Discover San Piero a Sieve

San Piero a Sieve combines significant evidence of the Medici era with older sacred architecture, countryside trails, and regional festivals. If you would like to combine culture and landscapes on your journey through Tuscany, you will find several clearly distinct points of interest here – from the Pieve di San Pietro to the surrounding forests and unpaved paths.

Pieve, Fortress, and Medici Residence

The Pieve di San Pietro is one of the oldest, and possibly the oldest, parish churches in Mugello. The present building dates from the mid-12th century and was probably built over an earlier structure. The Pieve itself is already mentioned in a document from 1018. Inside there is a glazed terracotta baptismal font attributed to Giovanni della Robbia. Another historical focal point is the Fortezza S. Martino. Its construction was commissioned by the Medici and began on June 30, 1569. Bernardo Buontalenti probably completed the final design in the last decade of the 16th century. The complex has an irregular defensive ring with seven bastions and extends for about a mile. A public guided tour of the Fortezza is scheduled annually by the owners. This makes the visit significantly different from a freely accessible tour: the documented option is tied to this guided tour. San Piero a Sieve is also home to Villa Medicea del Trebbio, a Medici residence recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was built by Michelozzo at the request of Cosimo de' Medici on the remains of a feudal tower. The villa is privately owned but can be visited by appointment. If you plan to visit this destination, you should therefore take the agreed form of visit into account.

Trails, Hills, and Countryside

The area around San Piero a Sieve offers a different way to experience the region. Old mule tracks, unpaved roads, and forest paths are suitable for trekking, cycling, and horseback riding. A described route from San Piero a Sieve to Montesenario follows an uphill unpaved road through rows of cypress trees to the hill on which Castello del Trebbio stands. There is also a church on a hill overlooking Castello del Trebbio. The Via degli Dei also begins in the historic center of San Piero a Sieve. From there, the stage follows the signs to the Fortezza Medicea. The railway station is also relevant for finding your way around: it is within the town and easily accessible from the town center.

Markets, Oratory, and Regional Specialties

The Oratorio della Compagnia recalls the town's history: since 1275, the town's old hospital had been located there. Today, the oratory is managed by Pro Loco San Piero a Sieve APS and is suitable for art exhibitions, photography exhibitions, and social and cultural meetings. Local traditions are also reflected in the events. Mercanzie in Piazza is a free mixed market for handicrafts, antiques, and household clearances. Except in August, it takes place every second Sunday of the month along Via Provinciale in San Piero a Sieve. At the Festa del Marrone e dei Prodotti Tipici, three entire autumn Sundays are dedicated to chestnuts, their recipes, and typical local products. Visitors can sample chestnut-based desserts, ciambelline, and ficattole, as well as buy typical goods directly from the local farms in attendance. Other places for your research include Montecarelli, Petrognano, Marliano, Pontassieve, Leccio, Castelfiorentino, Campi Bisenzio and Gavena.

For the overarching travel overview: Florence.