Guide to Vicchio

"Immerse yourself in the history and culture of a typically Tuscan town - and surround yourself with countryside of such rare beauty it literally takes your breath away."

In terms of size, Vicchio is not a big resort town, but its popularity lies in its cultural wealth. it was in the castle of Vespignano that the famous artist Giotto was born in 1267 and today the great man is remembered by a statue in the main square, raised by the poet Giosue Carducci. Beato Angelico, another painter of huge importance, was born within the stone walls of Vicchio and a fascinating museum traces his life and works. The town's artistic tradition can be seen to this day in the church of San Giovanni with its fabulously atmospheric interior. Originally an Etruscan town – there are impressive excavations from that period at Poggio Colla – Vicchio's history really begins with a truce between the city of Florence and local feudal families. In 1324 work on the walled fortifications began and the city grew in size and prospered thanks largely to the richness of the surrounding countryside. It's a richness you will want to explore. Vicchio enjoys a beautiful setting high in the Mugello hills, overlooking rich valleys, surrounded by a vast cloak of luxuriant woodlands. Walk through the lush meadows and the groves of the native olive trees which provide the region with the soft, fruity oil that has become a staple of the local cuisine, and you will come to a truly magnificent, 400 year old Cypress tree, reputed to be the largest in the world. Pause here, breathe the air of Tuscany, and savour the inspirational views over the Sieve Valley. Bliss.

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