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Pelago

Castles, parish churches and villages, from the mountains to the valleys

The large territory around Pelago, about 30km from Florence, extends from the plains to the mountains, home to hills dotted with rows of vines, olive trees, country homes, castles and villages.

This is a land where the green hills remind visitors of freshly-pressed oil, and the red of sunset, the fragrances and flavours of a lovely glass of wine. Oil and wine physically and socially characterize these valleys, offering a holiday that can be enjoyed with all the senses. The town of Pelago itself dominates above the valley, perched in its sheltered position.

What to see in Pelago

Originally a handful of houses surrounding the castle belonging to the Guidi Counts, it later became a holiday destination for wealthy Florentine families who, in search of a cool place far from the city, built elegant villas in the area. The small fortress is located right in the centre of the village, where the 18th-century Parish Church of San Clemente can also be found, home to the Museum of Sacred Art.

Originally a handful of houses surrounding the castle belonging to the Guidi Counts, it later became a holiday destination for wealthy Florentine families who, in search of a cool place far from the city, built elegant villas in the area. The small fortress is located right in the centre of the village, where the 18th-century Parish Church of San Clemente can also be found, home to the Museum of Sacred Art.

Nearby

Pelago also boats its fair share of nature, with the hamlets of Borselli and Consuma, where winter sport enthusiasts can race down the snowy slopes. The hills are home to dense, dynamic forests, rich in mushrooms and other “gifts” from the undergrowth. It’s normal that those who visit here find an everlasting bond with the territory, just as the locals have. In Raggioli, for example, it’s easy to sense the harmony between man and nature that exists in places like this. Visitors can stroll around the village and its stone streets, breathe in the medieval atmosphere and be charmed by the sheltered houses, once home to lumberjacks, coalmen and farmers. To learn about the life and work of these inhabitants, head to the Museum of Rural and Mountain Life, which conserves professional tools and objects of everyday use. Heading towards the river, the last hamlet before the banks is San Francesco, connected to nearby Pontassieve by an imposing Medici-era bridge from the mid-1500s.

Pelago also boats its fair share of nature, with the hamlets of Borselli and Consuma, where winter sport enthusiasts can race down the snowy slopes. The hills are home to dense, dynamic forests, rich in mushrooms and other “gifts” from the undergrowth. It’s normal that those who visit here find an everlasting bond with the territory, just as the locals have. In Raggioli, for example, it’s easy to sense the harmony between man and nature that exists in places like this. Visitors can stroll around the village and its stone streets, breathe in the medieval atmosphere and be charmed by the sheltered houses, once home to lumberjacks, coalmen and farmers. To learn about the life and work of these inhabitants, head to the Museum of Rural and Mountain Life, which conserves professional tools and objects of everyday use. Heading towards the river, the last hamlet before the banks is San Francesco, connected to nearby Pontassieve by an imposing Medici-era bridge from the mid-1500s.

Events

The main annual events are linked to the culinary and craft traditions of the area.
In May, the Sagra del Cinghiale (wild boar festival) takes place with a menu that features pappardelle with wild boar ragù and a modernised version of the traditional dish peposo di cinghiale, and cinghiale in bianco ai sette sapori. The even also allows you to discover other typical Tuscan dishes such as potato tortelli, steak and delicious bomboloni.

“L’arte del Gusto, il Gusto dell’Arte” is a ten-day event dedicated to crafts that takes place in September. In addition to the market of local craftsmanship, there are also food stands, exhibitions and other events.

The main annual events are linked to the culinary and craft traditions of the area.
In May, the Sagra del Cinghiale (wild boar festival) takes place with a menu that features pappardelle with wild boar ragù and a modernised version of the traditional dish peposo di cinghiale, and cinghiale in bianco ai sette sapori. The even also allows you to discover other typical Tuscan dishes such as potato tortelli, steak and delicious bomboloni.

“L’arte del Gusto, il Gusto dell’Arte” is a ten-day event dedicated to crafts that takes place in September. In addition to the market of local craftsmanship, there are also food stands, exhibitions and other events.

Typical dishes and products

The Pelago area, like much of that of Florence and the Florentine area, has an evidently agricultural focus with the hills being largely dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olives.
Medieval castles and historic farms dot a landscape which you can explore while following the scent of the wine that exudes from the production area of Chianti Rufina DOCG, where you'll also find extra virgin olive oil.

The Pelago area, like much of that of Florence and the Florentine area, has an evidently agricultural focus with the hills being largely dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olives.
Medieval castles and historic farms dot a landscape which you can explore while following the scent of the wine that exudes from the production area of Chianti Rufina DOCG, where you'll also find extra virgin olive oil.

Florence Area

Florence Area
All around Florence, a patrimony of villas, castles, enchanted forests and hills
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