Molezzano: Church Art, Riding Lessons and Wine

Molezzano has a distinct cultural focus in the Church of San Bartolomeo: its architectural history, altarpiece and unusual ceramic baptismal fonts offer specific points of interest for art enthusiasts. Riding lessons and wine production provide other points of focus. When considering the right stay, you can weigh up church art, equestrian interests and regional wine production.

San Bartolomeo: Architectural History and Art

The Church of San Bartolomeo was built in 1568 to replace an earlier building. That building was damaged in 1536 and completely abandoned after a flood. The dates refer to different events: 1536 marks the damage to the previous building, while 1568 marks the construction of its replacement. This makes it possible to distinguish the setback in the church’s earlier history from the later construction.

The dark-glazed ceramic baptismal fonts were made from one of the planters Galileo Chini designed in the early 1920s for the Berzieri thermal baths in Salsomaggiore. This origin links a design for a thermal bath with the sacred furnishings of San Bartolomeo, giving the fonts an unusual history as objects.

The large altarpiece is considered the main attraction of the small church. It depicts the Immaculate Virgin Mary with Saints Bartholomew, Andrew and Francis, as well as a bishop who may be Bonaventure. The three saints are identified; the bishop’s identity remains a possible, not certain, interpretation. This distinction helps identify the figures precisely.

Equestrian Interests and Lessons

Centro Ippico La Commenda is located at Via Padule 107 in the hamlet of Il Colle Molezzano. Check whether the riding centre is operating before your trip.

A riding school offers lessons in Western riding, English riding and show jumping. These three disciplines give riders specific options to consider when planning. If one of them is important to your trip, check what is available in advance.

Wine Production at a Historic Farm

Wine production also has a specific location: Az. agr. Il Rio processes and bottles its wines in a cellar located in one of the historic farmhouses of the Fattoria di Molezzano. Both processing and bottling take place in the same cellar. For travellers interested in local production, it is a distinct point of interest alongside the church’s art and architectural history.

A Circular Route Starting in Vicchio

In the broader regional context, the route “Il Mugello che non si arrende” follows a double loop starting in Vicchio. One loop heads south to the historic Monte Giovi Park, while the other heads north to the Gothic Line. The two loops therefore differ in direction and destination. Check the route conditions before planning your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Caselle, Santa Maria A Vezzano, Arliano, Villore, Casole, Gattaia

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