Trekking 6: From Croce a Varliano to Vicchio di Rimaggio

Type of route: unpaved, practical on foot, mountain bike or horse. 

Duration: 1:50/2:00 hours Distance: 5,10 km 

Change in altitude: 170 m

This journey will begin in the Croce a Varliano square (Coord. GPS N 43° 44′ 47” E 11° 20′ 16″). We begin by taking Via Roma until arriving at Arco del Camicia, built to connect the two neighboring buildings of the Villa Batacchi. After the arch, along Via di Terzano, you will find the Torre del Camicia (1280) on the left. In front of the tower you will find a shrine that houses a high relief plaster statue of a Madonna with Child (1832-1833). Further ahead you will find the Church of Santo Stefano a Paterno. 

Near the church, the wall that lines the street presents graffiti typical to the Florentine countryside. Leaving Via Terzano, head towards Vignalla on the nearby Vicchio e Paterno road. In this part of the Rimaggio valley, cultivated mainly with olive trees, you will find a sort of natural amphitheater that offers views of the Florence area and the cypress trees of the Villa Vernalese. 

Once having crossed the ditch we encounter the Torre di Terigi, a classic example of a medieval tower-house, which formerly belonged to the Peruzzi family. 

Soon after, at the junction between Via Mulino di Vernalese, the road will head towards Podere Vizzano. At the end of a brief climb we will be able to admire a large shrine decorated with murals depicting the Annunciation. The panoramic views stretch over Florence and Bagno a Ripoli. Once having passed the manor houses, some antique and some recently constructed, we will reach Vicchio di Rimaggio where the antique Church of San Lorenzo (rebuilt in the 14th century) rests, framed by two interesting portico arches. 

Leaving Via Vicchio e Paterno and heading left on Via della Croce, we will arrive at Villa Bellavista and soon after the Rimaggino shrine (dating to the beginning of the 15th century). The shrine is supported by two Corinthian columns and houses a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child. 

After passing the shrine we will go back down and cross through Rio Rimaggio in Rimaggino once again. The road will then begin to climb towards Croce a Varliano, where this journey will end.

This post is also available in: Italian