Province of Firenze

This Tuscan province is a captivating blend of medieval villages, vine-covered hills, ancient traditions and hidden cultural treasures waiting to be explored.

Stretching across the heart of Tuscany, the province is shaped by the Arno River and framed by olive groves, forests and fertile plains.

Its towns and landscapes have inspired artists, writers and philosophers for centuries, creating a region rich in beauty and meaning.

Province of Firenze, Tuscany

Chianti and Mugello: landscapes of wine and history

Two of the most distinct areas in the province are Chianti and Mugello, each offering its own unique character and experience.

Chianti is famed for its world-class wines, scenic roads, vineyards and centuries-old estates, making it a paradise for wine lovers and slow travelers.

Mugello, to the north, is a green, mountainous region once beloved by the Medici family, who built villas and sponsored local art and architecture.

Its peaceful woods, traditional farms and lakes such as Bilancino offer an escape into nature with plenty of opportunity for walking, cycling and tasting local flavors.

Art, tradition and craftsmanship in small towns

Throughout the province of Firenze, small towns preserve age-old traditions and masterful craftsmanship that reflect the soul of Tuscany.

Townships like Impruneta are known for their terracotta, while Figline Valdarno and Pontassieve offer historic centers full of charm and artisanal heritage.

Scarperia in Mugello is famed for its handmade knives, a tradition passed down through generations and celebrated in its local museum and workshops.

These towns often host lively festivals that showcase local products, music and historical reenactments, keeping cultural memory alive.

Natural parks, hilltop views and rural charm

Outside its urban heart, the province of Firenze is filled with hills, cypress-lined roads and forests that invite outdoor adventure and discovery.

The Monti della Calvana and the Parco delle Cascine di Tavola are lesser-known but offer breathtaking walks and unspoiled countryside.

Villages like Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, blend dramatic views with rich cultural significance and quiet Tuscan charm.

From truffle hunting in the woods to watching sunsets over vineyards, the rural beauty of the province offers countless unforgettable experiences.

The Medici legacy across the province

While the city of Florence holds the grandest Medici palaces, their influence spreads widely across the surrounding province.

Many Medici villas, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are located in the countryside and can be visited to experience their architecture and gardens.

The Villa di Castello, Villa La Petraia and Villa di Poggio a Caiano are just a few of the residences that showcase Medici taste and power.

They are set among olive groves and hills and offer insight into the lives of one of Europe’s most influential families.

Flavors of the Firenze countryside

The cuisine of the province of Firenze is rustic, genuine and shaped by seasonal ingredients and long-held culinary traditions.

Local dishes include ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, bistecca alla Fiorentina and handmade pici pasta, often prepared in family-run trattorias.

Chianti wines dominate the vineyards but other areas like Rufina also produce excellent reds and whites that reflect the land’s complexity.

Farm stays and food tours offer immersive ways to taste the region, whether by sampling olive oil at the source or cooking with local chefs.

Living culture and community life

Firenze’s province is alive with cultural events that bring communities together and invite visitors to join in timeless traditions.

From spring festivals celebrating flowers and agriculture to autumn wine harvests, the calendar is filled with ways to engage with local life.

In towns like Greve in Chianti or Barberino di Mugello, open-air markets, music festivals and artisan fairs keep village life vibrant and meaningful.

Many towns also revive medieval games and parades, creating moments when the past and present come alive in colorful and festive style.

How to explore the province of Firenze

Exploring the province is best done slowly, allowing time to enjoy both the cultural and natural wonders scattered throughout its territory.

Driving through the hills or cycling the back roads opens up a world of experiences far from the main tourist tracks.

Staying in agriturismi or countryside villas offers both comfort and connection with the land and its people.

The province of Firenze rewards those who take time to wander, taste, listen and discover the quieter, richer layers of Tuscany.