
Barberino Of Mugello, Village Saint Lorenzo, Vicchio And Dicomano
⭐ Barberino of Mugello
Barberino di Mugello is a charming medieval village, located between Florence and Bologna, that combines history, nature and modernity. The town stands at the foot of the ancient Castello dei Cattani, a fortress that no longer exists, but its territory preserves traces of the Renaissance past linked to the Medici.
Today Barberino is an important road junction thanks to its proximity to the A1 motorway, but it also remains an ideal place to relax in nature, visit historic villas and go shopping in its famous outlets.
What to See in Barberino di Mugello
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Historic Center of Barberino di Mugello
The heart of the village offers a quiet and authentic atmosphere, perfect for a stroll through the medieval streets and historic buildings.
Piazza Cavour, the main square, is the centre of city life, with historic cafés and small shops.
Palazzo Pretorio, an ancient administrative building with a façade decorated with noble coats of arms.
The Church of San Silvestro, dating back to the 14th century, houses valuable works of art and a beautiful ancient organ.
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Medici Villa of Cafaggiolo
One of the symbolic places of the power of the Medici, the Villa di Cafaggiolo was built by Cosimo I de' Medici and designed by Michelozzo Michelozzi.
The favourite residence of Lorenzo the Magnificent, it became an important centre of Renaissance culture and art.
It has been a UNESCO heritage site since 2013.
Legend of the Ghost of Dianora of Toledo 👻: it is said that the spirit of Pietro de' Medici's wife, killed by her husband, still wanders in the villa. Her presence is manifested by doors that open by themselves and bells that ring mysteriously.
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Bilancino Lake
Lake Bilancino is an artificial basin created in 1996 to regulate the waters of the Arno River, but today it has become a point of reference for tourism and relaxation.
Equipped beach
Water sports: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing.
Cycling and trekking routes along the banks.
August 15: Spectacular fireworks on the shore for the Midsummer celebration.
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Barberino Outlet
Barberino Designer Outlet is one of the largest in Italy
Over 120 stores with discounts on luxury brands and international fashion.
Architecture inspired by Tuscan villages
Refreshment areas and outdoor spaces for a perfect day of shopping and relaxation.
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Castle of Masks
Located in the Le Maschere area, near Lake Bilancino, this ancient castle was inhabited for centuries by the Ubaldini Counts. The name comes from the 22 masks carved on the west facade, all different from each other.
⭐ Borgo San Lorenzo
Located in the heart of Mugello, Borgo San Lorenzo is one of the most important centers in the area, both for its thousand-year history and for its role as a commercial and cultural reference.
Built along the ancient communication route between Florence and Faenza, the village was for centuries a crossroads of merchants and artisans, as well as the capital of the Florentine countryside.
Today, Borgo San Lorenzo offers a fascinating mix of art, Romanesque architecture, cultural events and natural landscapes, all immersed in the typical welcoming atmosphere of Tuscany.
What to See in Borgo San Lorenzo
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Villa Pecori Giraldi and the Chini Manufacture Museum
One of the city's symbolic places, this splendid eighteenth-century villa houses the Museo della Manifattura Chini, dedicated to the famous Chini family, masters of ceramics and decorated glass.
Collection of artistic ceramics and majolica from the historic Manifattura Chini, active since 1897.
Interactive museum for children, with educational tours and creative activities.
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The Romanesque Parish Churches
Borgo San Lorenzo and its territory are rich in splendid Romanesque parish churches, witnesses to the profound medieval spirituality of the area.
· Pieve di San Lorenzo – The largest Romanesque building in the Florentine countryside, with a Madonna inside attributed to Giotto from 1200.
· Pieve di San Giovanni Maggiore – Situated on a hill with a panoramic view of western Mugello, it features a façade with a medieval loggia.
· Pieve di San Cresci – Built on the tomb of the first Christian martyr from Mugello. Legend has it that his head, decapitated by Roman soldiers, became so heavy that it could not be moved.
· Pieve di Santa Felicita a Faltona – Located on the Faentina road to Florence, immersed in a suggestive group of country houses.
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Porta Fiorentina and Clock Tower
Remains of the medieval fortifications that protected the village in the 14th century, built by Florence to defend itself from enemy attacks.
Last evidence of the city walls, which survived the clashes between Guelphs and Ghibellines.
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Ecotourism Trail along the Sieve River
An ideal route for hiking or cycling, which allows you to admire the beauty of the Sieve River and the surrounding hills.
It connects Borgo San Lorenzo to Vicchio, crossing breathtaking landscapes.
Perfect for families, cyclists and trekking enthusiasts.
Possibility of gastronomic stops, such as at the Casa del Prosciutto, where you can taste local cold cuts and handmade tortelli.
⭐ Vicchio
Vicchio is a charming village in Mugello, known for being the birthplace of Giotto and Beato Angelico. Its origins date back to 1295, when the Montesassi Bridge – today Ponte a Vicchio – was built, allowing the people of San Giusto a Montesassi to cross the Sieve and found a first settlement called Vico. In 1308, the village was fortified, assuming ever greater importance within the Florentine countryside.
Today Vicchio is a perfect place for lovers of art, history and nature, with trekking routes through the woods of Mugello and important artistic and cultural testimonies.
What to See in Vicchio
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Historic Center of Vicchio
The heart of Vicchio is a little gem to explore on foot, with its squares, historic buildings and tributes to its most famous artists.
Piazza della Vittoria – The beating heart of the town, with historic cafes, shops and typical restaurants. Here you will find the Giotto Fountain, a monument dedicated to the great painter, and the Palazzo Pretorio, once the seat of the local government.
Church of San Giovanni Battista – The main religious building in the town, it houses valuable works of art.
The Monument to Don Milani, located in the square, pays homage to the important educational and social figure linked to Vicchio.
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Giotto's Birthplace
Located in the hamlet of Vespignano, this ancient medieval residence is the birthplace of Giotto di Bondone, considered the father of modern painting.
Permanent exhibition dedicated to Giotto and his artistic contribution.
Multimedia installations that tell the life and works of the painter.
Breathtaking view of the Tuscan hills.
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Church of Sant'Andrea in Barbiana and the School of Don Milani
In Barbiana, a hamlet of Vicchio, there is this small 16th-century church, which has a unique historical and social significance: it is the place where Don Lorenzo Milani, one of the most important educators of the twentieth century, lived and taught.
Simple rural church, with a fresco from the Giotto school depicting the
Madonna with Child and Saint Catherine
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The Barbiana School, founded by Don Milani in 1954, has become a symbol of democratic and inclusive education.
Sentiero della Costituzione, a path immersed in greenery with stone tables bearing articles of the Italian Constitution, a tribute to the thought of Don Milani.
Tomb of Don Milani, who rests in the small cemetery next to the church.
⭐ Dicomano
Dicomano is a charming Tuscan village located in a strategic position, between Mugello, Casentino and Valdisieve. Its origins are very ancient, with evidence dating back to the Etruscan and Roman era. The town is an ideal starting point for nature excursions, archaeological discoveries and visits to the suggestive Franciscan sanctuaries immersed in the greenery of the Casentinesi Forest Park.
What to See in Dicomano
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Historic Center of Dicomano
The heart of the town preserves traces of its medieval past, with squares, churches and historic buildings that tell centuries of history.
Piazza della Repubblica, the main square of the village, overlooked by historic buildings and typical cafes.
The Church of Santa Maria, of Romanesque origins, houses important works of art and an evocative bell tower.
Oratory of Sant'Onofrio, a small architectural jewel overlooking a breathtaking panorama.
Medieval bridge over the Sieve River, perfect for a scenic stroll.
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Archaeological Site of Frascole
Etruscan remains dating back to the 4th century BC, including walls and ceramic finds.
Archaeological excavations still underway, offering a glimpse into the past of Etruscan civilization in Tuscany.
Enchanting views of the surrounding valley, with picnic areas and hiking trails nearby.
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Chestnut Village of Andrea
Birthplace of the painter Andrea del Castagno, one of the masters of Renaissance painting.
Museum dedicated to Andrea del Castagno, with a collection of works and reproductions of his famous paintings.
Works by Pietro Annigoni, another famous 20th century artist who left an indelible mark on the village.
Located in the Casentinesi Forests National Park, an ideal place for excursions and relaxation immersed in nature.
📍 Where: Castagno d'Andrea, a hamlet of San Godenzo, a few km from Dicomano
Discover Mugello
Between uncontaminated nature, charming villages and a long historical and culinary tradition, Mugello is a perfect destination for a holiday dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
🎟️ Book now and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of this land!