Holiday apartment in San Giovanni Valdarno: urban history, art and cycling route

San Giovanni Valdarno between town plan and arcades

San Giovanni Valdarno was founded by the Florentines in 1299; the original town plan is generally attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Its medieval appearance preserves the urban layout of the Florentine “Terre Nuove”: a central piazza and arcades along the streets define its character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in San Giovanni Valdarno, you are choosing a place where urban history, art and active pursuits can be combined into different kinds of holiday days.

The Terre Nuove in Palazzo d'Arnolfo

The Museo delle Terre Nuove in Palazzo d'Arnolfo tells the story of the founding 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. A striking detail can be found on the façade of Palazzo d'Arnolfo: 250 coats of arms of the vicars mark a timeline from the early 15th century to 1772. The museum offers activities and special guided tours for schools, tourists and families throughout the year.

Casa Masaccio and historic church art

Casa Masaccio is a museum in the immediate vicinity of San Giovanni Valdarno. The historic 14th-century building is located at Corso Italia 83 in the historic centre and was originally built as a house with a loggia. Today, Casa Masaccio is a contemporary art centre that hosts exhibitions. 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. This makes it possible to shape your stay around historic architecture and contemporary art.

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. In addition, a mummified body is displayed in a niche beside the column where it was found. San Lorenzo thus combines early local history, religious art and an unusual historical detail.

Basilica, traditions and special occasions

The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie dates back to 1484; its construction followed the so-called miracle of Monna Tancia, attributed to the Madonna. It houses a polychrome terracotta depicting the Assumption of the Virgin by Giovanni della Robbia, dating from 1513. In January, celebrations in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot take place in the historic centre of San Giovanni Valdarno, during which animals are blessed. Art enthusiasts and travellers seeking local traditions will find different ways to experience the town here.

Cycling route and destinations in the surrounding region

The permanent La Via della Lignite cycling route is a 23.83-kilometre circular course that includes San Giovanni Valdarno and Cavriglia. La Fornacella, a museum, is located nearby. Monte Querciabella, Monte Luco and Monte Pianellaccio are mountains in the area around San Giovanni Valdarno. Further afield in the region are Poggio Stefanieri, a mountain, Monistero d'Ombrone, a monastery, and the Chianti Sculpture Park, a park. This range of options allows for different daily rhythms: when choosing your holiday apartment, you can focus on the old town and museums, the cycling route or destinations farther afield.

More destinations

Agazzi, Pian Di Sco, Laterina, Falcigiano, Ortignano Raggiolo, Pierle, Bucine, Manzi

For the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.