Segalari: Landscape, Mills and Historic Paths

Segalari in the Terzolle Valley

Segalari is part of the Terzolle Valley, a landscape shaped predominantly by nature. Forests, meadows and olive groves are among the characteristic features of the valley. This combination is important in understanding the area: Segalari is part of a larger landscape while also being a historic settlement in its own right.

The Terzolle area, including Segalari, is among the designated protected landscape assets. In addition, the area encompassing Cercina, Segalari, Belvedere and Poggiolo is designated as an area of historic agricultural monuments. This brings together landscape protection and agricultural heritage in the regional context.

Historic Houses and Mills

Segalari is described as a cluster of old houses, almost like a small village. This description draws attention to the group of houses as a whole and gives the place an architectural identity. It makes Segalari particularly interesting for travellers who want to discover not only the landscape but also the historic character of a settlement.

The former complex included a house, a tower, a dovecote, two workers’ houses, a perimeter wall and the estates of Tommaso Corbinelli. Later, the Ricci family converted the former manor house into a villa. The earlier complex therefore comprised more than just the manor house: it included various buildings as well as a perimeter wall.

Another historical trace can be found in the area known as “Molino del Bosi or di Segalari.” There is a concentration of mills there. The mill area adds another dimension of regional history to the group of houses and offers a distinct point of interest for anyone interested in the architectural and agricultural past.

Paths and Valley Connections

A historic municipal hiking guide describes the “Percorso collegato breve – Itinerario rosso” as a route to Segalari. If you would like to include this route in your plans, a current route description is a useful guide.

A separate route in the nearby area leads from Cercina to Montorsoli. It crosses the valleys and waterways of the Terzolle and Terzollina and reaches the so-called Ponte Romano. The bridge, about eight metres long, allows you to cross the Terzolle. The route descriptions therefore refer to two distinct options: a path to Segalari and another route with valley crossings and a bridge.

Earlier road connections are also part of the area’s history. Historically, the roads of Segalari were used for connections on the right-hand side of the Terzolle Valley. The former Via di Segalari followed an old road between the settlement of Il Prato and Pieve. This historic role as a thoroughfare adds another perspective to the architectural traces of the area: Segalari can be understood not only through its houses and the valley landscape, but also through earlier connections between settlements.

For the wider travel overview: Sesto Fiorentino.