Barberino del Mugello was a Medieval town founded at the foot of the ancient Cattani Castle. The Palazzo Pretorio, the ancient Pieve di San Silvestro as well as the 15th century loggia attributed to Michelozzo and the beautiful homes that line the square make up the historical centre of the town.
Michelozzo was commissioned numerous works by the Medici family whose origins lie in the territory. Villa di Cafaggiolo, the most prestigious structure in Barberino, was chosen as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. It belonged to Cosimo the Elder who asked Michelozzo to change the palace into a villa. This is exactly what Lawrence the Magnificent did. It is said that he composed his poem “La Nencia da Barberino” exactly in this spot.
A visit to this part of Mugello cannot but mean a relaxing visit to Lake Bilancino where it is possible to canoe, sail and windsurf, or just swim or fish for carp, chub, perch and pike. You can walk along the trails that coast the lake, cycle, jog or run. An equipped site, Andolaccio, for caravans welcomes visitors.
A walk along Via degli Dei to uncover the secrets of the Flaminia and the “Vie Romee”: this route leaves Monte di Fò (Sergente camp site) along an easy trail that climbs through the woods and reaches a Roman pavement.
By MTB departing from Cavallina, the route climbs along a paved road to the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Petroio: the view of Lake Bilancino is marvellous. Continuing along a dirt road, S.O.F.T. trail 8, the route leads to Trebbio Castle, another magnificent Medici villa that was declared world heritage site by UNESCO.
In Palazzo Pretorio, an exhibition dedicated to Giuliano Vangi, world famous artist born in 1931 in Barberino di Mugello.
Barberino offers a digital system a project for the promotion of sustainable tourism.
A shopping experience at the Barberino Outlet is another exciting possibility: 100 shops just for you with merchandise at 70% discount: Prada, Polo, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana, Guess and Desigual, as well as designer sportswear like Puma and Adidas, and so much more.
In the historical centre, walking along Corso street , we reach San Silvestro Parish. Built in 1641, on the façade we can admire an arcade, supported by neo-classical columns. The Oratorio della Compagnia on the right holds an extensive nave in Gothic style, constituted by wood trusses and, all along the perimeter, it is decorated by a wooden chorus and valuable carved panels. Info: 055 841063
Overlooking Lake Bilancino we find San Giovanni in Petroio. The church was built in 1097 on what was once an ancient Roman road. From the year 1482 it belonged to the Medici family who left numerous signs of their presence.
From Barberino, we move back to the San Gavino Parish Church, built in 1037 by the Alberti, Counts of Mangona. It was once among the most important churches in Mugello and ruled over 17 other suffragan churches. The façade and the bell tower hold numerous coats of arms of the Medici family, benefactors of the church from the 15th century.
