Consuma
Discovering the Village of Consuma
If you're looking for a peaceful place surrounded by nature and close to the artistic and cultural wonders of Tuscany, Consuma might be the perfect destination for you. Situated halfway between the Metropolitan City of Florence and the province of Arezzo, this village is administratively divided between the municipalities of Pelago and Montemignaio.
Anthropical and Physical Geography
The landscape around Consuma is characterized by the dense presence of beech, fir, oak, chestnut and pine forests, accompanying fruit chestnut groves that were created as a result of determined land reclamation work and grafting of these crops. All these forests are also distinguished by the presence of various species of mushrooms. The territory is crossed by the State Road 70 della Consuma, which takes its name from it, and the inhabited area of Consuma, linked to the province of Florence, was part of the Montagna Fiorentina Mountain Community before merging into the Valdarno and Valdisieve Union of municipalities, of which Pelago and Rufina are part.
Origins of the Name
The name Consuma probably derives from the Consumi family, originally from Ferrara, who were expelled from that city for political reasons.
History
Origins
The Tuscan locality of Consuma was born along an ancient road that connected Casentino with Florence and Valdarno, precisely at an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level.
The Pievano Arlotto in Consuma
A legend tells that on a rainy night, the Pievano Arlotto stopped, completely drenched, in a small inn near Consuma, which was full of people and it was impossible to even approach the seats near the fire, already occupied. The Pievano turned to the innkeeper in the tone of a private conversation, but also to be understood by all, telling the misfortune of having lost from his purse, where he stopped to urinate a few miles from there, the beautiful sum of fourteen lire and nineteen florins. Little by little, in small groups, the diners offered to go out to look for the coins so the Pievano not only could rest comfortably near the fire but also, thanks to the innkeeper's compassion, had his bill waived.
Development as a Holiday Destination
Thanks to its proximity to Florence, Consuma discovered its vocation as a tourist destination in the post-war rebirth years (1950-1960). In those decades, the inhabited area was enriched with villas around the central village.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The small church of Consuma was built in 1932, designed by the architect Father Franci, on an old chapel dating back to 1500. This church has a modern Romanesque architectural style, with three naves and two rows of columns.
Culture and Society
Library
The village has a library at the Cultural Tourism Center managed by Proconsuma APS.
Infrastructure and Transport
State Road 70 della Consuma passes through the village, connecting the upper Valdarno to Casentino, through the Consuma Pass. Bus services that serve the two valleys with Florence and Bibbiena are used to reach the inhabited area of Consuma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the village of Consuma offers not only a breathtaking panoramic view, but also a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling in the surrounding woods. Furthermore, its ideal location between Florence and Arezzo makes it an excellent base from which to explore the beauty of Tuscany.
