Paterno

Paterno combines a protected landscape with historic buildings, churches and paths through the Tuscan countryside. This creates a destination where cultural discoveries and walks can be meaningfully combined. Particularly characteristic is the interplay of olive groves, villas, ancient buildings and the paths leading to other prominent places.

Protected landscape with its own character

The protected landscape area around Paterno includes hills, a small plain, numerous villas, ancient buildings and churches amid olive groves. These elements form a distinctive ensemble of special landscape and traditional significance. On both sides of Via Vicchio e Paterno, a 100-metre-wide strip of the protected area extends as far as the Chiesa di Vicchio di Rimaggio. The Via is therefore not merely a place name, but belongs to a clearly defined section of the landscape where natural and cultural spaces meet.

Churches and historic points of reference

The Chiesa di Santo Stefano a Paterno houses a painted cross from the 13th century. It was created by an unknown artist from Cimabue’s circle and adds a distinctive art-historical accent. Another point of reference is the Convento dell’Incontro, also known as Solitudine dell’Incontro. It was built at the instigation of San Leonardo da Porto Maurizio, a Franciscan preacher, and completed in 1717. The two places represent different facets of Paterno’s history: medieval painting in one case, and a monastery complex from the early 18th century in the other.

Hiking trails between woodland, roads and historic structures

The “Il sentiero della pietra bianca: Villamagna - La Fonte” hiking trail passes through Paterno. Its route leads via Poggio Balestrieri, Poggio Terra Bianca and Torre Terigi. Those looking for a longer route description with various landscape and cultural references will find a different combination in the circular route “Dal Bigallo all’Incontro, la pietra bianca e le antiche strade”: The route runs mainly through woodland and along paved roads, unpaved paths and marked trails.

After the Chiesa di San Lorenzo a Paterno, this circular route continues along Via Vicchio e Paterno. Along the way, it passes Vignalla, which is considered a medieval structure, and leads past the former mill, Ex mulino di Paterno. The millstones are visible. Vignalla and the former mill mark two different historic stages along the circular route.

Important information for your stay

Access to the Agriturismo Fattoria Il Palazzaccio is available by reservation. If this place is part of your plans, you should take the required reservation into account before accessing it.

Other places for your Tuscany research include Sambuca, Barberino Di Mugello, Fiesole, Rignano Sull'arno, Leccio, Vaglia, Bagno A Ripoli and Borgo San Lorenzo.

For the overarching travel overview: Florence.