Bagno a Ripoli

Bagno a Ripoli lies between Florence and Chianti and combines a historic cultural landscape with the hills of the municipality. The area includes cypresses, farmhouses, vineyards, olive groves, wayside shrines and wineries. This creates a destination where sacred art, garden architecture, Medici history, cycling and landscapes can be discovered in a variety of ways.

Hills, Trails and Panoramic Views

The Borghi e colline route around Bagno a Ripoli is 43 km long and divided into four stages. It connects secondary roads, paths and minor roads, which are made accessible through appropriate signage. The route leads through the hills of the municipality, past olive trees and cypresses, and offers panoramic views of Chianti and the Florence valley.

Churches, Garden Architecture and Medici History

The Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote was built from 1354 onwards at the Rimezzano farmstead at the foot of Poggio di Baroncelli. Jacopo and Giovanni, the sons of Alberto degli Alberti, are named as its builders. Another noteworthy site is the Fonte della Fata Morgana, also known as the Casina delle Fate. It was commissioned by Bernardo Vecchietti in the second half of the 16th century and is considered a unique example of garden architecture between a nymphaeum and a grotto. The Medici retreat in Lilliano was used in the late 17th century by Cardinal Francesco Maria de’ Medici (1660–1711) as a private country house. It lies between the districts of Antella and Grassina in Bagno a Ripoli, in the valley of the Ema River. The retreat includes a terraced garden enclosed by a stone wall. Alongside the sacred and scenic attractions, this provides a specific site associated with Medici history. The Pieve di Santa Maria dell’Antella dates back to the 11th century and preserves the simple elegance of the Romanesque style on its exterior. The Pieve di San Donnino a Villamagna has its roots in the 8th century; the present building is the result of a later Romanesque reconstruction. Both churches point to different historical layers of the area. The present building of San Donnino a Villamagna is therefore not the original structure from the 8th century.

Cycling and Local Traditions

The Gino Bartali Cycling Museum is located in Ponte a Ema. Its collection documents the history of cycling, Gino Bartali’s achievements and the accomplishments of other champions through velocipedes, bicycles, jerseys, memorabilia, historical newspapers, publications and films. Admission is free; reservations can be made by email or telephone. A very different form of local history is represented by the Palio delle Contrade – Giostra della Stella. It takes place every year on the second Sunday in September in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli and was established in 1980. The event includes a historical procession with musicians and flag throwers, followed by a tournament in which riders use swords to aim at a star suspended from a golden lion. The further local pages also provide information about Grassina, Capannuccia and Le Case San Romolo.

For the overarching travel overview: Florence.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Pontassieve, Bassa, Paterno, Signa, Montelupo Fiorentino.