Santa Maria A Vezzano: Church, Art and Cycling Routes

Santa Maria A Vezzano brings together church history and religious art with a direct connection to cycling. The historic focal point is the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Vezzano; the Panoramica MTB and gravel trail also reaches the village. The settlement is described as a place of high environmental value within the protected Mugello landscape. This combination can help you assess the destination in light of your cultural and historical interests and a possible cycling tour.

Church and Art History

The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Vezzano was probably first built in the 12th century. The church is a parish church and is listed as an architectural heritage asset. It houses an oil painting created by Francesco Furini in 1623, depicting the Madonna in Glory with Saints Peter, Andrew and Bridget. Another oil painting, dated to the 17th century, depicts the Madonna of the Rosary with Saint Dominic and Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi. This work is attributed to Francesco Curradi or his workshop. The two images of the Madonna differ in subject and art-historical attribution: the year and artist are specified for Furini’s painting, while the second is attributed either to Curradi or his workshop.

The First World War is also directly connected to the area: the church of Santa Maria a Rostolena contains a memorial plaque to those who fell in the war. The name of this church is also a useful point of reference if you want to distinguish the memorial plaque from the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Vezzano.

Landscape in Mugello

The connection to the landscape extends beyond the description of the settlement. The protected landscape of the Mugello valley between Borgo San Lorenzo and Vicchio includes hills and small valleys, cultivated fields and oak woods, including centuries-old trees. Thus, within the wider regional setting, both cultivated and wooded areas form part of the landscape; the small valleys add to the view of the hilly terrain. For your trip planning, this landscape provides a complement to the village’s ecclesiastical architecture and art.

Cycling Routes to Santa Maria A Vezzano

The Panoramica MTB and gravel trail is suitable for a cycling tour that can include a visit to the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Vezzano. The route first follows the Panoramica di Ronta, which runs through beech woods, chestnut groves and olive groves. The Panoramica di Ronta ends after about five kilometres at a V-shaped junction; the trail then reaches Santa Maria A Vezzano. The approximate five-kilometre distance therefore refers to the stretch of the Panoramica di Ronta up to the junction.

From Santa Maria A Vezzano, you can continue along the paved road towards Piazzano. An alternative route leads back to the cycle path via the fields and is recommended for cyclists with some experience. The options differ in direction and route character: the paved road leads towards Piazzano, while the route via the fields returns to the cycle path. The descent from La Tomba also follows the Panoramica to Santa Maria A Vezzano. Check current route conditions before setting out.

A road to the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Vezzano passes through Vagliano, Il Pruno and Querceto. These place names provide specific guidance for the road route to the church.

Discover more destinations: Caselle, Villore, Casole, Arliano, Gattaia, Molezzano.

Go to the main travel overview: Vicchio.