History and traditions

In the past, Lake Sibolla was almost certainly larger than it is today. A notarial deed of 1130 and a deed of sale of 1132, in which the place name "Sivolla" appears for the first time, give an idea of the marshy and flooded nature of the area. In fact, the second document refers to a "quado" (guado=ford) near Sibolla, so evidently the water was too deep to be crossed elsewhere. This is confirmed in another, later deed dated 1221, which carries the phrase "aqua que dicitur Sivolla" (water which is called Sivolla). In spite of some reclamation, fortunately never finally completed, Lake Sibolla has managed to substantially retain the integrity of its biotope and its wetland aspect. During this century, starting from the sixties, several interventions were still carried out and contributed to deteriorate the area, even though its naturalistic importance had already been recognised. As well as the construction of industrial factories, the Firenze-Mare (Florence-Sea) motorway and a high voltage cable still run across the basin.
As far as traditions and customs, the marsh grasses are still cut and fashioned as in the nearby Fucecchio Marshes.