15 Best Things to Do in Mugello (Italy)

Visit the Mugello Circuit

The Mugello Circuit is a must-visit destination for any motorsport enthusiast. Located just 30 minutes from Florence, the circuit hosts the Italian MotoGP and is known for its fast and challenging layout. The circuit offers various experiences, from taking a tour of the facilities to renting a racecar and driving on the track yourself. You can also enjoy watching other events like the Ferrari Challenge or the Italian GT Championship. The Mugello Circuit is an excellent way to get a unique adrenaline rush and an insight into the world of motorsports.

Tour the Medici Villas

The Medici Villas are a true gem of Mugello, and visiting them is like stepping back in time. These magnificent villas, located in the Tuscan countryside, were built by the powerful Medici family, who ruled Florence in the 15th and 16th centuries. The villas feature impressive frescoes, beautiful gardens, and stunning sculptures. Villa di Castello, Villa La Petraia, and Villa del Poggio Imperiale are some of the most notable ones, and all of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting these villas is a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of Renaissance architecture and learn about the history of one of the most influential families in Italian history.

Explore the Parish Church of San Giovanni in Petroio

The Parish Church of San Giovanni in Petroio is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art history. The church dates back to the 11th century and boasts an impressive collection of artworks. The most famous of them all is the Madonna and Child by Cimabue, a legendary Italian painter from the Middle Ages. The painting is a masterpiece of Italian art, and its intricate details and vivid colors will leave you in awe. Apart from the Madonna and Child, the church is also home to a beautiful wooden crucifix and other notable artworks. Visiting the Parish Church of San Giovanni in Petroio is a unique opportunity to see some of the finest artworks from the Middle Ages up close.

Visit the Palazzo dei Vicari

The Palazzo dei Vicari is a majestic fortress that stands on a hill overlooking the town of Scarperia. Built in the 14th century, the fortress served as the headquarters of the Vicars, who were the representatives of the Florentine Republic in Mugello. The Palazzo dei Vicari is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and its towers and battlements are impressive to behold. Inside the fortress, you can admire a collection of artworks, including frescoes and paintings, and learn about the history of Scarperia and Mugello. Visiting the Palazzo dei Vicari is a unique opportunity to see a perfectly preserved medieval fortress and immerse yourself in the history of Mugello.

Take a Hike in the Tuscan Hills

Mugello is a paradise for nature lovers, and there’s no better way to experience its beauty than by taking a hike in the Tuscan hills. The area offers a wide range of trails for hikers of all levels, from easy walks through vineyards to challenging treks in the mountains. The hills are covered in lush forests, and the views are breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages and picturesque towns, where you can stop for a quick break or have a picnic. Hiking in Mugello is an excellent way to connect with nature and explore the region’s rural heritage.

Learn About Mugello’s Rural Culture

Mugello has a rich rural heritage, and you can learn about it by visiting the Museo della Civiltà Contadina, a museum dedicated to the region’s agricultural history. The museum showcases tools, equipment, and artifacts used by farmers throughout the ages, as well as exhibits on traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving. The displays are informative and engaging, and the museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who worked the land in Mugello for centuries. You can also attend workshops and events organized by the museum to get a more hands-on experience of the rural culture.

Attend the Palio dei Ciuchi

The Palio dei Ciuchi is a unique event that takes place every year in Borgo San Lorenzo, a town in Mugello. The event is a donkey race that brings together locals and visitors alike. The race is a fun-filled spectacle, and the atmosphere is lively and colorful. The race involves jockeys riding on donkeys, and the competition is fierce. The race takes place in the town’s main square, and the streets are decorated with flags and banners. Attending the Palio dei Ciuchi is an excellent way to experience the local culture and have a great time.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Mugello’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rural heritage, and you can savor the region’s delicious cuisine at local trattorias and restaurants. The cuisine is simple yet flavorful, and the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Some of the dishes you should try are the ribollita, a hearty soup made with bread, beans, and vegetables, and the tortelli di patate, a type of pasta filled with mashed potatoes and herbs. You should also try the grilled meats, such as the famous Chianina beef, and the pecorino cheese, which is made from sheep’s milk. Mugello’s cuisine is a delight for foodies, and you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Pieve di San Giovanni in Grevi

The Pieve di San Giovanni in Grevi is a stunning 12th-century church that sits atop a hill overlooking the village of Grevi. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, and its bell tower is a prominent landmark in the area. Inside the church, you can admire a collection of artworks, including a painting by Andrea della Robbia, a prominent Renaissance artist. The painting is a Madonna and Child, and its colors and details are breathtaking. Visiting the Pieve di San Giovanni in Grevi is a unique opportunity to see a beautiful church and appreciate the beauty of Italian art.

Discover the Mugello Castle

The Mugello Castle is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. The castle has been restored and converted into a museum that showcases the history of Mugello and its medieval past. The castle is a beautiful example of medieval architecture, and its towers and walls are impressive to behold. Inside the castle, you can admire a collection of artifacts, including weapons, armor, and everyday objects used by the castle’s inhabitants. You can also climb the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visiting the Mugello Castle is a unique opportunity to see a perfectly preserved medieval fortress and immerse yourself in the history of Mugello.

Take a Dip in the Bilancino Lake

The Bilancino Lake is a man-made lake located in the heart of Mugello. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, and it’s a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The lake has a sandy beach and several swimming areas, and the water is crystal clear. You can also rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the lake’s shoreline. The Bilancino Lake is an excellent way to cool off on a hot summer day and enjoy the beauty of Mugello’s natural landscape.

Attend the Mugello Festival

The Mugello Festival is an annual event that takes place in the town of Scarperia. The festival features a wide range of music, dance, and theater performances, and it’s a great way to experience the local culture. The festival takes place in the town’s main square and the streets are decorated with colorful flags and lights. You can enjoy local delicacies and drinks while watching the performances, and the atmosphere is lively and festive. The Mugello Festival is a great way to get a taste of the local life and have a great time with friends and family.

Visit the Barberino Designer Outlet

If you’re a fan of designer brands, then the Barberino Designer Outlet is a must-visit destination. The outlet features over 100 stores, including Prada, Gucci, and Armani, and you can get discounts of up to 70% off the original price. The outlet is located just a few minutes from the Bilancino Lake, and it’s a great place to shop for fashion and accessories. The outlet also features several restaurants and cafes, where you can take a break and enjoy a meal or a drink. Visiting the Barberino Designer Outlet is a unique opportunity to shop for designer brands at affordable prices.

Take a Tour of the Villa Demidoff

The Villa Demidoff is a beautiful 16th-century villa that’s surrounded by stunning gardens and fountains. The villa is home to a collection of sculptures, including the famous “Appennine Colossus” by Giambologna, one of the greatest sculptors of the Renaissance. The villa’s gardens are a work of art in themselves, and they feature several fountains, pools, and a grotto. The villa is located just a few minutes from Florence, and it’s a great place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Visiting the Villa Demidoff is a unique opportunity to see some of the finest artworks and gardens of the Renaissance.

Explore the Borgo San Lorenzo Market

The Borgo San Lorenzo Market is a bustling market that takes place every Tuesday. The market features a wide range of products, including fresh produce, clothing, and household items, and it’s a great place to get a taste of the local life. The market is located in the town’s main square, and the streets are filled with vendors and shoppers. You can taste local delicacies like cheese, salami, and wine, and bargain for the best price for a souvenir or a gift. Exploring the Borgo San Lorenzo Market is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscan market.