San Giovanni in Petroio

Located on a hill overlooking Lake Bilancino, the Church of San Giovanni in Petroio is a small gem of history and spirituality. Its panoramic position makes it a fascinating destination for hikers and landscape lovers, but it is its history, intertwined with the Medici family, that gives this place a special importance. The first records of the church date back to the 12th century when it appears in documents as a rural parish intended to serve the local communities. The name "Petroio" probably derives from the Latin term petra, referring to the rocky conformation of the area. Over the centuries, the church was expanded and restored, always maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding territory. During the Renaissance, with the rise of the Medici family, the church gained greater importance, as the area of Barberino di Mugello was closely linked to the origins of the dynasty. The Medicis, who owned numerous lands and residences in the area, financed the restoration and embellishment of the church, making it a point of reference for the religious and cultural life of the region. The bond between the Medicis and the Mugello is well known: this area represented the family's homeland, and it was here that they developed much of their agricultural and residential properties. The Church of San Giovanni in Petroio thus became a place of worship frequented by the Medicis and their allies, as well as a point of reference for the workers of the surrounding Medici farms and villas. During the sixteenth century, under the Grand Duchy of Cosimo I, architectural interventions were carried out to make the church more functional and decorative. Some sources suggest that it was equipped with works of art linked to the circle of artists close to the Medici court, although today much of the original artistic heritage has been lost. The Church of San Giovanni in Petroio is strategically located, offering a splendid view of Lake Bilancino and the hills of Mugello. It is said that, in past centuries, the church was an important stopping point for pilgrims heading towards Florence or northern Tuscany. According to a local legend, a traveler who had lost his way in the nearby woods found refuge at the church and, praying in front of the altar, managed to find his way back thanks to a mysterious light that guided him to Barberino. A curious anecdote tells that, on some particularly windy nights, the valley residents swear to hear the sound of the church bells, even when they are not rung. According to some stories, it would be the echo of ancient celebrations, lingering among the hills of Mugello.

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