Montecarelli

Montecarelli is a historic locality in the municipality of Barberino di Mugello. This village, linked both to medieval history and the Risorgimento, has witnessed the passage of prominent figures, becoming a symbol of resistance and struggles for freedom. In the 14th century, Montecarelli was already an important fiefdom, belonging to the Alberti family, one of the most influential Ghibelline families in Mugello. In 1330, the Alberti family retained control of a few territories, including Montecarelli, after submitting to Florentine power. During those years, the young Tano Alberti was born, destined to become one of the most well-known figures in local history. Tano, raised in Ghibelline fervor, experienced the fall of his native castle due to Florentine occupation in 1340, a trauma that deeply marked his life. Determined to oppose Florentine occupation, he allied himself with the Visconti, leveraging his position and his ties to Mugello to resist Florence's advances. In 1349, Tano also obtained the patronage of the church of Montecarelli, a sign of his deep roots in the local community. In 1350, despite an initial attempt at reconciliation with Florence, the young military leader engaged in guerrilla actions in Mugello, allying with Giovanni Visconti. His goal was to reconquer the lost castles, including that of Montecarelli. In a bold move in 1351, Tano, leading a small army, recaptured the fortress of Montecarelli and the fortress of Montevivagni, resisting the Florentine assault. Montecarelli thus became a strategic base for his raids in Mugello, and the castle was used as a refuge for persecuted Ghibellines and mercenaries. Tano, dubbed a "traitor" by the Florentines, continued his resistance, remaining a symbol of defiance against Florentine power. In 1360, however, his raids ended tragically with his capture and death at the hands of the Florentines, who destroyed the castle of Montecarelli. His body was displayed as a symbol of Florentine victory, but his memory lives on in stories that recount his determination to defend his land against an oppressive invader. Although Montecarelli is not directly linked to the main events of the Risorgimento, the locality is not unfamiliar with the events that marked the history of unified Italy. During the "Garibaldian Route," the network of paths followed by Giuseppe Garibaldi and his men during the retreat and advance for the unity of Italy, Montecarelli was located on one of the main routes. With its taverns and inns, it was also a stopping point for prominent figures who visited Italy during the Grand Tour.

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