Mugello

Medici villas, villages and nature

Mugello is not just its international racetrack or the Barberino Designer Outlet. The hilly area north of Florence holds many surprises. Discover them by walking through its villages, admiring the Medici villas and cycling through the countryside.

Etruscan, Roman and Longobard traces can be found here, but it was the Medici who brought glory to Mugello. This area was known as the Granaio dei Medici and here the family built villas and castles that can still be visited, such as Villa di Cafaggiolo and Villa del Trebbio.

In Barberino, visit the castle of Villanova, the villa Torre il Palagio and villa Le Maschere. Not far away is Lake Bilancino, with a network of walking and cycling trails and the Gabbianello WWF oasis. Nature lovers will also fall in love with the chestnut forests of Marradi, famous for their chestnuts.

Visit the villages of Vicchio, birthplace of Giotto and Beato Angelico, and Scarperia with its beautiful historic centre. The Palazzo Pretorio with frescoes and a bell tower by Brunelleschi are worth seeing. In Borgo San Lorenzo, admire the 14th-century walls, the parish church of San Lorenzo and Villa Pecori Giraldi, housing the Manifattura Chini.