Barberino di Mugello

A Roman settlement that really developed in the Middle Ages, Barberino di Mugello is a characteristic stone town. It received a big boost under the Florentine Republic, then flourished when it came under the dominion of the powerful Medici in the 1500s. The entire area is sprinkled with castles, villas and churches, making country drives interesting and lovely. Stroll the town and enjoy the piazzas, cobbled streets, pastel stuccoed buildings, and interesting architecture.

The Loggiato Mediceo was built as a covered marketplace in the 15th century. The civic building is the Palazzo Pretorio. The Castello di Barberino dates from the 1100s and remains of its walls, tower and structure can still be seen. The Medici Villa at Cafaggiolo is open to the public and has a museum and film on the history of the house and the area. Other villas and castles sit all around the hills.

Bilancino Lake is a man-made lake that fills a natural basin in the valley just a few minutes from Barberino. There is a small boat marina, a beach and windsurfing facilities. Near the town is also an outlet mall with designer wear at discount prices.