Photo © Stefano Cannas

Artimino

A village among history, nature and the eternal charm of the Renaissance

In the heart of the Montalbano hills, in the municipality of Carmignano, lies Artimino, a quaint village rich in charm and history, a must-see for those wanting to discover the most intimate and historical face of the area.
Perched on a hill, Artimino affords spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and holds an extraordinary historical heritage, preserving its exact medieval layout.
The ancient clock tower marking not only the time but also the entrance to the village, the narrow streets and the remnants of the walls tell a story rooted in the past. Here, every fragment reveals traces of lives lived in times past, making a stroll through the village a truly authentic experience.

What to see in Artimino

Dating back to 1026, the Castello di Artimino was once an important fort in a strategic location along the frontier. Over the centuries, it passed several times between the control of Pistoia and Florence, suffering sieges and changes in ownership. Fortified by Castruccio Castracani, Artimino was finally conquered by the Florentines in 1327 and came into the possession of the Medici during the Renaissance.
The Francesco Nicosia Archaeological Museum houses priceless Etruscan artifacts found in the necropolises of Artimino, Prato Rosello and Comeana. Housed in the village’s former vat cellar, the museum is dedicated to the artifacts of daily life and the funerary world, replete with grave goods and archaic sculptures.

Nearby

Among the must-see attractions is the Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda, constructed in the late 16ᵗʰ century at the request of Grand Duke Ferdinand I de’ Medici. Designed by Bernardo Buontalenti, this imposing residence has several frescoed halls and a particularly large number of fireplaces, one for every room, each with a different shape.
Among the area’s major historical landmarks, you cannot miss the Parish Church of San Leonardo, an ancient country church founded by Matilda of Canossa and located just outside the village.
This site is deeply linked to the Etruscans, with Artimino being home to the Prato Rosello necropolis, characterized by the presence of tumulus tombs, dating from between the late 8ᵗʰ and 6ᵗʰ centuries B.C.
The artifacts found there are displayed in the Archaeological Museum.