Mugello, land of paths

The Passo della Futa, the starting point of the journey, located at about 903 meters above sea level, is famous for the German Military Cemetery, a place of memory characterized by an imposing architectural structure that harmonizes with the surrounding mountain landscape. The cemetery houses the remains of about 31,000 German soldiers who fell during the Second World War, mainly during the campaign on the Gothic Line (1944-1945), the last defensive line of the Nazis against the advance of the Allied forces in Italy.
Ascending towards Monte Gazzarro, which rises to about 1125 meters, the path becomes more challenging but extremely rewarding. Here, the landscape changes: you traverse wooded paths that periodically open onto natural balconies, offering wide views of the Apennines. Beech forests take center stage, interspersed with chestnut groves and stretches of meadows.
The summit of Monte Gazzaro is an exceptional panoramic point, where the gaze can sweep to the Tuscan plain on one side and the Romagnolo hills on the other. The feeling of isolation and immersion in nature here is total, and the peace of the place is interrupted only by the singing of birds or the sound of the wind. During the spring and summer months, the meadows fill with wildflowers, while in autumn the forests explode in a range of warm hues.
From the summit of Monte Gazzarro to Passo dell'Osteria Bruciata (917 m). The name of the pass derives from an ancient inn that stood in this strategic location, where travelers stopped to rest during the long journeys across the Apennines. According to legend, the inn was the scene of brutal acts. It is said that the inn was run by bandits or dishonest innkeepers who robbed and killed their guests, often travelers or merchants crossing the pass. One night, the inn was set on fire by the villagers to avenge the victims, and since then the place has been called "Osteria Bruciata" (Burnt Inn).
Ascending to the peaks that divide Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, noteworthy is Monte Castel Guerrino (1117 m). The name "Castel Guerrino" seems to recall the presence of an ancient fortress or settlement, which, according to local traditions, stood on the summit of the mountain. According to some orally transmitted stories, the mountain would have taken its name from a warlord or warrior lord (perhaps a certain "Guerrino") who would have fiercely defended these lands, but there are no documented historical proofs. Descending towards Passo del Giogo (882 meters), the path becomes gentler. You continue along forest roads and well-marked trails, crossing mixed woods and meadows. The pass itself, historically important as a link between Tuscany and Romagna, retains a special charm. There are no shortages of shelters and inns where you can rest and refresh.

Along this stretch, signs of history are often encountered: ancient mule tracks, remains of trenches, and artifacts dating back to the Second World War, given the proximity to the Gothic Line.
The Gothic Line in Mugello is a section of the fortified defense line built during the Second World War by the Germans, between 1943 and 1944, to slow down the advance of the Allied forces towards northern Italy. This line crossed several regions of central Italy, and Mugello represents one of its most significant passages. In the Mugello territory, the Gothic Line consisted of fortifications, trenches, artillery positions, and bunkers, distributed along the hills and mountains overlooking the valley. Some of the best-known places related to the Gothic Line in Mugello include the municipalities of Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, and Vicchio. The passage of the Gothic Line was the scene of intense fighting between the retreating German forces and the Allied troops. Today, remains of fortifications and commemorative monuments recall those tragic events. Furthermore, numerous historical trails in Mugello allow exploring the vestiges of the Gothic Line, offering an opportunity to understand the history of the Second World War and its impact on the region.
The landscape opens up to gentle hills and valleys that seem to undulate to the horizon.
You travel along wide forest roads through splendid woods and scenic stretches until you reach Capanna Bivacco Marcone (1030 m), a spartan yet welcoming resting place. You reach the highest peak of the route, Monte Peschiena (1198 m). Continuing towards Passo del Muraglione, you encounter stretches of ridges with breathtaking views: on one side Tuscany, with its soft reliefs and the typical golden light of this region, on the other Romagna, with more rugged and wild valleys.
As you approach Muraglione, the paths become rockier, with vegetation gradually thinning out. Here, the wind can be a constant presence, giving the pass its name. Passo del Muraglione (907 m) takes its name from the large wall built in the 19th century to protect travelers from the wind. The place is a crossroads for hikers, motorcyclists, nature lovers, and the endpoint of the route.

The Beech and the Lightning

It is said that, during a storm, a shepherd took shelter under a large beech tree to escape the rain. At the end of the storm, he noticed that the tree had not been struck by lightning, while others around him had. From that moment on, the beech was considered a protective tree, as it was believed to attract less lightning strikes compared to other plants. This belief is partly supported by science: the beech, thanks to its composition and water content, is less prone to electrical discharges compared to trees like oak or poplar.