Circular Renaissance footpath in the Florentine hills

This footpath passes through woods and farmland and passes monasteries, castles and ancient churches, as well as entering the heart of Florence, Fiesole and other nearby Tuscan towns.

The route:
Start from Piazza Buondelmonti, site of the Basilica of Impruneta, and cross through the centre of the old town along Via Paoleri and Via Roma until Villa Carrega. From here there is a wonderful panoramic view towards Poggio Firenze, the Chianti hills, the Apennine mountain chain and Pratomagno mountain. From here go on to the village of Desco and Viale (Avenue) Aldo Moro. Bear right along the road that heads towards Florence and which goes through Pozzolatico. After approximately 1km, bear left and go up (look out for the strange house on the corner) on Via di San Miniato in Quintole. The street is asphalted at first and rises steeply to become a dirt track which leads to the ancient and beautiful church of the same name. Next to the church is an old cemetery.

The track continues through an olive grove and is partly asphalted. It heads to the village of I Baruffi. At the fork in the road where there are some modern villas, bear right and go down Via le Rose towards the village – after which there is the stunning Antinori Villa. Turn right after the villa and pass by the villa’s formal cypress-lined driveway and take the ‘white road’ (dirt rack covered with white/grey stones) which has a wonderful view over Certosa. Carry on through the olive grove and you will reach the last rural residence. Turn left just a few metres before and go down to the car park at Bottai, on the Cassia main road. (Attention: on the track between the last residence and the car park there is a sign which reads ‘cancello chiuso - strada privata’ [locked gate – private road].

Don’t be fooled, this road is actually open to the public!). Just before the car park there is a closed gate: one hundred metres before you must take a left and hop over a low wall to get to the car park. To get to Certosa, turn right on the Cassia road towards Florence. After around one hundred metres turn left into Via di Colleramole and then right into Via Buca della Certosa. Once you arrive in the centre of Certosa go up the road on the left which is the old stone Via Scalinata that leads to the ancient entrance of the religious building.Be sure not to miss the Certosa (Carthusian monastery) del Galluzzo di Firenze. It is structured like a feudal castle and its exterior makes it look more like a fortress rather than a place of worship. The Certosa di Galluzzo di Firenze is run by Cistercensi monks, not by Carthusian monks, who give free guided tours.