An itinerary to discover Mugello among Medici villages, Romanesque churches, and wild nature
Just a few miles from Florence, Mugello offers a journey of discovery, a history linked to the Medici, great artists of the past, generous nature and a strong cultural identity.
In 5 days, you can pass through ancient villages, Renaissance villas, 1000-year-old abbeys and mountain landscapes, on an itinerary that restores all the charm of the most authentic Tuscany.
The itinerary begins on the roads connecting Scarperia, San Piero a Sieve and Barberino di Mugello.
Founded by the Florentines in the 14ᵗʰ century, Scarperia preserves the Vicari Palace, an imposing building that now houses the Museum of Knives and Cutting Tools.
Worth visiting Downtown are the historic cutlery stores, as emblems of a craftsmanship rooted in tradition.
From Scarperia, continue to Sant’Agata, home to the most distinguished Romanesque parish church in Mugello, which also houses an archaeological center and a collection of sacred art.
After a stop in Galliano, the road descends to Lake Bilancino, where you can even swim framed by relaxing scenery.
From here, a short detour leads to the Convent of Bosco ai Frati, rebuilt almost entirely in 1420 to a design by Michelozzo and embellished with a wooden Crucifix attributed to Donatello.
The itinerary begins on the roads connecting Scarperia, San Piero a Sieve and Barberino di Mugello.
Founded by the Florentines in the 14ᵗʰ century, Scarperia preserves the Vicari Palace, an imposing building that now houses the Museum of Knives and Cutting Tools.
Worth visiting Downtown are the historic cutlery stores, as emblems of a craftsmanship rooted in tradition.
From Scarperia, continue to Sant’Agata, home to the most distinguished Romanesque parish church in Mugello, which also houses an archaeological center and a collection of sacred art.
After a stop in Galliano, the road descends to Lake Bilancino, where you can even swim framed by relaxing scenery.
From here, a short detour leads to the Convent of Bosco ai Frati, rebuilt almost entirely in 1420 to a design by Michelozzo and embellished with a wooden Crucifix attributed to Donatello.
The 2ⁿᵈ day opens with a visit to Borgo San Lorenzo, where the Romanesque parish church dedicated to San Lorenzo preserves a precious Madonna attributed to Giotto. The Villa Pecori Giraldi, an elegant historic residence, houses the Chini Manufacture Museum, which documents the Chini family’s eclectic activity in the realm of Art Nouveau and decorative design.
A few miles away is the Casa d’Erci Rural Museum where you can discover the daily life of the rural world through utensils, original furnishings and a charming nature trail through the forest, replete with picnic area.
The 2ⁿᵈ day opens with a visit to Borgo San Lorenzo, where the Romanesque parish church dedicated to San Lorenzo preserves a precious Madonna attributed to Giotto. The Villa Pecori Giraldi, an elegant historic residence, houses the Chini Manufacture Museum, which documents the Chini family’s eclectic activity in the realm of Art Nouveau and decorative design.
A few miles away is the Casa d’Erci Rural Museum where you can discover the daily life of the rural world through utensils, original furnishings and a charming nature trail through the forest, replete with picnic area.
The route continues in the territory between Vicchio and Dicomano.
It starts with Giotto House Museum, which has been restored and can be visited, then continues with the Fra Angelico Museum, which houses works of sacred art and objects of popular religiosity.
Near Piazza Giotto is the Montelleri Lake, ideal for some outdoor relaxation.
After Vicchio, you can visit Dicomano, where the Dicomano Archeological Museum of Mugello and Val di Sieve presents a rich exhibit, with artifacts ranging from Prehistory to the Renaissance. A short walk from the center, in a panoramic position, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria, one of the oldest in Tuscany.
The route continues in the territory between Vicchio and Dicomano.
It starts with Giotto House Museum, which has been restored and can be visited, then continues with the Fra Angelico Museum, which houses works of sacred art and objects of popular religiosity.
Near Piazza Giotto is the Montelleri Lake, ideal for some outdoor relaxation.
After Vicchio, you can visit Dicomano, where the Dicomano Archeological Museum of Mugello and Val di Sieve presents a rich exhibit, with artifacts ranging from Prehistory to the Renaissance. A short walk from the center, in a panoramic position, is the Parish Church of Santa Maria, one of the oldest in Tuscany.
From Dicomano, you reach San Godenzo, where time seems to stand still. The majestic Romanesque San Gaudenzio Abbey was consecrated in 1028, and on June 8, 1302, hosted the meeting between Dante Alighieri and other exiles from Florence with the feudal lords of the area.
Next, reach Castagno d’Andrea, at the foot of the Casentino Forest Park.
The San Martino Church contains frescoes painted by Pietro Annigoni as a tribute to the painter Andrea del Castagno, a native of the village.
The village even houses a small documentation center and a virtual museum dedicated to the artist, as well as being a starting point for excursions to Monte Falterona.
From Dicomano, you reach San Godenzo, where time seems to stand still. The majestic Romanesque San Gaudenzio Abbey was consecrated in 1028, and on June 8, 1302, hosted the meeting between Dante Alighieri and other exiles from Florence with the feudal lords of the area.
Next, reach Castagno d’Andrea, at the foot of the Casentino Forest Park.
The San Martino Church contains frescoes painted by Pietro Annigoni as a tribute to the painter Andrea del Castagno, a native of the village.
The village even houses a small documentation center and a virtual museum dedicated to the artist, as well as being a starting point for excursions to Monte Falterona.
The last stop is Marradi, the birthplace of Dino Campana.
The fine Teatro degli Animosi, the Church of San Lorenzo with works by the Master of Marradi, and the elegant architecture of the historic center tell of a deep connection with culture and memory. From here, the road stretches to the Badia del Borgo, an ancient Romanesque abbey surrounded by greenery where the Mugello journey concludes amid silence, spirituality and unspoiled landscapes.
The last stop is Marradi, the birthplace of Dino Campana.
The fine Teatro degli Animosi, the Church of San Lorenzo with works by the Master of Marradi, and the elegant architecture of the historic center tell of a deep connection with culture and memory. From here, the road stretches to the Badia del Borgo, an ancient Romanesque abbey surrounded by greenery where the Mugello journey concludes amid silence, spirituality and unspoiled landscapes.