Mugello, Tuscany
Mugello - where is it?
The territory known as Mugello is an area in northern Tuscany, a few kilometers north of Florence. The area of Mugello is a wide, green valley crossed in parts by the Sieve river, one of the major rivers that flow into the Arno river, Tuscany's principal river.
The Mugello is marked off in the north by the Tuscan-Emilia Romagna Apennines, in the south by the Monte Giovi peak and by Monte Senario and Monte Calvano in the west.
The Mugello is striking because of its natural beauty and the diversity found in its landscape, which goes from rolling plains to hills and to mountains.
Holidays in Mugello
Mugello: Holiday in Tuscany near Florence - If you are interested in discovering this lesser known area of Tuscany and exploring its castles, history and traditions, make sure to check out the website of official tourism board for Mugello and its many suggested itineraries. The site includes a comprehensive listing of accommodation in Mugello, with online availability and booking, including farmhouses, hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments.
The towns within the Mugello
There are nine main communes in the Mugello. These are:
- Barberino di Mugello
- Borgo San Lorenzo
- Firenzuola
- Marradi
- Palazzuolo Sul Senio
- San Piero a Sieve
- Scarperia
- Vaglia
- Vicchio
Getting to Mugello
It is possible to reach Mugello through various roads and with various views. The quickest way into the area is with the Motorway A1 (Barberino di Mugello exit) while the most panoramic road into the area is through both the Faentina (SS 302) and Bolognese (SS 65) regional roads from Florence.
Accommodation in Mugello
I Nidi di Belforte - Farmhouse Apartments near Florence: A farmhouse offering holiday apartments in Corella, with a panoramic view over the Sieve river.
Agriturismo La Topaia - Farmhouse in Mugello: Located near Borgo San Lorenzo, the farmhouse in Mugello offers both rooms and apartments for your holiday in Tuscany near Florence.
What to see in Mugello
Mugello offers many interesting things to see and do which will please those who love nature as well sports fans, and those interested in the artistic and cultural sides of the area.
Among the principal attractions the Mugello has to offer are:
- Mugello Race Circuit - located in Scarperia, it is one of the most famous international motorcycle race circuits.
- Bilancino Lake - located in Barberino di Mugello, the lake offers areas for swimming as well as for water sports such as canoeing, windsurfing and sailing.
- Sport Fishing Lakes - several lakes for fishing are located across the territory.
- Medicean Villas and Castles - there are many villas and castles that belonged to the Medici family and to the Renaissance era as the family traced its roots back to the Mugello. For example, there is the Park and Villa Demidoff in Vaglia, the Palazzo dei Vicari (Vicar Palace) in Scarperia, and the Villa di Cafaggiolo in Barberino di Mugello.
The Mugello offers the possibility to practice many types of sports and activities out in the open air such as: hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and many water sports on the Bilancino Lake.
Mugello is also characterized by its many small villages and towns waiting to be discovered. Many of them still organize fairs and events dedicated to the local food traditions and crafts that are produced in the territory.
Typical Products found in Mugello
The most typical food products of the territory of Mugello include the Marrone del Mugello IGP (grown in the area of Marradi, the marrone is a type of chestnut that is big and soft and very edible - considered by many of the world's best chestnuts!), the bread of the Mugello and the Raviggiolo, a soft, fresh cheese.
There has also always been a great passion for crafts in the Mugello. Even today, the territory is home to many small workshops that continue to manually produce their fares.
Among the most characteristic artisan work found in the area of Mugello is the workmanship of "cutting irons" or rather of knives, found in Scarperia and of quarrying "pietro serena" in the nothern towns. Ceramics, wood carvings and wrought-iron creations are also made in the area.
The results of the work of these artisans can be appreciated and purchased in the frequent events and demonstrations dedicated to artisan workmanship that are organized throughout the territory of the Mugello.