The town of Altopascio has a rich history, and its roots go back to the Middle Ages when it became a key stopping point along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury, in England, to Rome, passing through France and Italy.
The historic center, with its monuments and architectural works, testifies to its past as an important crossroads. The Ancient Convent of San Jacopino, also known as Spedale dei Cavalieri del Tau (or Spedale di Altopascio), was a shelter for pilgrims run by the Order of the Knights of the Tau, the oldest religious order of chivalry in Europe. Today, part of the structures of the Spedale form the historical center, and its medieval walls surround the city.
Another testimony to its historical and cultural importance and connection with the Via Francigena is the bread of Altopascio, famous for its quality and centuries-old tradition. In the Middle Ages 'the pilgrim's bread' food became a part of hospitality.
Local families produced a bread characterized by a stick shape and a cross engraved on the crust, to offer it to visiting travelers as a symbol of welcome and solidarity.
Even today, the bread of Altopascio maintains its authenticity and distinctiveness thanks to a production discipline that guarantees its quality and conformity to tradition. Following artisanal methods handed down from generation to generation, visitors still have the opportunity to savor this traditional bread and immerse themselves in its rich history.
