Cantagallo
Situated at the sources of the Bisenzio river, amid the Tusco-Emilian Apennines, the medieval village of Cantagallo is an excellent base from which to explore the nearby mountains, climbing panoramic footpaths.
Situated at the sources of the Bisenzio river, amid the Tusco-Emilian Apennines, the medieval village of Cantagallo is an excellent base from which to explore the nearby mountains, climbing panoramic footpaths.
Migliana (603 mt)
We can reach Migliana, little town all set around the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, if we take a beautiful road through forests of chestnuts. From the open space in front of the church, rebuilt after the First World War, visitors can enjoy an excellent view on the Calvana Mountains.
There are two good reasons to visit Migliana: the first one is its panoramic position from which to explore the nearby mountains and second one is its traditional gastronomic festivals, such as the "sbruciatata" (October Chestnut Festival), which takes place in the autumn when the chestnuts are harvested.
Luicciana (423 mt)
At Mercatale di Vernio turn right to Luicciana, the municipal seat of Cantagallo.
Totally destroyed during the Second World War, the town was rebuilt and recently enriched by a small, open air Contemporary Art Museum, which consists of a number of interesting works of art made by several Italian and foreign artists.
The valley of the Bisenzio
The valley of the Bisenzio is enclosed between the ridge of the Calvana mountains, from which rises in the north-east of Prato the pyramidal outline of Retaia and the woody ridge of the Appennines.It is a territory of ancient culture and traditions, peopled with villages built on roman rural settlements
From the end of the tenth century the important monastic settlements (Vaiano, Montepiano, etc.) covered a propulsive role for the economy of the area in addition to the religious action and the assistance to the pilgrims.
At the end of 1800 there was a remarkable change in the economy with the expansion of the textile industry along the course of the Bisenzio, which brought about deep transformations in the territory. The Alberteschi castles of the territory were numerous although few traces remain by now especially in Fossato, in Luicciana, in Codilupo. The most imposing remains are Cerbaia and Vernio's fortressess.
Cerbaia
High above the State Road 325, in a position overlooking the valley, stand the impressive remains of the Rocca di Cerbaia (Cerbaia Fortress - 12th-13th centuries), ancient fortress belonging to the Alberti family of Prato. To reach the Rocca take a footpath (CAI 48, marked by red and white bands) across the medieval Cerbaia Bridge (1330), which continues up to Montecuccoli (593 m), a tiny hamlet on the border between Cantagallo and Mugello zones.
Rocca Cerbaia (Cerbaia Fortress)
The Rocca of Cerbaia, also named only Rocca Cerbaia, dominates the peak of a rocky spur four hundred meters high overlooking the valley of the river Bisenzio. Its origin seems to go back to the beginnings of the 12th century, when the Count Alberti erected on the site a small fortress at control of the ancient road of 'Lombardy', main connection between Tuscany and the northern regions of Italy. Despite its predominantly military functions, the fortress was also for a long period used by the Alberti family as their usual residence, and this is confirmed from the touch of good manufacture still visible inside the keep. The legend, surely deprived of foundation, says that in 1285 the Alberti refused the request of political asylum of the great Poet Dante Alighieri, exiliated from Florence. The same Poet made famous one of the descending daughters of the family, Cunizza Alberti, protagonist of an animate sentimental life in the 'Divine Comedy' (Heaven IX, 13-36).
In 1361 the fortress was sold to the Florentine that, due to its important strategic position, garrisoned permanently the stronghold and reinforced its defenses. Rocca Cerbaia has the classical aspect of the italian medieval castle-fence: a mighty Keep dominates from the center two circuits of walled enclosures approximately of square form. The construction, performed in sandstone of which the zone is rich, lies our days in serious conditions of degrade. Nevertheless vast portions of the first wall circuit still remains, with the Main Gate inserted on the south side; just crossed the gate we find on the left the rests of the Chapel of the complex. Between the ruins of the second ward we can notice the cistern, with a barrel coverage, and some other buildings. In the core of the fortification rises the Keep with its central tower, once highest than today, with functions of look-out and are still visibles the breaches of the windows and a piscina on the eastern wall. This was the residence of the castle constable. It seems that this part of the complex has been reconstructed toward the half the 13th century, taking as model the Castello dell'Imperatore (Emperor's Castle) of the near city of Prato. Is not possible to affirm with certainty that this corresponds to truth, due to the actual disastrous condition of the Rocca. Some parts of the ruins, in particular those from the side of the precipice, are yet to serious risk of definitive collapse.Recently the castle has been bought by the commune of Cantagallo, with the support of the province of Prato, for 60 million of Lire and the community is planning the works of restoration and valorization of Rocca Cerbaia.
Acquerino Luogomano (635 mt)
Along the ridges of Buicciana mountain is the lovely natural resort of Acquerino Luogomano. Hikers will certainly love exploring the paths among these mountains, rich in magnificent century old beech, fir and chestnut woods, great views and easy climbs.
But this is not all.
Around here there are restaurants and inns where to eat local dishes and small hotels, farmhouses and alpine refuges where to stay, such as the Rifugio Pacini of Pian della Rasa (1001 mt).
Acquerino Biogenetic Reserve, a medieval settlement
Archaeological research on a site of around 1600sqm has brought to light a large building complex which contains the identifiable remains of a single apse church. The data gathered suggest that the site may have been a well-organised monastic complex which existed in medieval times and disappeared shortly after the foundation of the Abbey of Fontana at Taona at the beginning of the 11th century.
Cantagallo: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
-
- Firenze (Florence)
-
33 km from Cantagallo
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
-
46 km from Cantagallo
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
-
53 km from Cantagallo
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
-
56 km from Cantagallo
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
59 km from Cantagallo
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
61 km from Cantagallo
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
63 km from Cantagallo
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
63 km from Cantagallo
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Villa located 3 km from the center of Camaiore in a quiet and sunny position 10 km from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal for those looking for a villa accommodation on the hills of Versilia a few miles from Tuscan sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
63 km from Cantagallo
Villa Prato di Sopra Camaiore 10 beds pool
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking.
Availability request
This villa is really some thing special, perched on the top of a hill the views are endlessly breath taking. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
63 km from Cantagallo
Villa Pieve di Camaiore 8 beds pool
Luxury and charming villa with swimming pool for rent surrounded by the green hills of Camaiore not far from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa is ideal for those looking for an oasis of absolute peace and relaxation guaranteed by the elevated position and the external fence in style. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
-
64 km from Cantagallo
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
-
64 km from Cantagallo
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
64 km from Cantagallo
Villa Camaiore Hills 7 beds pool
Wonderful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery, tranquility and privacy of the Pieve di Camaiore about 10 km from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa has all the comforts necessary to ensure an unforgettable stay in Tuscany and is the ideal solution for small groups up to 7 people who want to stay in the countryside but not far from the sea of Versilia. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
64 km from Cantagallo
Restored Farmhouse Camaiore 9 beds pool
Beautiful fully restored farmhouse located on the hills of Camaiore. The villa is surrounded by a park of 2500 square meters in which is inserted the beautiful pool.
Availability request
Thanks to the dominant position on the valley from the farmhouse you can enjoy a beautiful 360 ° panoramic view. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
-
65 km from Cantagallo
Countryhouse Camaiore 16 beds pool
Ancient and charming country house located in Camaiore on the Tuscan hills and just 10 km from the sea of Versilia.
Availability request
The villa is the ideal solution for those looking for a solution of typical Tuscan charm and in a position of absolute tranquility and relaxation.
More accommodations available!
Search on our charming accommodations in Tuscany