Reggello - San Giovenale
The idyllic small village of San Giovenale and our apartments are 2 km away from Cascia, which is parish in the commune of Reggello in the province of Florence.
The famous Renaissance painting by the great artist Masaccio, the "Trittico di San Giovenale" (from 1422), was discovered in 1960 and is now on view in the museum of Cascia after elaborate restoration.
A Tour of our Village
On a walk through our village you will see the former abbey and the church from the Renaissance period. 200 meters further on a lovely walk takes you across a bridge dating back to Roman times and across fields, meadows and a forest to a Medici villa, which acquired its name in the 17th century after the old and powerful Florentine family had purchased it. You continue your walk past well-tended vineyards to a vantage point from where you can enjoy a view of the Arno valley with the hilly countryside of the Chianti-Classico region. Two very old pine trees invite you to spend some time at this spot; it is an ideal place to paint, read, relax, meditate or have a picnic...
Neighbouring Villages and their Sights
The village of Cascia is known for its lovely church in the Romanesque style, the church square and the museum devoted to the master painter Masaccio. A visit of these two sights is very much recommended.
Reggello, "Città dell'olio", is known for its excellent virgin olive oil, which is still produced in many oil mills in November and December. The "Reggellesi" are very proud of their olive oil, of course it can be bought there. It is also enjoyable to walk along the arcardes of the main square with its interesting, small shops and wine-tasting. Several beautiful old houses are also worth seeing.
In Reggello there are three banks with cash dispensers, several good restaurants, some pleasant and cheap cafés as well as ice cream parlors. There are also baker's and a village shop, a small supermarket, a post office, a newsagent, a good household supply store and other shops.
On Saturday mornings there is a small local outdoor market - vegetables, fruit, fish, cheese and even live chickens as well as shoes, clothes, plants and household goods can be bought there. Strolling across this market and enjoying a tasty cappuccino in one of the cafés afterwards is a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning.
10km outside of Reggello there are several large outlets where brands such as Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada ... are on offer.
Worth Seeing and Fascinating
15 Min. away from Reggello by car there is Vallombrosa (1200m above sea level), an officially recognized climatic health resort. In its national park covering 1270 hectares You can go for lovely walks, there are also demanding hiking trails or You can go on mountain bike tours. Motorcyclists appreciate the roads which wind their way up the mountains.
At the "Bagni di Cetica" You can cool off in one of their tubs filled with icy spring water and can savour the delicious food on offer at their restaurant afterwards.
Visiting the abbey of Vallombrosa dating from the 12th century and seeing its unique apothecary is a must! In the summer months there are often concerts which are free of charge. Listening to Gregorian chants sung by the monks living there is a very special experience!
