Poggioni between Natural Landscapes and Medici History

Poggioni combines a distinctive natural landscape with traces of Medici history and the regional traditions of Cerreto Guidi. For planning your trip, this creates a place where landscapes, historical sites, birdwatching, trails and local specialities appeal to a range of interests.

Nature between Forest and Wetland

The Bosco and Lago di Poggione form the part of the Natura 2000 site “Bosco di Chiusi e Paduletta di Ramone” located in the municipality of Cerreto Guidi. The area consists of forest and wetland habitats with an artificial basin created in the 1960s that has largely been restored to a natural state. The lake near Bosco Poggioni is an artificial basin that has largely been restored to a natural state. The historic Bosco di Poggioni is also part of the landscape: it is considered a surviving forest of Turkey oaks and broom.

Medici Traces in Poggioni and Cerreto Guidi

Scattered traces of the former Medici hunting estate, Barco mediceo, have survived in Poggioni. The Villa Medicea di Cerreto in the host municipality of Cerreto Guidi provides an important cultural and historical complement. Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici commissioned the villa. It houses portraits of the Medici family, a collection of estate maps from the 18th century, four 17th-century tapestries, as well as furniture and wall frescoes from different periods. In this way, the municipality brings together tangible evidence of courtly history with the surviving traces of the former hunting estate in Poggioni.

Birdwatching and Trails in the Surrounding Area

In the nearby Padule di Fucecchio, a wetland area, birdwatchers can observe more than 190 bird species. The nearby Montalbano area also has a dense network of paths and routes for trekking and outings in nature. Those who enjoy spending their days combining observing nature with physical activity will find two clearly distinct focal points here: observing birdlife and exploring the landscape on foot.

Regional Culture, Olive Oil and Renaissance Costumes

Cerreto Guidi lies along the themed route Strada dell'Olio, del Vino e dei Sapori. In the municipality, visitors can taste extra virgin olive oil that is still produced using traditional methods. A cultural highlight is the Palio del Cerro: this historical reenactment in Renaissance costumes has a history spanning more than 50 years and takes place in front of the Villa Medicea on the first Saturday in September. Nature, regional products and historical pageantry are therefore closely connected thematically, without any one of these areas alone defining the character of the place.

What You May Wish to Consider When Choosing Your Destination

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation for your trip to Poggioni, you can first decide what you want your days to focus on. The natural areas at Bosco di Poggioni, the nearby Padule di Fucecchio, the trails in Montalbano, and the cultural and culinary offerings in Cerreto Guidi each lend themselves to a different way of travelling. This allows you to base your accommodation choice on your interests, such as birdwatching, historical impressions, trekking or regional cuisine, without limiting your stay to just one theme.

Other Places on the Same Level

Another place on the same level is Stabbia.

To the overarching travel overview: Cerreto Guidi.