San Giovanni Valdarno – History, Art and Cycling Route

San Giovanni Valdarno between History and Art

San Giovanni Valdarno is a destination for you if you want to discover culture not only through individual sights, but also through the structure of a town. The town was founded by the Florentines in 1299; the original town plan is generally attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. To this day, the medieval appearance, with a central piazza and arcades along the streets, shapes the character of San Giovanni Valdarno. For a trip involving different interests, the town combines history with museums, churches, contemporary art and a signposted cycling route.

Terre Nuove and Palazzo d’Arnolfo

A central point of interest is the Museo delle Terre Nuove in the Palazzo d’Arnolfo. It tells the story of the founding of new settlements, which shaped a large part of medieval Europe. The exhibition rooms also explain the urban-planning and architectural reasons behind the creation of the Terre Nuove. This makes it possible to understand the town’s history not only through individual dates, but also through its planned urban form. The Palazzo d’Arnolfo itself features a striking detail: its façade bears 250 coats of arms of the vicars, dating from the early 15th century to 1772. The Museo delle Terre Nuove offers initiatives and special guided tours for schools, tourists and families throughout the year. If you are travelling with several generations, this provides a cultural visit that explicitly appeals to different target groups.

Churches, Art and Special Testimonies

Casa Masaccio is located at Corso Italia 83 in the historic centre. The historic building dates from the 14th century and was originally built as a house with a loggia. Today, Casa Masaccio is a centre for contemporary art where exhibitions are held. The San Giovanni Valdarno railway station provides a specific point of reference for getting there: it is a three-minute walk from Casa Masaccio. Casa Masaccio can also be reached via the Valdarno exit of the A1 motorway. The Church of San Lorenzo dates back to an even earlier period. It already existed before the founding of Castel San Giovanni; an old document from 1201 confirms its existence. The church contains a polyptych dated 1347 depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, attributed to Gamba Giovanni Del Biondo. Another unusual testimony is a mummified body displayed in a niche beside the column where it was found. The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie dates back to 1484. Its construction followed the so-called miracle of Monna Tancia, which is attributed to the Madonna. The basilica contains a polychrome terracotta depicting the Assumption of the Virgin by Giovanni della Robbia, dating from 1513. Religious art and local tradition thus complement the urban history of the Terre Nuove.

Cycling and a Special January Date

For a more active day, the permanent La Via della Lignite cycling route is a good option. The circular route is 23.83 kilometres long and covers San Giovanni Valdarno and Cavriglia. Its clearly defined length and fixed course make it an independent way to explore the surrounding area by bicycle without combining the town’s cultural destinations with a lengthy sightseeing visit. If you travel to San Giovanni Valdarno in January, celebrations in honour of Saint Anthony Abbot take place in the historic centre. Animals are blessed during these celebrations. This date provides a seasonal accent alongside the museum initiatives offered throughout the year and reveals another religiously shaped side of the town.

More destinations for orientation

To compare other destinations, you can also visit Capolona, Pergine Valdarno, Arezzo, Terranuova Bracciolini, Manzi, Badia Tedalda, Centoia I and Sodo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.