The Mugello is a valley to the north of Florence delimited by the Appenine, Calvana, and Monte Morello. It’s a richly varied and little discovered area – one that I hope to explore more in the future. For this reason I wrote to the kind folks at the Mugello APT and they sent me a pile of glossy brochures by mail, with which I will plan some day trips from Florence. But Mugello, it appears, has enough to offer for even a week’s holiday that combines sports with nature, culture, and, of course, shopping!
In my area of specialty - Italian Renaissance art history – the Mugello is important because it comprises the town of Vicchio, which is where the great artist Giotto was born. Giotto is considered a proto-Renaissance artist; working around 1300 he came up with ways to represent figures and space more realistically than his precedents, but he was about a hundred years before his time. Vicchio has a lovely Museo di Arte Sacra, and a very old “pieve” (medieval church).
Traces of the Medici interest in this area (to which they retreated often during the summer months for the cooler air) are found at the Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo and Castello del Trebbio, and the Convent of Bosco ai Frati. This latter convent upon the design of Michelozzo houses a crucifix attributed to the great renaissance sculptor Donatello. I visited this convent once by knocking on the door during visiting hours, and was let in by a friar who welcomed us to this peaceful abode. I was the only visitor.
The nature of the Mugello and Romagna Toscana area that it incorporates is really stunning. Just a drive along its curvy roads can be a lot of fun, and is much loved by motorcyclists. There are numerous bike and hiking trails in the area that are properly marked, about which you can find more information from the local APT.
Finally, not to be missed to top off your trip to the mugello is the Barberino outlet mall, where you can buy Italian designer clothing and home goods at a fraction of their list price.
For Further reading: see the Mugello pages on the main turismo.intoscana.it site.
