Vicchio
Discovering Vicchio del Mugello
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a Tuscan municipality that maybe not everyone knows about: Vicchio del Mugello. Located in the Mugello valley, in the province of Florence, it has a population of about 8000 people and boasts a picturesque geographical position. But let's take it one step at a time!
The physical geography of Vicchio
The Municipality of Vicchio falls within zone 2 of Italy's seismic classification, which means that seismic activity is medium-high. In addition, it is classified as zone E in terms of climate, with 2137 degree days per year. The atmospheric diffusivity is indicated as average.
The history of Vicchio
Let's start by saying that Vicchio is the hometown of two great painters who have made history in figurative art: Giotto and Beato Angelico. The birthplace of Giotto, located on the Vespignano hill, has earned him a statue in the main square of the town. In the sixteenth century, Benvenuto Cellini also stayed in Vicchio, and his house has now become a jewelry school.
Interestingly, Vicchio also stood out for its opposition to the annexation of Tuscany to Sardinia in 1860. However, in 1901, poet Giosuè Carducci was the president of the committee that led to the erection of the statue of Giotto.
Unfortunately, the territory of Vicchio was hit by a major earthquake in the twentieth century, the so-called Mugello earthquake, which caused the destruction of several hundred homes and several deaths.
The period of World War II has left an indelible mark on the history of Vicchio. In March 1944, the Municipality was occupied by partisans who proceeded to capture and execute some fascist leaders. In response, the authorities of the Italian Social Republic carried out a roundup that led to the capture of some young men who were evading the draft. Five of them, all twenty-one years old, were executed on charges of draft evasion.
What to see in Vicchio
In addition to visiting the birthplace of Giotto and the Benvenuto Cellini School, there are many other things to see in Vicchio. It is worth taking a walk through the streets of the historic center, admiring the houses and churches that overlook Piazza Giotto and Piazza della Vittoria. The city walls and the Cerchiai Tower are also worth a visit.
If you are passionate about art, I recommend a visit to the Badia di San Lorenzo, where a very interesting painting by Fra Angelico is kept. From the Badia, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mugello valley.
How to get to Vicchio
If you are thinking of visiting Vicchio, know that the Municipality is easily reachable by car from Florence, only thirty kilometers away. Alternatively, you can take the train from the Santa Maria Novella station and get off at Borgo San Lorenzo, from where you can reach Vicchio with a short bus ride.
Conclusions
Here is a brief guide to Vicchio del Mugello, a Tuscan Municipality rich in history and natural beauty. I hope it has intrigued you enough to encourage you to visit it as soon as possible!
