Covigliaio
Discover Covigliaio: the gem of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines
Covigliaio is a hamlet in the municipality of Firenzuola, located on the plateau of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, about 60 km from Florence. The area is mainly known as a climatic station and an ideal destination for summer and winter holidays, being appreciated for its mild climate, fresh and clean waters.
The church of San Matteo and Santa Cecilia
One of the main points of interest of the hamlet is the Church of San Matteo and Santa Cecilia, a religious building built in the 19th century and consecrated in 1860. Inside you can admire a rich polychrome altar, made between 1628 and 1641, donated by Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany. The church is one of the main places of worship in the area and is a destination for pilgrimages and tourist visits.
The oasis of Covigliaio
Surrounding the town center is the Oasis of Covigliaio, a small protected area that hosts many wild animals such as mouflons, deer, and squirrels. The oasis is an ideal place for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers who enjoy outdoor activities.
The Albergo della Posta
Before the advent of modern highways, Covigliaio was a mandatory stop for those crossing Italy through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The Albergo della Posta was famous, founded in the 17th century as a post station and managed by the Tonini family. Numerous illustrious characters stayed or spent their vacations here, including King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, Charles Albert of Savoy, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, and Pope Pius IX.
Cinema and television also helped make the hotel famous: Tyrone Power stayed here during the filming of the 1941 movie "Blood and Sand." However, the Albergo della Posta is also known for an episode in Italy's history: in 1794, students Giovanni Battista de Rolandis and Luigi Zamboni, considered the creators of the Italian flag, were arrested here.
Villa le Ortensie
After the property was sold in the late 1980s, the Albergo della Posta was renovated and turned into a residence for the elderly and disabled, now called Villa le Ortensie. During the renovation works, the plaque in honor of De Rolandis and Zamboni was removed and taken to the University of Bologna, where it still remains.
Conclusions
Covigliaio is a charming hamlet rich in history, immersed in the nature of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The Church of San Matteo and Santa Cecilia, the Oasis of Covigliaio, and Villa le Ortensie are just some of the elements that make this tourist destination unique. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Tuscan landscape, Covigliaio is definitely the right choice!
