Barberino del Mugello was a Medieval town founded at the foot of the ancient Cattani Castle. The Palazzo Pretorio, the ancient Pieve di San Silvestro as well as the 15th century loggia attributed to Michelozzo and the beautiful homes that line the square make up the historical centre of the town.
Michelozzo was commissioned numerous works by the Medici family whose origins lie in the territory. Villa di Cafaggiolo, the most prestigious structure in Barberino, was chosen as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. It belonged to Cosimo the Elder who asked Michelozzo to change the palace into a villa. This is exactly what Lawrence the Magnificent did. It is said that he composed his poem “La Nencia da Barberino” exactly in this spot.
A visit to this part of Mugello cannot but mean a relaxing visit to Lake Bilancino where it is possible to canoe, sail and windsurf, or just swim or fish for carp, chub, perch and pike. You can walk along the trails that coast the lake, cycle, jog or run. An equipped site, Andolaccio, for caravans welcomes visitors.
A walk along Via degli Dei to uncover the secrets of the Flaminia and the “Vie Romee”: this route leaves Monte di Fò (Sergente camp site) along an easy trail that climbs through the woods and reaches a Roman pavement.
By MTB departing from Cavallina, the route climbs along a paved road to the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Petroio: the view of Lake Bilancino is marvellous. Continuing along a dirt road, S.O.F.T. trail 8, the route leads to Trebbio Castle, another magnificent Medici villa that was declared world heritage site by UNESCO.
In Palazzo Pretorio, an exhibition dedicated to Giuliano Vangi, world famous artist born in 1931 in Barberino di Mugello.
In 2016 Barberino offers a digital system a project for the promotion of sustainable tourism.
A shopping experience at the Barberino Designer Outlet is another exciting possibility: 100 shops just for you with merchandise at 70% discount: Prada, Polo, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana, Guess and Desigual, as well as designer sportswear like Puma and Adidas, and so much more (www.mcarthurglen.com).
