Camaioni Forest
A truly ancient forested area to traverse on foot
One of the most interesting wooded areas in Montelupo Fiorentino is Camaioni, an area covering more than 8 hectares.
The Camaioni Forest encompasses the history of a truly ancient forest, with the most commonly found species being oak thanks to its resistance to dry, shallow soils. Over the centuries, the pine trees were favored for the exploitation of timber to feed the active furnaces in the Montelupo, Samminiatello and Camaioni areas, with this species being the least present today.
In the wettest spots where water persists throughout the year, several species of fern, moss, hepatics and Mediterranean clubmoss (a rare plant belonging to the Lycophytes) can be found.
Opened in 2015 after a major redevelopment, the forest offers a loop trail that is completed in about two and a half hours. Due to the different access points, it is possible to choose even shorter routes.
The difference in altitude is about 720 feet (220 meters), not being passable with baby strollers.
An ideal trek for families with children aged over six years, it boasts several points of interest along its route: the Osservatorio Astronomico, the Church of San Michele a Luciano dating back to 1243, and traces of ancient ruins of the Castello di Luciano.
