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Vicchio and Vespignano
Cradle of Artists
Vícchio, east of San Lorenzo, is a sleepy little town, birthplace of the Blessed Fra Angelico (Giovanni da Fiesole, 1387–1455) and of Jean-Baptiste Lully, (1632-87), the founder of French opera in the court of Louis XIV, and was often a home from home for Benvenuto Cellini.
The Museo di Arte Sacra Beato Angelico in Piazza Don Lorenzo Milani, houses detached frescoes, items of popular devotion from around the Mugello, Etruscan finds from nearby Poggio alla Colla, and a 13th-century holy water stoup.
Not to be outdone, the nearby hamlet of Vespignano has long claimed to be the birthplace of Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337). The simple stone cottage where the father of Renaissance painting is said to have been born has been carefully restored for visitors as the Casa di Giotto.
According to tradition, Cimabue discovered Giotto near the old (restored) Ponte alla Ragnaia over the Enza, where the young shepherd was sketching his sheep on a stone, a happening now commemorated with a relief.
Hours Museo di Arte Sacra Beato Angelico and Casa di Giotto both open May-Sept Thurs-Sun 10am-1pm & 3.30-7.30pm; winter Sunday only, 10am–1pm and 2–6pm.
Adm €4 for both, under 6 free
+39 055 844 8251
Images by Helena, Creative Commons License, visittuscany