San Giovanni Valdarno: Terre Nuove, Art and History

San Giovanni Valdarno combines the urban planning concept of the Florentine Terre Nuove with churches, museums and contemporary art. The town was founded by the Florentines in 1299; the original urban plan is generally attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Its medieval appearance is characterized by a central piazza and arcades along the streets.

Terre Nuove and Palazzo d’Arnolfo

The Museo delle Terre Nuove in Palazzo d’Arnolfo tells the story of the foundation of new settlements, which shaped a large part of medieval Europe. In its exhibition rooms, the museum explains the urban planning and architectural reasons behind the creation of the Terre Nuove. Initiatives and special guided tours for schools, tourists and families take place throughout the year. The façade of Palazzo d’Arnolfo also offers an introduction to the town’s history: it bears 250 coats of arms of the vicars, dating from the early 15th century to 1772.

Art venues in the historic center

Casa Masaccio is a museum in the immediate vicinity of San Giovanni Valdarno and also a center for contemporary art where exhibitions are held. The historic 14th-century building is located at Corso Italia 83 in the historic center and was originally built as a house with a loggia. San Giovanni Valdarno railway station is a three-minute walk from Casa Masaccio. Casa Masaccio can be reached via the Valdarno exit of the A1 motorway.

Churches with medieval and religious traces

The Church of San Lorenzo already existed before the founding of Castel San Giovanni; an old document from 1201 provides evidence of its existence. The church houses a polyptych dated 1347 depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, attributed to Gamba Giovanni Del Biondo. A mummified body is also displayed in a niche beside the column where it was found.

The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie dates back to 1484. Its construction followed the so-called miracle of Monna Tancia, which is attributed to the Madonna. The basilica contains a polychrome terracotta sculpture depicting the Assumption of the Virgin by Giovanni della Robbia, dating from 1513.

Cycling route and local tradition

For a sporting perspective, there is the permanent La Via della Lignite cycling route. The 23.83-kilometer circuit includes San Giovanni Valdarno and Cavriglia. In January, celebrations are held in the historic center in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot, during which animals are blessed.

Places in the immediate and wider surroundings

La Fornacella, a museum, is located in the immediate vicinity of San Giovanni Valdarno. The surrounding mountains include Monte Querciabella, Monte Luco and Monte Pianellaccio. In the wider regional area are Poggio Stefanieri, a mountain, Monistero d’Ombrone, a monastery, and the Chianti Sculpture Park, a park.

More places for planning your trip: Terranuova Bracciolini, Pratieghi, Colcellalto, Chitignano, Lonnano, Manzi, Lucignano and Montagnano.

To the main travel overview: Arezzo.