San Leolino between the castle, parish church and olive groves

San Leolino lies on a gentle hill, framed by ancient cypress trees and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Castle, Parish Church and Historical Traces

With its surrounding wall, Castello di San Leolino stands on a sandstone outcrop. The wall retains its original elliptical shape and makes the castle’s distinctive architectural form immediately comprehensible. A document from the end of the 13th century mentions Castello di San Leolino; it may already have been built in the 12th century. The medieval castle was owned by the Guidi counts.

The Pieve di San Leolino also bears several layers of history. It became a parish church between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Its present appearance is the result of renovations carried out from the late 17th century through the entire 18th century. Another historical connection leads to Quirina Mocenni Magiotti: between 1802 and 1847, she wrote numerous letters to the poet Ugo Foscolo from San Leolino. Her house is located in the courtyard of the San Leolino rectory complex.

Olive Oil, Crostino and Wine History

The village’s culinary traditions are particularly evident during its festivals. The Festa dell’Olio usually takes place on the first Sunday in December in the premises of the Circolo di San Leolino APS and along the village streets. It includes a morning hike through the woods and a visit to the Frantoio dell’Olivone. At the Festa dell’Olio and the eighth edition of the 2024 Olio Nuovo della Valdambra competition in San Leolino, the Olio della Biodiversità della Valdambra was presented. This is an extra virgin olive oil made from olives grown in the collection garden for olive biodiversity.

Crostino nero represents another precise culinary tradition: ground chicken livers are sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and served on slices of bread soaked in broth or lightly toasted. The Sagra del Crostino takes place in San Leolino during the first week of June; its history can be documented for more than fifty years. The area’s historical wine world can also be clearly dated. In 1427, the Trebbiani and Vermigli produced in the territories of San Leolino, Cennina and Galatrona were among the more valuable wines recorded in the Florentine cadastre. Trebbiani were white wines, while Vermigli were red wines.

Hiking Trails between Vineyards and Woods

For experiencing the landscape, CAI Trail No. 345 is particularly relevant. It passes by San Leolino. Beyond that point, the landscape transitions from vineyards and olive groves into woodland, where sweet chestnuts, beech trees, downy oaks and strawberry trees grow. CAI Trail No. 345 is considered suitable for hiking without difficulty.

A second option is the circular route La Via dell’Olio, which passes through San Leolino. Together with the Festa dell’Olio, the Frantoio dell’Olivone and the historical references to Trebbiani and Vermigli, it provides its own thematic approach to the village. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether the focus of your trip should be more on the castle and parish church, on olive oil and wine, or on the trails through the landscape. San Leolino is not just an interchangeable backdrop for this, but rather a closely defined combination of local history, rural surroundings and regional food culture.

Other places on the same destination level: Cennina, Ambra, Capannole, San Pancrazio, Pogi, Solata, Levane, Badia A Ruoti

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Bucine.