Fun for adults and children around Florence, between history and nature
The Mugello area is suitable for families and children of all ages, thanks to the surrounding greenery and museums dedicated to children. It is easily reached from Florence by car thanks to two exits on the A1 highway: Barberino di Mugello, near the lake of the same name, and Firenzuola-Mugello, near the town of Firenzuola. We recommend that you bring your bikes with you as well!
The starting point is the Chini Museum located inside Villa Pecori Giraldi. The museum documents the production history of the Chini manufactory, which produced ceramic, stoneware and glass objects in the kilns of Borgo San Lorenzo in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The rooms of the villa were frescoed with geometric, floral and medieval-inspired motifs.
After a couple of hours of visiting the museum, it is time to ride along the bike path to Ponte a Vicchio. This easy bike path is about 9 km of flat road that follows the Sieve River.
Depending on the age of the children, you may decide to make a stop in Sagginale (about 4 km in a 30-minute ride) or in Ponte a Vicchio at La Casa del Prosciutto (about 9 km in about a 70-minute ride); in either case is recommend making restaurant reservations in advance, as the locals like to go out for lunch.
After a good refreshment it is time to get back in the car and drive to Casa d'Erci in Grezzano, just outside the town of Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km by car). This old farmhouse is now a museum that holds a vast collection of objects and documents that belonged to local farmers and landowners.
Casa d'Erci is an authentic farmhouse with a fireplace and the original bread oven, which is still used to make bread and schiacciata during local festivals. The museum organizes workshops for children to learn how to make bread and pizza, but reservations must be made in advance. In addition, the museum is surrounded by a large garden where children can play. If you have time, you can also visit the old Faini Mill, located about 200 meters before Casa d'Erci. It was founded in the 15th century and has been owned by the Faini family since 1780, who stopped using the mill in 1988.
The starting point is the Chini Museum located inside Villa Pecori Giraldi. The museum documents the production history of the Chini manufactory, which produced ceramic, stoneware and glass objects in the kilns of Borgo San Lorenzo in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The rooms of the villa were frescoed with geometric, floral and medieval-inspired motifs.
After a couple of hours of visiting the museum, it is time to ride along the bike path to Ponte a Vicchio. This easy bike path is about 9 km of flat road that follows the Sieve River.
Depending on the age of the children, you may decide to make a stop in Sagginale (about 4 km in a 30-minute ride) or in Ponte a Vicchio at La Casa del Prosciutto (about 9 km in about a 70-minute ride); in either case is recommend making restaurant reservations in advance, as the locals like to go out for lunch.
After a good refreshment it is time to get back in the car and drive to Casa d'Erci in Grezzano, just outside the town of Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km by car). This old farmhouse is now a museum that holds a vast collection of objects and documents that belonged to local farmers and landowners.
Casa d'Erci is an authentic farmhouse with a fireplace and the original bread oven, which is still used to make bread and schiacciata during local festivals. The museum organizes workshops for children to learn how to make bread and pizza, but reservations must be made in advance. In addition, the museum is surrounded by a large garden where children can play. If you have time, you can also visit the old Faini Mill, located about 200 meters before Casa d'Erci. It was founded in the 15th century and has been owned by the Faini family since 1780, who stopped using the mill in 1988.
Day two begins in Scarperia, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy; founded in 1306 by the Florentine Republic, it retains its medieval appearance, including even part of the massive walls. Scarperia's landmark is Palazzo dei Vicari, which now houses the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti.
The museum displays an extensive collection of knives and cutting tools, tracing the history of Scarperia's long relationship with the knife-making profession that began in the Renaissance. The multimedia and interactive display helps visitors and children understand the life of the artisans.
Included in the ticket is a climb up the clock tower: here you can see Scarperia from the top of the Palazzo dei Vicari and request a guided tour of an authentic cutlery workshop. The original clock mechanism made by Filippo Brunelleschi is interesting.
After lunch, you have two options: those who like speed and go-karts and have older children can take a ride at the Mugellino Circuit; or you can drive to Sant'Agata. This small town is one of the main stops along the Via degli Dei and is a typical Tuscan country town. The first stop is the Archeological Documentation Center, located next to the 1,000-year-old parish church, where you can find out more about Mugello in prehistory: the exhibit shows interesting educational panels, but most importantly it offers a full-scale reconstruction of a prehistoric village.
A visit to the Leprino Museum, a real hidden gem, is recommended. This exhibit was created decades ago by Faliero Lepri, nicknamed Leprino, and depicts the village of Sant'Agata from 1920 to 1950. Leprino reconstructed in papier-mâché, and one-to-one scale, life in his village of Sant'Agata with moving characters. The Leprino Museum will be the perfect way to end a weekend in Mugello with your children.
Day two begins in Scarperia, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy; founded in 1306 by the Florentine Republic, it retains its medieval appearance, including even part of the massive walls. Scarperia's landmark is Palazzo dei Vicari, which now houses the Museo dei Ferri Taglienti.
The museum displays an extensive collection of knives and cutting tools, tracing the history of Scarperia's long relationship with the knife-making profession that began in the Renaissance. The multimedia and interactive display helps visitors and children understand the life of the artisans.
Included in the ticket is a climb up the clock tower: here you can see Scarperia from the top of the Palazzo dei Vicari and request a guided tour of an authentic cutlery workshop. The original clock mechanism made by Filippo Brunelleschi is interesting.
After lunch, you have two options: those who like speed and go-karts and have older children can take a ride at the Mugellino Circuit; or you can drive to Sant'Agata. This small town is one of the main stops along the Via degli Dei and is a typical Tuscan country town. The first stop is the Archeological Documentation Center, located next to the 1,000-year-old parish church, where you can find out more about Mugello in prehistory: the exhibit shows interesting educational panels, but most importantly it offers a full-scale reconstruction of a prehistoric village.
A visit to the Leprino Museum, a real hidden gem, is recommended. This exhibit was created decades ago by Faliero Lepri, nicknamed Leprino, and depicts the village of Sant'Agata from 1920 to 1950. Leprino reconstructed in papier-mâché, and one-to-one scale, life in his village of Sant'Agata with moving characters. The Leprino Museum will be the perfect way to end a weekend in Mugello with your children.