Holiday apartment in Bagno a Ripoli: culture, hills and cycling

Bagno a Ripoli between Florence and Chianti

Bagno a Ripoli lies between Florence and Chianti. The area includes cypresses, farmhouses, vineyards, olive groves, wayside shrines and wineries. Here, landscapes and traces of cultural history come together. If you choose a holiday apartment in Bagno a Ripoli, you can plan the focus of your trip around these different aspects of the area: green hills, historic buildings or regionally distinctive experiences.

Hills, stages and far-reaching views

The Borghi e colline route around Bagno a Ripoli is approximately 43 kilometres long and is divided into four stages. It connects side roads, paths and minor roads that are made accessible through appropriate signage. The route leads through the hills of the municipality, past olive trees and cypresses, with panoramic views of Chianti and the valley of Florence.

The four stages allow for different forms of trip planning: you can view the route as a cohesive landscape theme or include individual sections in your selection. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Bagno a Ripoli can therefore be chosen according to your own interests in culture, activity and rural surroundings, without limiting the trip to just one type of experience.

Architecture and history on site

At the foot of Poggio di Baroncelli stands the Rimezzano estate, where the Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote was built from 1354 onwards. The patrons were Jacopo and Giovanni, the sons of Alberto degli Alberti. The Fonte della Fata Morgana is also known as Casina delle Fate and was commissioned by Bernardo Vecchietti in the second half of the 16th century. It is a unique example of garden architecture between a nymphaeum and a grotto.

The two Pieve churches also lead into different eras. The Pieve di Santa Maria dell’Antella dates from the 11th century and preserves the simple elegance of the Romanesque style on the outside. The Pieve di San Donnino a Villamagna has its roots in the 8th century; the present building dates back to a later Romanesque reconstruction.

Medici traces and a terraced garden

The Medici retreat in Lilliano was used as a private country house in the late 17th century by Cardinal Francesco Maria de’ Medici (1660–1711). It lies between the districts of Antella and Grassina in Bagno a Ripoli, in the valley of the Ema River. The retreat includes a terraced garden enclosed by a stone wall. This place thus combines historic use, a clearly described location and a distinctive garden complex.

Cycling in Ponte a Ema

The Museo del ciclismo Gino Bartali is located in Ponte a Ema. With velocipedes, bicycles, jerseys, memorabilia, historic newspapers, publications and films, it documents the history of cycling, Gino Bartali’s successes and the achievements of other champions. Admission is free; reservations are possible by email or telephone.

Palio delle Contrade

The Palio delle Contrade – Giostra della Stella takes place annually on the second Sunday in September in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli and was established in 1980. The Palio includes a historical procession with musicians and flag-wavers, followed by a tournament. During it, riders aim their swords at a star suspended from a golden lion.

Discover more places

For further orientation within the municipality, you can also access the pages on Grassina, Le Case San Romolo and Capannuccia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Florence.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Romita, Scandicci, Turignano, Lastra A Signa, Chiocchio.