Mugello.
Land of artists, carefully drawn and lovingly cultivated, the Mugello is a yearned-for destination and rightly so. Surrounded by oak and chestnut trees and defended by the Appennines,
it is pervaded by the typical softness of the Tuscan countryside, its atmosphere and colours.
The landscape with its extraordinary colours has been the source of inspiration for painters and artists; farmhouses that look as beautiful as if they were taken from a postcard - the dream of many people living in the city who search for lost flavours and times - rising up like a continuation of the slope, like a natural presence on a hill. Spontaneous architecture built from innate knowledge, respecting the land, in harmony with its shapes. The Mugello is a land of nuances, an atmosphere muffled in the fog.
It is no lover of strong, harsh colours or contrasts. Beauty is part of these places' genetic code, part of the people. Illustrious Tuscans were born here: Giotto, Beato Angelico and Andrea del Castagno are all from this area. The Medici family had their roots in this soil and indeed these powerful lords left many a sign here. They called upon important architects, such as Michelozzo, to draw up and transform castles into welcoming abodes; examples are the Cafaggiolo fortress and the Trebbio castle with its tower and typical Italian garden.
You can discover ancient roads winding arduously through the Appennines. Grant yourselves the luxury of this imposing and majestic landscape, stop awhile, do not hurry, maybe go and look for Marron buono (chestnuts) or porcini mushrooms with their unmistakable taste.
Go along the old railway line and you will travel towards forgotten surroundings, with cornfields and olive groves accompanying you for a while to then leave space for almost Alpine views of the Alto Mugello with its chestnut and beech woods.
Pleasant countryside with kind people, authentic cooking, good wine, plus a great tradition in handicrafts such as the knives in Scarperia or the pietra serena chisels in the Alto Mugello.
These are but more examples of manual dexterity becoming an art, another way for remembering where we come from, and more reasons for renewing and nourishing the world we live in.