original features. It is divided into two overlapping orders of blind arches, crowned by a bifora (mullioned window) flanked by two oculi. The entire perimeter is adorned with capitals, bas-reliefs, and curious anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures. The interior is divided into three naves, each ending in an apse, and is marked by columns supporting round arches. Despite several restorations at the end of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Romanesque architectural characteristics have been carefully preserved.

Descending toward the center of the village, you will find the square with its pietra serena stone fountain. To the right stands the ancient entrance gate to the village; passing through it leads to the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the early 17th century. It houses several artistic works, including a valuable 15th-century panel painting depicting the Madonna Enthroned with Child between Saints John and Thomas. Through a narrow passage under the church's bell tower, you can access the rooms of the Oratory of the Holy Rosary (SS. Rosario). It consists of three small barrel-vaulted crypts. The central one is entirely decorated with frescoes dating from the late 16th century, depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary. The vault features grotesques and putti holding the symbols of the Passion of
Christ.