Vicchio

Vicchio in the past had a strong tie with Florence; founded as a "terra nuova" in 1308, in 1529 was besieged by the Spanish troops, who invaded Mugello in order to take over Florence. The Vicchio army resisted the attack and was able to remain loyal to Florence until 1530 when the City State fell under the control of Philip, Prince of Orange, who sent the Spanish and papal armies to expunge Vicchio.

Benvenuto Cellini bought a small residence that now stands on the corso del Popolo. It was restored and modernized for the crafting of gold, for exhibitions and conferences.

Piazza Giotto in Vicchio

Many are unaware of the fact that the famous painters Giotto and Beato Angelico were born on the hills of Vicchio. Dedicated to Beato Angelico is the Museo di Arte Sacra e Religiosità Popolare situated in the centre of the town. In the centre of the town we also find Lake Montelleri where you can fish, picnic or just relax. On the hills of Vespignano we find Casa di Giotto, a place designed for encounters on art, culture, and educational events for schools. The paths of Giotto, Cimabue and Beato Angelico run through the territory.

Barbiana was the place where a very special priest and educator lived. He was a source of enlightenment for numerous children. His name was don Lorenzo Milani. He lived in Barbiana for thirteen years, until his death in 1967 at the age of forty-four. The pleasant climb to Barbiana runs along a part of the S.O.F.T. trails (Sorgenti di Firenze Trekking), the Mugello network of trails . Let's discover how you can visit Barbiana church and school

Take a long walk or bike ride from the centre of Vicchio to Borgo San Lorenzo along the eco-tourism trail that departs from Ponte a Vicchio and is perfect for families with children.

 Art and faith

In the main square, Piazza Giotto, we find the 14th century St. Giovanni Battista Parish Church in the shape of a Latin cross headed by a Renaissance style colonnade. It holds interesting paintings: a Maestà and Saints John the Baptist and Sebastiano by Florentine School, dated 1533, -at the moment under investigation-, and Madonna of the Rosary by Alessandro Fei. Tel. +39 055 844167

Closed to Piazza Giotto, in Corso del Popolo, we find the Oratorio San Filippo Neri, which holds a 15th century glazed terracotta, “Madonna and Child”, attributed to Della Robbia’s workshop and a wax statue of the “Dead Christ” by Clemente Susini (1798). Tel. +39 055 8449980

In the near vicinity, along a tree lined lane that leads back to Borgo San Lorenzo, we find the Sacred Art and Popular Religiousness Museum

Once on the Traversa del Mugello, on the way to Borgo San Lorenzo, past the town of Vespignano, we find the home of Giotto, and the 13th century San Martino Church. Tel. +39 055 844167

At the foot of Monte Giovi we find Sant’Andrea Church where Don Milani was the parish priest and founded the school and his famous teaching methods. Don Milani’s tomb lies in the little cemetery in front of the church in Barbiana. Booking requested for opening. For visiting the church: Tel. Vicchio Church, +39 055 844167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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