Mount Morello
Trekking, cycling and scenic views of the Florentine plain
At 934 meters above sea level at Poggio all'Aia, Mount Morello is the only relief resembling a mountain in the wide basin of the Florentine territory, between the municipalities of Sesto, Calenzano and Vaglia.
Known to the Romans as Mons Maurillus, we find it with this same name in a document dating back to 790, to the Lombard age, the origin of which, however, we do not know: it could be the name of an ancient landowner in the area, or an indication that in the past it was rich in ancient fir trees.
Today its slopes are rich in oaks, chestnut trees, black pines, cypresses and white firs, which are home to a varied wild fauna with numerous wild boar, deer and wolves. Because of its environmental and scenic importance, it is in fact an area of regional interest.
Its shape is rather peculiar because it has three peaks of different altitudes (Poggio all'Aia 934 m, Poggio Casaccia 921 m and Poggio Cornacchiaia 896 m), from which you can enjoy splendid views of the plains around Florence and Prato, but also of the nearby Mugello and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The best scenic view is probably the one from the summit of Poggio Casaccia, which looks out toward Florence and on clear days allows for glimpses of the great Dome of the Cathedral.
It is a popular destination for trekkers and cyclists thanks to the many marked trails suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Moreover, it is a popular destination in the summer for those looking for some cool air and relaxation not far from the city.
For the youngest, there are two paths indicated with the colors red and blue where the CAI of Sesto Fiorentino has installed 20 panels that tell with simplicity the animals and plants present in the area, a bit of history and some curiosities. The red trail, the easiest one, is dedicated to the animals present on Mount Morello, while by taking the blue route children can discover the secrets of the "Sesto Fiorentino mountain".
The territory of Mount Morello is also rich in numerous places of interest, linked to its millennial history, such as the Parish Church of Sant'Andrea in Cercina, a small Romanesque church that houses valuable works of art and a revered wooden statue depicting a Madonna with Child. Some plaques, on the other hand, remind us of more recent history, when during World War II it was the scene of clashes between partisans and Nazi-Fascists.
