Petrognano: Semifonte, the Chapel and Trails

Petrognano brings together traces of a medieval settlement and buildings and artworks from later centuries. Its historical connection to the former fortress of Semifonte is at the heart of the story; other highlights include the Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo, the Cristo di Petrognano and Villa-Fattoria Capponi. Two trails offer different ways to explore the surrounding area. Petrognano can thus be viewed as a place with several layers of history: traces of a destroyed city, a chapel built later and a medieval work of art. The trails add different themes to this cultural picture, from waterways to woodland paths.

Semifonte and the Borgo

Petrognano is the borgo outside the former city of Semifonte. Alberto IV degli Alberti founded the fortress in the third quarter of the 12th century; it was destroyed by the Florentines in 1202. The remains of Semifonte’s walls and old buildings can still be seen in Petrognano. Together with the stone houses, they shape the borgo’s medieval atmosphere. These visible traces give Semifonte’s history a tangible connection to the area’s present-day appearance.

The Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore as a Model

The Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo adds a later architectural feature. Canon Giovanni Battista Capponi had it built between 1592 and 1597. Its specific model was the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore: the chapel was built as a scale replica of that dome. It is therefore a reference to the dome, not a replica of the entire church. This relationship of scale makes the building an interesting subject for travellers who pay attention to architectural forms and their models. The chapel’s ground floor is used as an exhibition space; exhibitions are held in collaboration with the local Pro Loco and Gruppo Archeologico Achu.

Artwork and Settlement Landscape

Another way to explore the area’s history is through the Cristo di Petrognano, a painted wooden sculpture from the first half of the 13th century. It comes from the church of San Pietro a Petrognano. This brings two distinct historical points into view: the Cristo from the first half of the 13th century and the Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo, built between 1592 and 1597. Villa-Fattoria Capponi is the focal point of the Petrognano settlement and adds insight into the structure of the borgo to these architectural and artistic features.

Two Trails with Different Characteristics

The trails also offer different experiences. Le briglie sul torrente Agliena is a historical and nature trail along the Agliena Grande and Agliena Piccolo streams. Further along, the borgo of Petrognano and the hill of Semifonte come into view, before the trail descends towards the Agliena Valley. The Anello Barberino–Semifonte circular trail reaches the borgo of Petrognano via woodland paths that climb uphill.

The two trails therefore differ in the features described: Le briglie follows the streams and later heads towards the valley, while Anello Barberino–Semifonte reaches Petrognano via uphill woodland paths. When choosing, consider whether you would rather focus on the streams and views of Semifonte or the climb up to the borgo.

Discover more destinations: Rignano Sull'arno, Sant'Ansano, Antella, Chiocchio, Fucecchio, Polvereto, Gigliola, Lazzeretto.

For the main travel guide: Florence.