Cascine del Riccio
Le Cascine del Riccio: A Historic Location
Le Cascine del Riccio, also known as CDR, is a small village of around 600 inhabitants located on the road that connects Florence, Impruneta, and Bagno a Ripoli. This location belongs to the third district of Florence and was part of the Galluzzo municipality until January 1st, 1920.
The name of the village derives from the Ricci family and dates back to the 19th century. The area is crossed by the Ema river, which also serves as an administrative border.
History of Le Cascine del Riccio
The village of Le Cascine del Riccio is very old and is located at the foot of the Monteripaldi Quarries. The first documented news about the area dates back to 1312 when Arrigo VII camped on the Ema and besieged the city of Florence. In that tragic circumstance, the Bardi family hosted some commoners in their residence in Monteripaldi to protect them.
Subsequently, the territory passed to the noble Ricci family, originally from Prato, who owned farms, dairies, and farms in the vast Pozzolatico estate. The Ricci house in Monteripaldi still exists today and is an ancient palace with a loggia and a tower that dominates the Ema valley.
The village of Le Cascine del Riccio arose around a medieval bridge with three arches called Iozzi. The name of the bridge derives from the fact that carts full of jars set off from Impruneta to Florence crossing the Ema on the ancient bridge. During the Second World War, the bridge was blown up with mines and today has been replaced by a reinforced concrete structure.
In 1789 the possession passed to the French count Francesco De Larderel, the creator of the borax industry. During the nineteenth century, most of the inhabitants devoted themselves to the work of laundry workers and farmers. In the area, some of the most famous palaces in Florence were also built, such as Palazzo Pitti, using the stone from the Monteripaldi quarry.
During this period, the story of Bruno Cicognani is set, a Florentine who remembers his childhood in Le Cascine del Riccio. His mother did not have milk, so he was sent to nurse with a family of workers in the village. Bruno nostalgically remembers the beauty of Le Cascine del Riccio and its geographical location.
The Independence Festival
On August 20th, the independence of Le Cascine del Riccio from Florence, which occurred in 1456, is celebrated. During that time, the Florentine Republic gave the village to the noble De' Ricci family.
The Independence Festival is an occasion to celebrate the history and culture of the village. An event organized by the village residents to celebrate their origins, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Le Cascine del Riccio is an ancient and historically rich place that deserves to be visited. The village has maintained its traditional beauty and charm over time, with its historic buildings and enviable location between Florence, Impruneta, and Bagno a Ripoli. The Independence Festival is an opportunity to discover and celebrate the culture of the village and the people who live there.
