The green hills and wide valleys of the Mugello were once home to a prestigious Florentine dynasty, the Medici. Venturing into the little towns of the Mugello, you may come across imposing castles and fortresses, tangible evidence of the glorious Medici past.
With its woodlands and open spaces, the Mugello is also home to one of the most famous racetracks in the world, the Mugello Circuit. The circuit has undoubtedly helped make this rural area well known, and has given motorsport fans a wonderful place to stay, perhaps for a few days.
The Mugello track owes its standing to its investment in technology and safety, above all since it was acquired by the Ferrari group: runoff areas, service roads for emergency vehicles and changes in elevation make it one of the best tracks for testing. Motorcycle and Formula 1 champions have raced on its asphalt and, with their victories, have secured the Mugello track a place in fans' memories.
For sports, the Mugello is full of surprises: besides the racetrack, other major venues include Lake Bilancino, which hosts national sailing and rowing events, and the Poggio dei Medici Golf Club.
Just as rich in things to discover is Scarperia, a place of historical and cultural interest that is also part of the Mugello. Known as “the town of cutting irons”, the village of Scarperia was once full of craft workshops making farm tools and knives. The knifemakers' trade, though it went through hard times because of laws banning the sale and use of certain kinds of knives, has survived and helped revive the area.
Also famous is Scarperia's Diotto, a palio of very ancient origins held on September 8: the festival commemorates the handover of power from the outgoing Vicar to the new one in 1545. The event is reenacted by a costumed procession that parades from the Palazzo dei Vicari to the square.
In memory of this historic episode, five contests are held to decide which of the competing teams wins the palio. The reenactment follows the events of the “Renaissance days”, which begin on the first Sunday of September and fill the streets with characters such as ladies, knights, musicians and knifemakers.
With its woodlands and open spaces, the Mugello is also home to one of the most famous racetracks in the world, the Mugello Circuit. The circuit has undoubtedly helped make this rural area well known, and has given motorsport fans a wonderful place to stay, perhaps for a few days.
The Mugello track owes its standing to its investment in technology and safety, above all since it was acquired by the Ferrari group: runoff areas, service roads for emergency vehicles and changes in elevation make it one of the best tracks for testing. Motorcycle and Formula 1 champions have raced on its asphalt and, with their victories, have secured the Mugello track a place in fans' memories.
For sports, the Mugello is full of surprises: besides the racetrack, other major venues include Lake Bilancino, which hosts national sailing and rowing events, and the Poggio dei Medici Golf Club.
Just as rich in things to discover is Scarperia, a place of historical and cultural interest that is also part of the Mugello. Known as “the town of cutting irons”, the village of Scarperia was once full of craft workshops making farm tools and knives. The knifemakers' trade, though it went through hard times because of laws banning the sale and use of certain kinds of knives, has survived and helped revive the area.
Also famous is Scarperia's Diotto, a palio of very ancient origins held on September 8: the festival commemorates the handover of power from the outgoing Vicar to the new one in 1545. The event is reenacted by a costumed procession that parades from the Palazzo dei Vicari to the square.
In memory of this historic episode, five contests are held to decide which of the competing teams wins the palio. The reenactment follows the events of the “Renaissance days”, which begin on the first Sunday of September and fill the streets with characters such as ladies, knights, musicians and knifemakers.
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Mugello tours
What to see in Mugello
What to see in Mugello
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Ancient residence once inhabited by the illustrious Medici family, especially during the summer. In 1537 the villa became the property of the Duke Cosimo I who brought some changes to the structure making, in addition, the building for…
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A small town of high Mugello characterized by its green surroundings and the ancient history of its buildings. Both within the village and in neighboring areas, one can encounter, in fact, interesting monuments such as the Palazzo dei…
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In Scarperia is located one of the palaces symbol of the history and culture of Florence, the Palazzo dei Vicari. This beautiful building is equipped with an impressive tower and numerous coats of arms, conspicuously placed on the facade.…
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Full of religious and historical buildings of interest, the village is one of the most interesting discoveries that can be done during a trip to Mugello. The Church of San Lorenzo, for example, contains a magnificent fragmented painting,…
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The village is home to the Fortress of San Martino, one of the palaces commissioned by the Medici. Visiting the village of San Piero, you can take a leisurely stroll along the impressive walls of this structure, considered one of the most…
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Crossing the entrance of circuit which brings with it the history of great victories is not only exciting for fans of sport competitions, but a little bit for everyone. The magnificent location of the circuit allows viewers to get off to…
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The reservoir is used to practice many activities such as fishing, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The area on the east side includes the WWF oasis of Gabbianello that extends over several acres of land, until it involves woods,…
1Castello di Cafaggiolo
Ancient residence once inhabited by the illustrious Medici family, especially during the summer. In 1537 the villa became the property of the Duke Cosimo I who brought some changes to the structure making, in addition, the building for the hunting reserve. The biggest changes are due to the work undertaken by the purchasers of 1864, the Borghese princes. The castle is now home to exhibitions and initiatives such as fashion shows, cooking school, hospitality and entertainment. It is possible to explore the castle freely or through a guided tour, also multilingual: the route may be accompanied by tastings and events echoing the Renaissance.
Opening hours
From April 15 to October 15, Wednesday and Friday from 14:30 to 18:30, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30. From 16 October to 14 April: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30.
From April 15 to October 15, Wednesday and Friday from 14:30 to 18:30, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30. From 16 October to 14 April: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 18:30.
Tickets and prices
Free entrance.
Free entrance.
Address
Via Nazionale 16, Barberino di Mugello (FI)
Via Nazionale 16, Barberino di Mugello (FI)
2Palazzuolo sul Senio
A small town of high Mugello characterized by its green surroundings and the ancient history of its buildings. Both within the village and in neighboring areas, one can encounter, in fact, interesting monuments such as the Palazzo dei Capitani, venue of the Archaeological Museum of Alto Mugello, the sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve (in Quadalto), the Provostry of the Santo Stefano and the ruins of Castellaccio, situated on the hill overlooking the city.
Opening hours
Upper Mugello Archaeological Museum: from the second Sunday of March to the end of June on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 15.00 to 18.00; July and August, Tuesdays from 20.00 to 23.00, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 16.00 to 19.00; from September to Epiphany on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 15.00 to 18.00, from January 7th to the second Sunday in March, December 25th and January 1st. is closed.
Upper Mugello Archaeological Museum: from the second Sunday of March to the end of June on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 15.00 to 18.00; July and August, Tuesdays from 20.00 to 23.00, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 16.00 to 19.00; from September to Epiphany on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 15.00 to 18.00, from January 7th to the second Sunday in March, December 25th and January 1st. is closed.
Tickets and prices
2.50€ for the two museums of Palazzuolo, reduced 2€ for groups of at least 10 persons by reservation, 1€ for students and over 65. Free for residents and children under 14 years.
2.50€ for the two museums of Palazzuolo, reduced 2€ for groups of at least 10 persons by reservation, 1€ for students and over 65. Free for residents and children under 14 years.
Address
Piazza Ettore Alpi 3, Palazzuolo sul Senio (FI)
Piazza Ettore Alpi 3, Palazzuolo sul Senio (FI)
3Scarperia e Palazzo dei Vicari
In Scarperia is located one of the palaces symbol of the history and culture of Florence, the Palazzo dei Vicari. This beautiful building is equipped with an impressive tower and numerous coats of arms, conspicuously placed on the facade. The interiors are made of frescoed rooms of great charm and works attributed to celebrated artists of the past: the ancient clock tower mechanism, for example, now preserved in one of the rooms, probably was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Among the finds kept inside the rooms there are: “Madonna con Bambino e Santi” (Madonna with Child and Saints) from the school of Ghirlandaio, the frescoes dating back to the sixteenth century of San Francesco and San Lorenzo and the works of art from the Florentine deposits preserved in the headquarters representative of the Mayor. Other rooms of the building are dedicated to the reconstruction of the environment, the tasks and the life of the Vicar and his family.
Important documents, some of which date back to the fifteenth century, are preserved in rooms under the roof, seat of historic pre-unification archive. The building is also home to the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti (Museum of Cutting Knives): the knife is one of the most important handicraft local products, so the museum tells the story of this object starting from common usage until the illustration of the various types of knives. The memories of the cutlers and their families are also on display; workplaces and the environments of social organization are rebuilt. Finally the visitor carries out the real assembly of a knife in order to understand the complexity of a product not at all obvious to be implemented.
Important documents, some of which date back to the fifteenth century, are preserved in rooms under the roof, seat of historic pre-unification archive. The building is also home to the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti (Museum of Cutting Knives): the knife is one of the most important handicraft local products, so the museum tells the story of this object starting from common usage until the illustration of the various types of knives. The memories of the cutlers and their families are also on display; workplaces and the environments of social organization are rebuilt. Finally the visitor carries out the real assembly of a knife in order to understand the complexity of a product not at all obvious to be implemented.
Opening hours
Palazzo dei Vicari and Museum of Cutting Knives: from 1 June to 30 September from Wednesday to Sunday and holidays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to 19.30; from October 1st to May 31st from Wednesday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00, Saturdays and holidays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.30.
Palazzo dei Vicari and Museum of Cutting Knives: from 1 June to 30 September from Wednesday to Sunday and holidays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to 19.30; from October 1st to May 31st from Wednesday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00, Saturdays and holidays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.30.
Address
Via Roma 76, Scarperia (FI)
Via Roma 76, Scarperia (FI)
4Borgo San Lorenzo
Full of religious and historical buildings of interest, the village is one of the most interesting discoveries that can be done during a trip to Mugello. The Church of San Lorenzo, for example, contains a magnificent fragmented painting, with tempera and oil on panel, attributed to Giotto. The Church of San Cresci in Valcava, an imposing building situated on a hill from where the view is incredibly charming, has a high bell tower with four rows of mullioned windows and a Gothic inscription. The Oratory of Madonna dei Tre Fiumi (Our Lady of Three Rivers), so named because it is located at the point where three rivers converge, dates back to 1579. Things to see in Borgo San Lorenzo are also Palazzo Pretorio (Praetorian Palace), seat of the municipality, and Villa Pecori Giraldi which houses the Museum of the Chini Factory and is also the home of artistic events for the promotion of the territory, shows and other initiatives. In Borgo San Lorenzo take place festivals and events both for the feast of the Saint Patron on August 11th that in other times of the year.
Opening hours
Museum of the Chini Factory: from April to October: Thursday to Sunday: 09:00-13:00, 15:00 to 19:00, from November to March: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00-13: 00, 15:00 to 18:00.
Museum of the Chini Factory: from April to October: Thursday to Sunday: 09:00-13:00, 15:00 to 19:00, from November to March: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00-13: 00, 15:00 to 18:00.
Official website
www.villapecori.it
www.villapecori.it
5San Piero a Sieve
The village is home to the Fortress of San Martino, one of the palaces commissioned by the Medici. Visiting the village of San Piero, you can take a leisurely stroll along the impressive walls of this structure, considered one of the most extensive Italian fortifications of all time.
6Autodromo del Mugello
Crossing the entrance of circuit which brings with it the history of great victories is not only exciting for fans of sport competitions, but a little bit for everyone. The magnificent location of the circuit allows viewers to get off to a green hill before embracing with their eyes the whole route. The track can also be reached on those days when not performing tests and sporting competitions and, for those who love cars and speed, you can cross it booking a ride in a Ferrari.
Address
Via Senni 15, Scarperia (FI)
Via Senni 15, Scarperia (FI)
Official website
www.mugellocircuit.it
www.mugellocircuit.it
7Lago di Bilancino
The reservoir is used to practice many activities such as fishing, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The area on the east side includes the WWF oasis of Gabbianello that extends over several acres of land, until it involves woods, pastures and organic crops. During the migratory can be observed birds of natural interest such as storks, cranes, wild geese, flamingos and the rare osprey. The organization of the park allows birdwatchers to take advantage of the tools available for the observation of the animals. Inside the oasis also have been set up a butterfly garden, an educational pond and a field collection fruits of the Medici. Among the proposed activities include: guided tours, hiking and mountain biking, workshops and volunteering.
Opening hours
WWF oasis: open every Sunday during the months with solar time from 10:30 to 17:00 and months with daylight from 10:30 to 19:00, from April to June is also open on Saturdays. Closure: July and August.
WWF oasis: open every Sunday during the months with solar time from 10:30 to 17:00 and months with daylight from 10:30 to 19:00, from April to June is also open on Saturdays. Closure: July and August.
Tickets and prices
Full: 3€, reduced for families: €7, reduced for age between 5 and 14 and older than 65: €2; Free for residents in Barberino, WWF members and children under 5 years. Schools and groups: € 90.00: schools and groups up to 30 people (beyond the the opening hours), €1 per child for schools of the municipality of Barberino (during opening hours).
Full: 3€, reduced for families: €7, reduced for age between 5 and 14 and older than 65: €2; Free for residents in Barberino, WWF members and children under 5 years. Schools and groups: € 90.00: schools and groups up to 30 people (beyond the the opening hours), €1 per child for schools of the municipality of Barberino (during opening hours).
Address
via di Galliano 1, Barberino di Mugello (FI)
via di Galliano 1, Barberino di Mugello (FI)
How to get to Mugello from Arezzo
By train
From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, take the “Faentina” line Firenze–San Piero a Sieve–Borgo San Lorenzo and get off at San Piero a Sieve. Continue with the Autolinee Mugello Val di Sieve buses.
Timetables and tickets
By bus
Buses from Florence offer good connections to Barberino di Mugello, and regular bus lines can take you from Florence to every town in the Mugello. Service is run by three companies: CAP, SITA and FLORENTIA BUS.
In the Mugello, CAP buses go directly from Florence only to a few towns: Vaglia, San Piero a Sieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, Marradi, Palazzuolo sul Senio and Barberino di Mugello. From each of these towns you can still reach other places by other means, provided by other companies or by the towns themselves. For timetables, fares and tickets, go to Largo Fratelli Alinari 9 in Florence; tel. 055 214637.
SITA, on the other hand, serves the towns of Vaglia, San Piero a Sieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Firenzuola, Barberino di Mugello and Vicchio. Timetables, fares and tickets are available at the SITA station in Florence, Via S. Caterina da Siena 15r, tel. 055 214721, across from Santa Maria Novella train station.
FLORENTIA BUS serves all the towns of the Mugello and the Val di Sieve. For routes, timetables and fares, call 055 841210, or go to the bus departure points at Piazza Dalmazia, Piazza Stazione or Careggi.
Timetables and tickets
In the Mugello, CAP buses go directly from Florence only to a few towns: Vaglia, San Piero a Sieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, Marradi, Palazzuolo sul Senio and Barberino di Mugello. From each of these towns you can still reach other places by other means, provided by other companies or by the towns themselves. For timetables, fares and tickets, go to Largo Fratelli Alinari 9 in Florence; tel. 055 214637.
SITA, on the other hand, serves the towns of Vaglia, San Piero a Sieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Firenzuola, Barberino di Mugello and Vicchio. Timetables, fares and tickets are available at the SITA station in Florence, Via S. Caterina da Siena 15r, tel. 055 214721, across from Santa Maria Novella train station.
FLORENTIA BUS serves all the towns of the Mugello and the Val di Sieve. For routes, timetables and fares, call 055 841210, or go to the bus departure points at Piazza Dalmazia, Piazza Stazione or Careggi.
By car
From the north: A1 Milan–Naples, exit at Barberino, continue on the SP131 and turn onto the SP8. From the south: A1 toward Florence, exit Barberino di Mugello, continue on the SP131 and turn onto the SP8. From Pisa and Livorno: take the FI-PI-LI, merge onto the A12, follow signs for Pisa Nord–Firenze, take the A11 toward Bologna–Roma and then the A1 toward Bologna as far as the Barberino di Mugello exit. From Florence, the SS302 Faentina is recommended.
Where to eat in Mugello
Antica Osteria di Montecarelli
Small inn in which to relive the atmosphere of another era. The menu includes typical dishes such as: chopping of sliced meats and crostini, polenta and black cabbage, passatelli with meat sauce, meatballs with onions, stew and homemade cakes.
Via Montecarelli 13, Barberino di Mugello (FI) · (+39) 0558423166
La Chiusuraccia
It's the restaurant where you can taste the most delicious pork ribs of Barberino. The menu, variable and for everyone, offers home tastes, garden products and home-made fresh pasta such as tortelli of Mugello with potatoes and noodles with vegetables from the garden. Do not miss the pork ribs cooked over the coals.
Via le Croci 3, Barberino di Mugello (FI) · (+39) 3494785430
Donchisciotte
Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine. Among the proposals in the menu: chopping of the factor with walnuts and honey (tagliere del fattore con noci e miele), great seafood and exaggerated spaghetti. Good quality wine list.
Viale del Lago 20, Barberino di Mugello (FI) · (+39) 0558420895
Girodibacco
Welcoming and warm, all done in wood, with a nice stove at the entrance, you can eat accompanied by pleasant music. On the menu: pici with roe deer meat sauce and juniper berries, the medallions with cognac and truffles, cafaggiolese and chocolate cake with chocolate heart and apple pie.
Via Nazionale 8, Località Cafaggiolo, Barberino di Mugello (FI) · (+39) 0558418173
Ristorante Cosimo de’ Medici
Typical Tuscan tavern, famous for its wide variety of meats proposals. Excellent Florentine steak.
Viale Don Minzoni 57, Barberino di Mugello (FI) · (+39) 055 8420370
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