Bivigliano: Discover villa history, art and forest

Those looking to put culture or nature at the heart of their trip will find a range of themes in Bivigliano: the Villa di Bivigliano, sacred art in San Romolo and Montesenario, and routes and forest therapy. In September, the Sagra della schiacciata and the cultural event BiviglianoNOIR offer additional highlights.

Villa, Art and Monastery

The Villa di Bivigliano was built in the 16th century by the Ginori family as a summer and hunting residence; it is probably based on a design by Bernardo Buontalenti. It is set within 12 hectares of woodland and includes an artificial grotto and a formal garden. The garden and grotto form a deliberately designed contrast with the surrounding forest. The villa therefore offers a chance to explore both architectural history and landscape.

An altarpiece in glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia is located in the apse of San Romolo. It depicts the Virgin and Child with saints. The religious subject differs from the villa’s earlier use as a summer and hunting residence and offers another way to explore Bivigliano’s cultural history.

The Convento di Montesenario in Bivigliano includes the church of dell’Addolorata, the chapel of dell’Apparizione and a 15th-century cloister. Among other things, the monks make Gemma d’abeto liqueur, which can be sampled at the Bar-Ristoro. Check before your trip whether a tasting is available on the day of your visit.

BiviglianoNOIR focuses on books, authors and noir stories and has already been held for the third time. It complements the religious and architectural themes with a literary perspective on the area.

Routes and Landscape

The “Tra chiese e badie” route starts and ends in Bivigliano and is 18.8 kilometres long. It passes through a pine forest and offers views of Florence and the surrounding hills. Its starting and ending point, length and scenery clearly set this route apart.

On the sixth stage of the Via degli Dei, you can reach Bivigliano via Via della Fittaccia in about ten minutes. Local trail conditions may change.

The Bivigliano–Monte Senario–Ghiacciaia di Monte Senario loop is listed as having an ascent of about 240 metres and taking 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. The underlying survey dates from September 2019; trail conditions and the time required may vary. Another loop runs from Bivigliano to the Santuario di Monte Senario and back. It passes mostly through dense forests on comfortable paths and small roads.

Forest Therapy and Local Events

A forest therapy session consists of short, slow walks involving little physical exertion through high-quality forest areas, such as the woods of Montesenario. Sessions are led by psychologists or psychotherapists qualified by the CAI. Frequent pauses allow participants to focus on their sensory experiences. A forest therapy project has been launched in the Boschi di Montesenario area.

The Sagra della schiacciata takes place in Bivigliano in September. It celebrates a local product, available in sweet and savoury versions. This food event differs from the routes and cultural sites: it gives September in the area its own theme, centred on a local product.

Discover more destinations: Pratolino, Montorsoli.

For the overview of the wider area, see: Vaglia.