“He who goes to Florence and money spends, passes by Leccio and Penco pays him back.”
The story of Penco, an emblematic figure linked to the village of Leccio, is a tale that weaves reality and legend, symbolizing the link between the local community and the famous Sammezzano Castle. This terracotta statue, dating from the early 19th century, depicted a Napoleonic soldier, perhaps inspired by the Grande Corso, and was placed atop the La Loggia farm, the beating heart of the Ximenes estate. The name Penco, derived from the verb “to pen,” referred to the statue’s unsteady arm, which originally held a sword.
The figure of Penco not only physically dominated the landscape but also entered popular culture thanks to a saying that became famous in the area:
“He who goes to Florence and spends money, passes through Leccio and Penco returns it to him.”
This motto, which played on the protective and benevolent image of Penco, conveyed the idea that, after incurring expenses in nearby Florence, passing through Leccio would bring good fortune and prosperity. A kind of guarantee of protection and refreshment, embodied by the figure of the soldier who “pays and defends.”
The statue remained on the roof of the farm until 1940, when it was destroyed during the declaration of war on France. However, Penco’s memory lived on in the collective memory. In 2023, thanks to the initiative of the FPXA-Sammezzano Committee, a new bronze statue, inspired by a lead soldier from the Predieri collection, was placed in the garden of Piazza Manin in Leccio. This project, carried out with the support of the Fondazione CR Firenze and the University of Florence, breathed new life into a historical and cultural symbol.
Today, Penco is celebrated not only as a symbol of Leccio but also as an example of the deep connection between tradition, history and community. Between walks to Sammezzano, educational comics and local initiatives, the figure of Penco continues to represent a bridge between past and future.
More information and insights: https://www.sammezzano.info/storia-di-penco/penco-progetto