Faltona: Pieve, History and Historic Routes

Faltona brings together sacred history, historic transport routes, and archaeological traces in an unusually tangible local history. At its center is the Pieve di Santa Felicita a Faltona, documented since 1016 under the place name Larciano. Those who visit Faltona can therefore explore not just a single building, but several layers of history in one place.

The Pieve di Santa Felicita and Its Works of Art

In 1305, a community of canons existed at the Pieve di Santa Felicita. Among them was Neri, the brother of Sant'Andrea Corsini. On the left side of the façade is the Oratorio della Compagnia della SS. Annunziata, which was built or remodeled in 1730. This date preserves the historical uncertainty: it is not definitively recorded whether the building was newly constructed or substantially altered at that time. The chapels, too, tell different chapters. The right-hand chapel of the SS. Annunziata once contained a stained-glass window depicting Santa Felicita and her seven children; it is no longer there today. By contrast, the Rosary Chapel of the Pieve di Santa Felicita a Larciano in Faltona contains ceramics. The Pieve di Santa Felicita is also joined by a tall bell tower dating from the 12th century. Another work of art is preserved by the Museo d'Arte Sacra Beato Angelico in the area around Faltona: a stained-glass window from the mid-15th century that was originally installed in the window of the apse area of the Pieve di Faltona. This provides you with a meaningful cultural comparison between the sacred site itself and an exhibit whose original context remains understandable.

Historic Routes through the Faltona Valley

Faltona's history extends beyond ecclesiastical history. As early as the Roman Republic, the Torrente Faltona valley was crossed by a road linking Faventia, modern-day Faenza, with Florentia and Faesulae. On its descent toward Mugello, the Via Faentina passes through Faltona and touches the Romanesque Pieve di Santa Felicita. The historic route and the sacred building therefore have a specifically documented connection here. A specific route is also documented for a more active exploration: the cycling route description “Vetta Le Croci (Olmo)” leads from Serravalle onward to Faltona and then to Polcanto.

Archaeological Traces and Faltona's Landscape

A find of Neolithic material at La Ruzza in the Faltona valley was reported as early as 1929. In addition, an area in the locality of Faltona within the municipality of Borgo San Lorenzo is classified as an area of archaeological interest in Italy under Article 142, letter m, of Legislative Decree 42/2004. Alongside the Pieve, chapels, and historic roads, these references give the place a much older chronological dimension. Faltona is therefore particularly suitable for visitors who do not wish to define their stay around just one destination. The church building, works of art, Roman transport history, cycling route, and archaeological evidence each offer different focal points and can be combined into a culturally oriented visit to the area.

Discover More Places

If you would also like to view other destinations in the same selection, you will find GricignanoGricignano, Luco MugelloLuco Mugello, RontaRonta, SagginaleSagginale, and GrezzanoGrezzano here.

For the overview of the wider trip: Borgo San Lorenzo.