Nestled among the rolling Tuscan hills, the Mugello Valley is a treasure trove of natural, historical, and cultural beauty. This region, rich in tradition, extends between Florence and Bologna, framed by breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages. The valley is known not only for its artistic heritage, but also for its culinary excellence and numerous outdoor activities, which attract visitors from all over the world. The history of the Mugello Valley is intrinsically linked to illustrious figures, such as Giotto and the Medici family, and its roots are rooted in a past rich in significant events. Discovering the Mugello Valley means immersing yourself in a world where nature and culture merge, offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
Cafaggiolo Castle
The architectural complex of Cafaggiolo, with its majestic fortified villa, tells the story of the Medici family. Built between 1443 and 1451 by order of Cosimo the Elder and designed by Michelozzo, the villa was initially a defensive castle, complete with towers, moats, and a drawbridge. Located in the Mugello region, the structure became a stately residence, dedicated to holidays and culture, hosting personalities such as Pico della Mirandola.
In the 16th century, Cosimo I expanded the villa, enhancing its hunting activities and maintaining its strategic role. With the unification of Italy in 1865, it passed to the Borghese Princes, who oversaw its restoration, blending medieval and neo-Renaissance styles.
Today, the villa's park, with its English landscape garden and cedars of Lebanon, represents a monumental value, blending harmoniously with the surrounding estate and preserving the rich history of this fascinating place.
Church of San Giovanni in Petroio
The Parish Church of San Giovanni in Petroio, located in the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Barberino di Mugello, stands on a panoramic hill near Lake Bilancino. Documented since 1097, it stood along an ancient road between Florence and Bologna and is considered one of the most significant parishes in Mugello, with twelve suffragan churches. In the 14th century, the Medici family acquired property around the parish church, assuming its patronage in the 15th century, which was then ceded to the Portinai family in 1617.
Father Gino Cuciti, parish priest since 1907, was joined by his niece Albertina Bulletti, who dedicated her life to the parish church, keeping it alive until her death in 2006. The building features a gabled façade, an arched loggia, and a square bell tower. Inside, you can admire a Renaissance baptismal font and a tombstone of the Becchi family. Today, the parish church is closed and in a state of abandonment, with collapsed rectory buildings and cracks in the bell tower, spelling a sad fate for this place rich in history.
Castle of Trebbio
Trebbio Castle, owned by the Medici family since 1309, sits on a hill overlooking an ancient Etruscan-Roman road. Transformed into a castle in 1364 with a fortified wall, the building acquired its current form thanks to the architect Michelozzo in the early 15th century, at the behest of Giovanni di Bicci and his son Cosimo. Today, the castle is a wonderful example of a villa-castle, with a loggia and a pergola-lined garden.
During the 15th century, Amerigo Vespucci stayed briefly there, while Botticelli worked there at the end of the century. It later passed to Giovanni de' Medici, known as the leader of the Black Bands. In 1644, Ferdinand II sold the complex to the merchant Giuliano Serragli, who bequeathed it to the Philippine Fathers.
After years of abandonment, the castle was purchased by Maria Teresa de La Rochefoucauld in 1886, and in 1936, Dr. Enrico Scaretti restored it to its original 15th-century splendor. Today, Trebbio Castle represents an important historical and architectural heritage of the Mugello.
Nestled in the green Mugello countryside of Barberino, stands the large Ghiereto gate, connecting Villa Le Maschere to Lake Bilancino. This imposing structure evokes nostalgic memories of the 70s and 80s, when it was a popular gathering place for local groups.
The gates once marked the entrance to a villa, now converted into a resort, while their current location was decided by the Fine Arts Office. Thanks to a restoration project, they were reassembled along with their columns and flanked by an amphitheater in a secluded field, away from prying eyes.
Reaching the gates is a true adventure, descending rocky paths and entering the moorland. This makes the visit a unique experience, immersed in the history and natural beauty of Mugello, paying homage to a past that lives on within the walls of this evocative gate.
Medici Fortress of San Martino
The Fortress of San Martino stands on a hill overlooking San Piero a Sieve, easily reached from Florence via the Via Bolognese or the A1 motorway. Built at the behest of Cosimo I de' Medici, the fortress was designed by Baldassarre Lanci and completed in 1608 by Bernardo Buontalenti.
Considered one of the largest fortifications in Italy, the structure has an irregular plan with nine bastions and two gates: the Florentine Gate to the south and the Bolognese Gate to the north. Inside are mills, barracks, weapons depots, and a chapel. The fortress reflects an innovative military concept, adapting to the surrounding landscape.
After several restorations, the fortress was abandoned in 1784, converted into farmhouses, and left to decay. In subsequent years, a military garrison briefly occupied it during the French invasions. Today, despite its state of abandonment, the fortress represents an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, accessible only from the outside.
Galliano Cypresses
The Galliano Cypresses, located in the municipality of Barberino di Mugello, are an iconic symbol of the Tuscan landscape. These majestic trees, soaring into the sky with their slender forms, are visible from afar and blend perfectly into the surrounding rural setting. Their presence is the result of expert cultivation, dating back centuries, when cypresses were used not only as a decorative element, but also to mark boundaries and demarcate land.
Beyond their scenic beauty, the Galliano cypresses bear witness to the region's agricultural history, having been planted at a time when the Tuscan landscape was characterized by a profound symbiosis between man and nature. Today, the cypresses are also a place of meditation and contemplation for visitors and locals, who enjoy their shade and the silence that surrounds them. Their majesty is often immortalized in photographs and artwork, representing a perfect example of the simple, natural beauty of the Mugello.
Convent of the Bosco ai Frati
The Convent of Bosco ai Frati, likely founded in the 6th century by the Ubaldini, passed to hermits and, in 1212, to the Franciscans. Important religious figures resided there, including Fra Bonaventura da Bagnoregio. After a period of abandonment due to the plague in 1349, the convent was reborn in 1420 thanks to Cosimo de' Medici, who financed extensive renovations.
The church features a single nave with cross vaults and a polygonal choir, enriched by 16th- and 17th-century works of art, such as the Altar of the Immaculate Conception. The Museum of Sacred Art houses important relics, including a Crucifix attributed to Donatello. The vegetable garden and Michelozzo's refectory complete the complex, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection, steeped in history and spirituality.
Scarborough
In 1299, the council of Florence founded several towns to control the territory. After the defeat of the Ubaldini in 1306, the council established "Castel San Barnaba," now called Scarperia. By 1400, the town was already hosting traders between Florence and Bologna, and in 1415, the Castello dei Vicari was expanded to house the Vicar, the representative of the Florentine administration.
In 1752, a new cart road to the north marginalized Scarperia, which adapted by specializing in knifemaking. The production of cutting tools has ancient roots, with documents from 1479 attesting to the activity of cutlers.
Today, Scarperia is a tourist destination with cultural attractions such as the Palazzo dei Vicari and the Bosco ai Frati Convent, as well as offering sports and outdoor activities. Twinned with Laguiole since 1993, Scarperia is known for its cutlery tradition.
Bilancino lake
Lake Bilancino, Tuscany's main reservoir, was created over sixty years ago to ensure the water supply of Florence and surrounding municipalities. Its construction began in 1985, after years of discussion and opposition, culminating in the dam's inauguration on February 21, 1996. The project is the result of extensive work by engineers and administrators, designed to prevent flooding, produce renewable energy, and provide a recreational space.
Today, covering 5 square kilometers and with a capacity of 69 million cubic meters, Bilancino is an important hub for tourism and nature activities, such as fishing and water sports, as well as a WWF oasis. The lake has also had a positive impact on the local climate, contributing to a more moderate temperature in the region.
Mugello circuit
Built in 1972 on an area of approximately 170 hectares by the Automobile Club of Florence, the Mugello Circuit was created to host motorsport competitions, which were interrupted in 1970 following a tragic accident. Inaugurated in 1974, the track, designed by engineer Gianfranco Agnoletto, underwent a major renovation after its purchase by Ferrari in 1988, with the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure while maintaining the original layout.
Over the years, the circuit has hosted the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix since 1976, becoming a benchmark for motorsports. In 2020, it also hosted the Formula 1 Tuscan Grand Prix. With world-class events and numerous tests by Scuderia Ferrari, Mugello continues to be a symbol of Italian motorsport.
