Let’s delve deeper into the most interesting aspects of Campi Bisenzio and Scandicci.

When Florentines think of Campi Bisenzio, two things come to mind: relaxation and shopping! First things first, once you arrive in Campi, you simply must clock out of the busyness of life and head to Asmana Wellness World. Surrounded by greenery, it’s the largest wellness center in Italy. Once you’re feeling rejuvenated, we can head off to see more!

At the manufacturing heart of Campi, a central role is played by the textile industries (Campi Bisenzio acts as a link between Florence and Prato) and by metalworking activities. A significant development was the building of the I Gigli shopping center in 1997, which radically changed the commercial landscape. It offers visitors an unforgettable shopping experience with its 134 shops, services, and wide choice of restaurants, including 16 stalls of the Mercato Centrale.

Campi Bisenzio took on its name following the unification of Italy, when Bisenzio, a river that crosses the city, was added to the name Campi to distinguish it from other areas with the same name. In the center of the city is the Rocca Strozzi, a rare example of intact medieval military architecture, which houses the Archaeological Museum of Gonfienti, one of the few Etruscan cities in low-lying land.

It’s an area with many green areas, including the Urban Park of Villa Montalvo, the Chico Mendes park of San Donnino, and above all, the Stagni di Focognano Oasis managed by the WWF. It’s made up of 5 lake basins, an example of the typical historical landscape of the Florentine Plain. It’s an essential part of the waterways followed by birds during spring and autumn migration and is fundamental for the conservation of fauna.

Since 2010, whenever Florentines think of Scandicci, they immediately think of the tram! The T1 Line was the first to be built, connecting the municipality of Scandicci with the Careggi University Hospital, passing through Santa Maria Novella station, and transporting thousands of locals and tourists every day.

Scandicci, from a cultural, environmental and production point of view, is the innovative and contemporary soul of the Florentine Metropolitan City. With its 50%-hilly territory and its important environmental and landscape heritage, it’s the gateway to the Florentine Chianti and the spectacular Valdelsa. The tram and extensive parking make Scandicci an important logistical centre that’s connected seamlessly with Florence. Scandicci is also the heart of Made in Italy, the most important leather goods hub in Europe, with the presence of well-known brands attracted by the local artisan tradition.

There’s no shortage of fascinating art and history: the thousand-year-old abbey of the Saints Lorenzo and Giuliano in Settimo, Acciaiolo castle, the parish churches, the Mulinaccio mill, and Villa Castelpulci, as well as the many art works such as the wooden crucifix of the Parish Church of San Vincenzo a Torri with pieces by Ghirlandaio. There are many places to enjoy experiences and sports outdoors, such as camping among the trees at Poggio Valicaia Park, 70 km of trekking itineraries on the hills, and numerous mountain bike trails. There’s also the Greve and Vignone Greenway, a charming route along the river banks where you can walk or run and play sports. There are many annual events, including the traditional fair, which has been held in October for over 150 years, attracting around 450,000 people each time.

The industrial area in the north-west of Florence is an excellent destination for stunning landscapes and paths steeped in history: the Renaissance Ring and the San Jacopo Way. Look at the map of all the paths in the Florentine area.

The best way to get to Campi Bisenzio is by bus, and figuring out how to get to Scandicci is easy: the tram! 

To find out more about the history of all the Florentine surroundings, download the Feel Florence brochure, the official tourism information site of the Municipality of Florence and the Metropolitan City. Click here to download the brochure.