Art sites in Mugello
Tuscany is the soul of Italy, not only for its central position, but also for its incredible landscape where art and nature live together in perfect harmony: olive trees, cypresses, woods and hills, interesting traditional towns and rich cities mixed together making Tuscany be unique.
In the heart of Tuscany is Florence, cradle of the Renaissance period, with its numerous masterpieces in art and architecture, among the most beautiful ever.
Mugello is an important cultural area not only because artists as great as Giotto and Beato Angelico where born here, but it also is the original land of the Medici family, protagonist of the Tuscan history since the XV century, with Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo il Magnifico. A family which left fundamental contributions to the artistic richness of this area, cradle of the Florentine Renaissance.
Among the many places you can visit in the area, we recommend:
Villa di Cafaggiolo (1454) and the nearby Castello del Trebbio (1427-36) designed by Michelozzo for Cosimo il Vecchio and used by his grandson Lorenzo il Magnifico when he "escaped" from the city. The villa of Cafaggiolo was a Medicean residence, used by the powerful Tuscan family to give parties, balls and receive illustrious guests. It was a originally a small fortress, complete with two towers, a drawbridge, boundary walls and moats. Unfortunately, much of these structures don't remain today, likely destroyed during renovations done in 1864.
Convento del Bosco ai Frati, once known as Cernobio dei Basiliani (wanted by Cosimo il Vecchio by hand of Michelozzo in the XIV century).
The San Martino Medicean Fort (built between 1569 and 1600 by Bernardo Buontalenti, under the Medici family) in San Piero a Sieve
The Vicar's Palace (XIV century) in Scarperia.
Also in Scaperia, the Pieve di San'Agata is one of the most important Romanic sacred buildings in the area.
In Pratolino, on the way to Florence, you can visit the Villa Demidoff, or Parco Mediceo di Pratolino, (built by Buontalenti in 1568 for the Granduca Francesco I de' Medici, where you can visit its beautiful park which encloudes the famous Giambologna fountain: L' Appennino.
Particularly interesting are also the numerous towns that have developed from the Middle Ages to today, where the local people are still attached to their traditions.
On the outskirts of Barberino, you'll also find:
The Church of S. Andrea at Camoggiano, located on the way to Montecuccoli, is notable for the elegant gallery facade of the 1470. Inside there is a font glazed in white and gold terra-cotta with the stories of St. John the Baptist. The church is open on Sundays for Mass from 10:30 to 12:00.
The Church of SS. Jacopo and Maria in Cavallina today shows its 18th century renovations, hiding its more ancient roots. Inside, one will find a table by Perugino from the 16th century and a Madonna vy Taddeo Gaddi. In the adjacent oratory, a fresco of the Assumption is attributed to Pontormo's workshop.
The Pieve of S. Bartolomeno in Galliano is a church with very ancient origins. It was renovated in 1800, inside it has a fresco by Tito Chini.
Entertainment at Villa La Dogana
Dogana is the right place for walks and trekking in its park (paths officially marked by CAI) along which it is easy to find blackberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, chestnuts and mushrooms.
The peaceful garden of the Villa invites you to relax under the horse chestnut trees, to play on the grass or to have a swim in the large private swimming pool.
Other activities
Mountain-bike lovers can enjoy themselves following paths leading to the border of Tuscany and beyond.
Horse back riding in these places can be an unforgettable experience.
For water sports lovers, there is sailing, windsurfing and canoeing in the nearby Bilancino Lake, the largest man-made lake in Tuscany. During the summer, the lake is a popular destination and some areas are open for swimming.
At a few kilometres distance from Dogana there is a flying school for micro-light, long-diders and so on (Delta club Firenze in Galliano and Aeroclub volovelistico del Mugello in Borgo San Lorenzo).
There is the Moto Grand Prix Mugello racing circuit at only a few kilometres of distance
Nearby there is the 18-hole Poggio dei Medici Golf and Country Club, one of the most beautiful in Italy.
At 10 Km from Dogana there is the Barberino Designer Outlet.
