Holiday Apartment in Traversa: History, Routes and Landscape

Traversa invites visitors to consider architectural history, historic transport routes and sport-oriented landscape experiences together. The focal point of the town’s history is the Chiesa di San Jacopo alla Traversa: the decision to build the new church was made in 1786, and it was constructed in 1788. In the early years of the 20th century, Menghino Tinti created the entrance portal and the porch based on a design by Enrico Lusini. At the beginning of the 20th century, the church was also remodeled with a porch and stained-glass windows featuring figurative depictions, manufactured by the Fornaci Chini in Borgo San Lorenzo.

Castle, Oratory and Places of Remembrance

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

Historic Routes and Present-Day Trails

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. The approach via the A1 motorway leads through the Pian del Voglio exit and onward via Futa Pass, Traversa and Covigliaio. The historic road route documented in the 18th century led from Futa Pass via Traversa and Covigliaio, passed Sasso di Castro, circled Monte Beni and reached Pietramala. The Anello di Traversa circular trail leads to sections of the Via Flaminia and returns to the starting point along a shorter walking route.

Landscape and Sport in Traversa

With the support of the Municipality of Firenzuola, the “Area Verde Attrezzata” complex was built in Traversa. In the surrounding area, a cross stands on the summit of Sasso di Castro at an elevation of 1,300 m; it is fully illuminated by solar panels, and its illuminated silhouette can be seen from the entire valley. The local sports program includes a mountain triathlon relay featuring horseback riding, mountain biking and running. It also includes a 10 km semi-competitive running event held on the last Sunday in July.

Local History as a Basis for Planning Your Stay

The historic Osteria della Traversa already existed in the 18th century. After the Futa Road opened, Traversa continued to develop, causing economic activities and transport connections to shift toward this new transport artery. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Traversa, you can consider whether church and castle history, the Anello di Traversa, the illuminated cross on Sasso di Castro or the local sports program should be the focus of your trip. These different themes provide a concrete basis for selecting your accommodation according to your preferred holiday pace.

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Go to the higher-level travel overview: Firenzuola.