San Pietro in Palazzuolo

(often mistakenly referred to as Petrazzolo or Palazzolo), which is an ancient monastic structure located in Monteverdi Marittimo, in the province of Pisa. Originally founded in 754 AD by the Lombard nobleman Saint Walfrid, ancestor of the Counts of Gherardesca, it was built over the remains of a pre-existing Roman villa and a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Bellona. Today, the monumental area appears as imposing and fascinating archaeological ruins immersed in the green Mediterranean scrub. The adjacent space is equipped with wooden tables, allowing visitors to enjoy a picnic at a relaxing panoramic viewpoint.