Montelupo Fiorentino
Montelupo Fiorentino, as the name suggests, is situated just a few kilometres from Florence itself.

Montelupo Fiorentino, as the name suggests, is situated just a few kilometres from Florence itself. In view of its distinctive history, it is a place that embodies many of the typical traits of Tuscany: a love of art, quality craftsmanship, the entrepreneurial spirit of the local families, together with evocative landscapes, a passion for good food and wine and an innate spirit of hospitality.
Monuments
THE ROCCA AND THE ANCIENT CHURCH OF S.LORENZO
In 1203-4 the Florentine Republic decided to construct a fortification on the hill that dominates the confluence of the river Arno and the river Elsa. This rock was the first nucleus from which the town of Montelupo developed.
In 1270 the in the Rocca area the church of San Giovanni Evangelista was built, the patron saint of the town. To this first building a second higher one was added in the 16th century, provided with two side chapels used as a short transept.
The small abse inside the tower still preserves the frescoes by the Florentine painter Corso di Buono (Christ among the Cherubs and the miracle of Saint John the Evangelist) whereas in the entrance are two small gothic temples with frescoes by Piero di Chellino (Stories of San Nicola) painted over a previous wall decoration (matching the one by Corso).
The church subsequently lost its role as parish and today rarely serves as a church.
The walk up the steep narrow road which from the town leads to the Rocca is certainly worthwhile. Its summit overlooks the entire valley to the west of which, at sunset, the jagged profile of the Apuane Alps can be seen.
In the area, archaeological excavations have also taken place which have brought to light materials from the Middle Ages.
THE VILLA DELL'AMBROGIANA
The Medicean Villa dell'Ambrogiana, close to the confluence of the river Pesa and the river Arno, was purchased by the Medici family in the second half of the 16th century and towards the end of the 17th century it became the favourite residence of Grand Duke Cosimo III.
The layout of the Villa is square, with a wide courtyard, four corner towers and four entrance doors. The superb garden originally extended as far as the river and an artificial grotto with waterworks was created nearby.
At the beginning of the 19th century the areas of access to Villa Ambrogiana were rearranged and in 1854 the entire complex was transformed into a remand home.
The Villa subsequently housed a women and children's prison and in 1888 it was converted into a psychiatric prison which it still is today.
THE MUSEUM OF CERAMICS OF MONTELUPO
The new Ceramics Museum comprises an indoor area of 2.100 square metres, an outdoor area of 400 square metres and a spacious entrance hall that houses the cafeteria/bookshop .
The exhibition covers three floors.
The first room on the ground floor contains an evocative reconstruction of the so-called "pozzo dei lavatoi" as well as an ideal itinerary through the history of Montelupo's ceramics featuring large graphic reconstructions.
In the following room the exhibition of the Museum of Ceramics starts with the collections arranged in chronological and typological order.
The other rooms on the ground floor contain maiolica pieces that date back to a period that goes from the end of the 13th to the first half of the 15th century and also feature the reconstruction, on a natural scale, of a set Medieval dining table.
On the upper floor are the exhibits that date back to Renaissance times comprising a broad range of examples of classic decorations of the time.
The exhibits relative to the early Renaissance period come to an end in the last rooms on the first floor with the grottesche decoration represented by the dish called Il rosso di Montelupo, one of the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance majolica.
Surrondings
While Montelupo was the birthplace of, among others, the sculptor Baccio Sinibaldi (pupil and friend of Michelangelo), VINCI, only a few kilometres away, was the birthplace of Leonardo and PONTORME the town where Jacopo Carrucci, also known as "Il Pontormo", was born.
We suggest you start by visiting the castle of CAPRAIA which has been facing the castle of Montelupo for the last 800 years. You can then visit VINCI with its attractive historical centre dominated by the castle.
Next on the list is CERRETO GUIDI and its Medicean Villa, then the town of San Miniato, built on a hill top overlooking the Arno valley and rich in interesting monuments.
The nearby town of EMPOLI preserves part of the historical centre with its precious Collegiata. If you drive towards the Chianti area you can visit MONTESPERTOLI, an ancient town situated on the summit of a hill that dominates the stunning countryside that surrounds it.
As you might be aware of by now, central Tuscany is rich in places of great beauty and of enchanting landscapes which you will have a chance of discovering for yourself.
Montelupo Fiorentino: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Firenze (Florence)
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16 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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26 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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)
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28 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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31 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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 -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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34 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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37 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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42 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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42 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- Siena (Siena)
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51 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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56 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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)
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59 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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60 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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60 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
Farmhouse Massarosa 14 beds pool
Beautiful ancient Tuscan farmhouse completely renovated located on Tuscan hills 10 km from the golf course of Versilia. The villa can accommodate up to 14 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace for those looking for a stay in the Tuscan hills while staying close to the sea. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in close contact with nature. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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60 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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60 km from Montelupo Fiorentino
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.
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