Eating your way through the Bisenzio Valley

The Bisenzio Valley (Val di Bisenzio in Italian) is a varied region defined by its namesake river, which joins the Arno River in Signa, passing through Prato. Minor though the Bisenzio may be, running a course of around 45 kilometers, it’s been mentioned in some of Italian literature’s most illustrious texts, from Dante’s Divine Comedy to Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Elettra. What the literary giants failed to mention is the lively area surrounding the river and its long tradition of fine living—in the form of food and wine. Here’s a starter pack of towns, traditions and tips for foodies exploring the region.