Passo Osteria Bruciata

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Located between Mugello and Romagna, Passo dell’Osteria Bruciata is situated at around 1,160 meters above sea level and used to be an important connection point along the road linking Florence to Bologna. Traversed by merchants, pilgrims, and travelers since the Middle Ages, the pass is part of an ancient road system that connected Tuscany to Romagna long before the construction of the modern Via Faentina and the current Passo della Futa. During the Middle Ages, the mule tracks crossing this pass were essential for trade and transportation between Florence and Bologna, at a time when the Apennines still represented a challenging barrier to overcome. Its significance gradually decreased with the construction of new, safer, and more convenient roads, but Passo dell’Osteria Bruciata still remains a fascinating destination for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts today. The pass owes its name to a macabre legend dating back to the Middle Ages. According to tradition, there was an ancient inn in this area, a place of refreshment for travelers crossing the pass. However, the inn concealed a dark secret: it is said that the innkeeper, instead of offering genuine food to his guests, would murder them to rob them and then serve their flesh to new customers. The terrible truth was uncovered, and the inn was set on fire as punishment for the heinous crimes committed. From that moment on, the place was abandoned, and the name "Osteria Bruciata" remained in the popular memory, passed down from generation to generation. Even today, some hikers claim to sense a mysterious atmosphere near the pass, and the legend continues to fuel the allure of this place. Whether you come to discover the remains of an ancient medieval road, to embark on a hike through centuries-old woods, or simply to breathe in the atmosphere of a place shrouded in mystery, this pass offers a unique experience, immersed in a landscape that retains the charm of bygone eras.