Borgo San Lorenzo

Borgo San Lorenzo, located in the heart of Mugello, is a village with a rich and fascinating past. Its origins date back to ancient times, with prehistoric settlements documented near Ronta. Already from the 2nd century B.C., the Romans settled in the area, creating the hamlet of Anneianum along the road that connected Florence to Faenza. In the Middle Ages, Borgo San Lorenzo initially belonged to the possessions of the Ubaldini family, before coming under the control of the Bishop of Florence, as evidenced by a contract from 941 mentioning the church of San Lorenzo in Mugello. The strategic position of the village, situated at an important crossroads, contributed to its growth as a commercial hub, becoming one of the main markets in the area. From the 13th century, Borgo San Lorenzo developed under the jurisdiction of the Florentine Republic, and in 1300 it was surrounded by defensive walls to protect it from conflicts with the Ghibellines. Over the years, the town became a reference point for the entire valley, with civil power exercised by the Bishop's Vicar and the presence of a Podestà sent from the city of Florence. Among the most significant events, there are the sieges endured during the struggles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, such as the one in 1303, and the assault in 1440 by Niccolò Piccinino, an ally of the Albizi against the Medici, who however failed to conquer the village. During the siege of Florence, between 1529 and 1530, Borgo San Lorenzo was occupied by a condottiero who turned it into an arsenal for the construction of weapons. With the fall of the Florentine Republic, the village became part of the Medici principality, marking a new phase in its history. Today, Borgo San Lorenzo is a place that preserves the charm of its past, with monuments like the Pieve di San Lorenzo, historic buildings, and the beautiful Palazzo Pecori Giraldi, now home to museums and cultural activities.

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