Discovering Monte Senario and the sanctuary
The “Convento of Monte Senario” is located in Vaglia just 20 km from Florence. Come with us to discover Monte Senario and one of the most important sanctuaries in Tuscany!
The Congregation of hermits of Monte Senario
In the last decade of the sixteenth century, Monte Senario is the place of the eremitical life of the Order of Servants of Mary.
This place, consecrated by the presence of the first Fathers of the Order, is the scene of a vigorous return to the origins, which enhances the initial contemplative component.
From 1603 some Hermits began the habit of living in Monte Senario in a more isolated way, for a more or less long period, in small houses or in the caves that tradition wants inhabited by the first Fathers of the Order or by other saints and blessed.
Together with the restoration and enlargement of the pre-existing factories, the Hermits took care of the reforestation of the sacred mountain with firs taken from Vallombrosa, Camaldoli, Falterona and Trebbio di Cafaggiolo, requested by the Grand Duke of Tuscany. From 1597 to 1602 they placed about three thousand of them.
The austere life and the fame of holiness of the Hermits of Monte Senario soon attracted the attention of many and were a source of inspiration for independent initiatives.
Monte Senario: here’s how to get there!
The Convent of Monte Senario is located in the municipality of Vaglia about 20 km from Florence.
To reach Monte Senario from Florence by car, take the SS 65 to Pratolino and then take the Provincial Road that leads directly to the foot of the convent.
To reach Monte Senario by bus you can take the local line bus (21) that leads to Bivigliano and that leaves in Florence from Santa Maria Novella station.
Those who have well-trained legs can opt for the walk from Caldine train station. The route takes about two hours and a half and goes through the Fiesolana countryside and the Mugello mountains. The journey of about 9 kilometers offers wonderful views.
Reach Monte Senario by bike
- Altitude: mslm 815
- Length: km 11.8
- Height: 541 meters
- Medium slope %: 4.6
- Max slope %: 12-14
- Start up: Vaglia
- Traffic: medium-high
- Recommended report: 39/25
The climb “by Pratolino” has a length of 11.8 km, and exceeds a difference in height of 540 meters, for an average gradient of 4.6%.
The road is almost flat and very busy up to Fontebuona, while the ascent of the Miglio and the stretch that from Casa al Vento leads to Monte Senario severely test the conditions of form and impose an agile relationship (39/25).
The average ascent times for an amateur cyclist range between 40 and 50 minutes and between one hour and 1h10 for a cycle excursionist.
The Bivigliano side is shorter (8.3 km), but has a medium-high slope (about 6.5%).
However you decide to reach Monte Senario we highly recommend you to visit this very special place set in Mugello. If you also want to enjoy pleasant moments of relaxation accompanied by good Tuscan cuisine we are at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!
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