Traversa: Historic Routes and Architectural History

Traversa can be explored through the transport routes around the Futa Pass, its architectural history, and the landscape around Sasso di Castro. After the Futa Road opened, economic activities and transport connections shifted to this new transport axis. The historic road route documented in the 18th century led from the Futa Pass via Traversa and Covigliaio, past Sasso di Castro, around Monte Beni, and onward to Pietramala. This gives you different focuses for your travel planning: historic routes, regional history, and mountain landscapes.

Routes and access

When planning your journey, the A1 motorway runs via the Pian del Voglio exit and continues over the Futa Pass, Traversa, and Covigliaio. On the route from Pian del Voglio to Barberino di Mugello, Traversa can be reached from the hamlet of Bruscoli after approximately 7 km on Provincial Road 59. If you are considering a hotel in Traversa as a place to stay, you can plan your days either along the pass route or on a circular route returning to the starting point.

The circular route Anello di Traversa leads to sections of the Via Flaminia and returns to the starting point on a shorter hiking route. This means that, in addition to access via several villages along the pass, there are also routes whose course leads back to Traversa.

Church, castle, and local history

The architectural history of the Chiesa di San Jacopo alla Traversa began with a decision made in 1786: the new church was built in 1788. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was remodeled with a porch and stained-glass windows featuring figurative designs; the windows were made by the Fornaci Chini of Borgo San Lorenzo. In the early years of the 20th century, the entrance portal and porch were created by Menghino Tinti based on a design by Enrico Lusini.

South of the Bolognese Road, a medieval castle stands in Traversa; it was probably built at the end of the 19th century by the Visconti family from Cremona on the remains of an old tower. Nearby is a small oratory dedicated to the Santissima Annunziata, which preserves a valuable decorative cycle by the Chini manufactory of Borgo San Lorenzo. The Gerini family owned the Castello della Traversa and were patrons of the adjacent Oratorio della Santissima Annunziata. Traversa is also home to the German Military Cemetery at the Futa Pass.

Landscape and sports

In the surrounding area, a cross stands at the summit of Sasso di Castro at an altitude of 1,300 m, fully illuminated by solar panels. Its illuminated silhouette can be seen from the entire valley. In Traversa, the „Area Verde Attrezzata“ complex was established with the support of the Municipality of Firenzuola.

The local sports program includes a mountain triathlon relay featuring horse riding, mountain biking, and running. Traversa’s sports program also includes a 10 km semi-competitive running event held on the last Sunday in July. As another historical reference, the Osteria della Traversa already existed in the 18th century.

For further orientation in the area: Bruscoli.

For the broader travel overview: Firenzuola.