San Giovanni Valdarno

THE COUNTRY DESIGNED IN ROMAN TIMES

San Giovanni Valdarno is situated in the Valley of the river Arno.

The urban structure of the town is based on the Roman city, with a central square from which there are two main axes perpendicular to each other, which generate fascinating back streets.

The place of greatest interest is Palazzo Arnolfo, built by Arnolfo di Cambio and dating from the middle ages, keeper of the ancient past of the city over time become museums. In the locality of Monte Carlo, just outside the village you may encounter the Convento di San Francesco, where inside lies an Annunciazione of the famous painter Beato Angelico.

 

Traditions and typical products

The most important event of San Giovanni Valdarno is "Festa della Rificolona", celebrated on 7 September as in other parts of Tuscany. An event that collects paper lanterns made for the occasion, in memory of the night journey of the wayfarers peasants towards Firenze.

After the end of the Carnival, it is traditional to celebrate "La Salacca", a culinary event with sweets and dishes on the Arno based salted anchovy. Among the typical dishes of sangiovannese the stufato alla sangiovannese, a stew made from animal entrails and considered the oldest traditional local.

 

Photo Credits [iluoghidelcuore.it]