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Barberino
di Mugello |
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Districts |
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Bilancino
Cavallina
Cornocchio
Galliano
Latera
Mangona |
Maschere
Montecarelli
Montecuccoli
Ponte sull'Aglio
Santa Lucia Ostale |
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At a glance |
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Situated at
268m above sea level, in the valley of the River Stura, a tributary of the River Sieve,
the village of Barberino covers 133.82km2 and currently has a population of 9,121.
Distance in kilometers: from Rome = 308; from Milano = 273; from Bologna = 79; from
Florence = 34
Closest airports: Florence / Bologna |
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Useful contact numbers |
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Emergency Doctor
: Tel. 0558495959
Public Assistance : Tel. 055841088-0558428289
Public Auto Recovery : Tel. 0558416767
A.C.I. Private Auto Recovery : Tel. 0558417696
Carabinieri (Military / Civil Police): Tel. 055841004
Police: Tel. 055841010
Theatre : Tel. 055841237
Public Library : Tel. 0558416604
Laghi Bella Valle Cavallina : Tel. 0558420139
Local Council : Tel. 05584771 |
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Local Events |
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| The local market is
held every Saturday morning. |
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| Places of Interest |
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| Castello di
Barberino : This castle was constructed in the 11th century for the Cattani di
Cambiate family. It would appear that the name of the village is derived from that
familys coat-of-arms, as it depicts a human head with three beards (or
barbe). Through an act of deception, in 1351, the castle came to be controlled
by the archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Visconti , but was destroyed the following
year by those loyal to the Republic of Florence, and then raided by the Pisans in 1364. It
was rebuilt in the 17th century by the descendents of the Cattani family, and is
today a private residence that can be visited only with difficulty. In any case, none of
the original elements of the castle remain. Palazzo Pretorio (previously known
as Palazzo del Podestà): This building was originally constructed in the 13th century,
and has been restored on several occasions since the 18th century. It retains its imposing
structure, and, indeed, along with the 16th century doorway, a number of different mayoral
coats-of-arms are still visible on the beautiful façade.
Logge Medicee : Located opposite the Palazzo Pretorio, these residences
were constructed between the 14th and 15th centuries for the de Medici
family. They were designed by Michelozzo and were intended as an annex to the local
market that was held on the other side of the square.
Badia di S. Maria a Vigesimo : Built on the request of St. Giovanni Gualberto
in the 11th century, this abbey was subject to numerous additions and restorations,
particularly between the 17th and 18th centuries. Adjoining the abbey are a convent and a
presbytery, both cdating from the 12th century.
Pieve di San Silvestro : This parish church was erected in 1641, and then
restored and enlarged between 1812 and 1822. There is a wonderful portico on the opposite
side to the Neoclassical entranceway. Inside, there is a number of valuable frescoes, and
a 15th-century crucifix that was eventually attached to an 17th-century fresco depicting Two
Holy Women.
Chiesa di S. Maria a Cafaggiolo :
This church was built on the request of the Borghese family. The interior features
a striking crucifix dating from the 18th century and a beautiful representation of the Virgin
with Child from the 17th century.
Villa di Cafaggiolo : Constructed as a castle in the
12th-century, it was subsequently purchased and transformed by Michelozzo at the
behest of Cosimo de Medici. During the Renaissance, it was visited by such
illustrious artists as Poliziano, Lorenzo il Magnifico and Pico della
Mirandola. In 1864, ownership passed to the Borghese family, who altered the
structure to make it more suitable for use as a country house. Inside the villa, which is
currently owned by a company that uses it for hosting important receptions, there are
several frescoes and a marble vase dating from the 16th century. Visits can be made to the
parkland and to certain rooms in the villa itself by advance booking on 055/8458793.
Villa delle Maschere : Built at the end of
the 16th century, at the behest of the Bettini family, this villa was purchased in
1611 by the Gerini family, who remain to this day the owners. It was at one time
the most renowned villa in the area, and played host to pontifs and royalty. The name
derives from the twenty-two theatrical masks that adorn the rear façade of the building. |
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