Bagno A Ripoli between Florence and Chianti

Bagno A Ripoli lies between Florence and Chianti. When planning a hotel stay, the area offers several different points of interest: hilly scenery and a cycling route, churches and historic buildings, cycling history, and the annual Palio. Choosing which aspect to focus on can give your travel plans a clear direction.

Hilly Scenery and Cycling Route

The Bagno A Ripoli area is home to cypress trees, farmhouses, vineyards, olive groves, tabernacles and wineries. Together, these create a varied landscape in which rural buildings and vegetation are as prominent as religious structures.

The Borghi e colline route runs through the hills of the municipal area. It is 43 kilometres long and divided into four stages. Its course links secondary roads, paths and minor roads, which are accessible via appropriate signage. The different types of route are as much a part of its character as the scenery: the route passes olive trees and cypresses and offers panoramic views of Chianti and the Florence valley. The route description therefore covers both the course and its distinctive landscape.

Sacred Buildings and Historic Sites

Construction of the Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote began in 1354 at the Rimezzano estate, at the foot of Poggio di Baroncelli. The patrons were Jacopo and Giovanni, sons of Alberto degli Alberti. Another architectural example is the Fonte della Fata Morgana, also known as the Casina delle Fate. Bernardo Vecchietti commissioned it in the second half of the 16th century. It is considered a unique example of garden architecture combining elements of a nymphaeum and a grotto. The two buildings represent different historical periods.

The Pieve di Santa Maria dell’Antella dates back to the 11th century; on the outside, it retains the understated elegance of the Romanesque style. The origins of the Pieve di San Donnino a Villamagna go back to the 8th century, while the present building dates to a later Romanesque reconstruction. Here, the church’s early history and the construction of the present building belong to different periods.

The Medici retreat in Lilliano is also part of the area’s historic landscape. It lies in the Ema River valley between the districts of Antella and Grassina. Cardinal Francesco Maria de’ Medici (1660–1711) used it as a private country residence in the late 17th century. The estate includes a terraced garden enclosed by a stone wall.

Cycling History and the Palio

The Museo del ciclismo Gino Bartali is located in Ponte a Ema. Its collection includes velocipedes, bicycles, jerseys, memorabilia, historic newspapers, publications and films. The museum documents both the history of cycling and Gino Bartali’s achievements, as well as those of other champions. Admission is free; reservations can be made by email or telephone. Check these details before your visit.

The municipality’s events calendar includes the Palio delle Contrade – Giostra della Stella. It takes place every year on the second Sunday in September and was established in 1980. The programme includes a historical parade with musicians and flag-throwers, followed by a tournament in which riders aim their swords at a star suspended from a golden lion. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the date for your travel year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grassina, Le Case San Romolo, Capannuccia, Montefioralle, Vinci, Lastra A Signa, Sambuca, Massarella.

For the main travel overview: Florence.