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CARMIGNANO

Authentic Tuscany, open to excellence

Carmignano lies at the base of Monte Albano – or Montalbano -, in the province of Prato, at an altitude of around 180 metres. It is a geologically rich and diverse area that has been producing wine for centuries.

Carmignano is also much more: this part of Tuscany between Prato, Florence and Pistoia is seeped in history – from the Etruscans to the Medicis – with breathtaking views of hills and olive groves, an area less frequented by tourists.

Visiting this area will surprise you.

What to do in Carmignano

Carmignano welcomes visitors throughout the year, sharing its traditions and local customs. There are many small festivals such as the Fiera di San Michele on the 29 th September which celebrates St Michael the patron saint of the town. There are street performances, floats and the famous “Palio dei ciuchi” (Donkey race).In mid October there is the “Benvenuto Fico Secco” (Welcome dried fig)festival, an excellent opportunity to try these local delicacies and purchase them for the upcoming Christmas festivities. During the first days of December,Carmignano hosts the Antica Fiera di Carmignano (Ancient Carmignano Fair) with cooking shows, falconry displays and markets with typical produce.
These small events represent Carmignano as a niche territory that is open and welcoming at the same time, keen to demonstrate its knowledge and traditions and Pieve dei Medici is proud to be part of this.

What to see in Carmignano

Rocca di Carmignano

The climb to reach the Carmignano Fortress is the perfect way to find out more about the history of the Carmignano people and their territory. The breathtaking view overlooks the surrounding countryside between Florence, Prato and Pistoia. The gardens and underground rooms of the Rocca (which were probably used as water cisterns during times of siege) are home to machinery that once played a fundamental role in every day agricultural life from centuries passed. Visitors can also view a plastic model illustrating how the castle was during medieval times as well as a reconstruction of a 14 th century kitchen and a photo of Carmignano as it was at the beginning of the last Century.

Carmignano Archaeological Area

Large groups of Etruscans made their homes in the Carmignano and Artimino area
and there are numerous burial grounds and other remnants of this civilization. In the Carmignano Archaeological Area, visitors can admire incredible Etruscan architecture and every day objects which were brought to life by the Tuscan Archaeological Superintendence in 1960, which illustrates the flourishing period of the Etruscan civilization (VII sec. a.C.).
Particular sites of interest include the monumental burial grounds of Comeana, the tomb in Montefortini, the Necropolis of Prato Rosello as well as the residential area of Artiminio and the Etruscan settlement of Pietramarina.

Artimino Archaeological Museum

The tiny hamlet of Artimino is home to an Archaeological Museum which was founded in 1981 and opened in 1983 thanks to the collaboration of the Carmignano City Council and the Tuscan Archaeological Superintendence.
The Artimino museum was originally housed in the underground rooms of the Medici Villa “La Ferdinanda”
but since 2011 it can be found in the centre of Artimino.

Etruscan Necropolis of Prato di Rosello

For lovers of nature and open air excursions, the Etruscan Necropolis of Prato Rosello is not to be missed. Past the Villa Medicea, to the right towards Poggio alla Malva there is a long path lined with old ruins where fallow deer and pheasants roam freely. The Necropolis is “signposted” by a downhill path that is carved out in the rocks.

Tomb of Montefortini

Beyond the Necropolis of Prato Rosello, it is also possible to visit the Tomb of Montefortini, one of the most important archaeological monuments in Tuscany. Well known by historians as a symbol of the flourishing period in which the Etruscans were at their peak in terms of cultural and social development.

Villa Medicea La Ferdinanda (Artimino)

Villa “La Ferdinanda” is located in Artimino, within the Carmignano area. This perfectly restored Villa Medicea is characterised by its typical Medici gardens with lemon groves and other tall trees.
Since 2013 the villa has Unesco Cutural Heritage status and is open to the public.
There is a large main entrance which overlooks the city of Florence, two fortified towers, two large terraces and an observation point from which the Medici family could control their estate.

Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano

The Medici Villa at Poggio a Caiano is perhaps the most well-known villa in the area. It was designed by Giuliano da Sangallo for Lorenzo il Magnifico as an example of Renaissance architecture and as the fusion of more classical Roman and Greek styles with rural Tuscan elements.

Restaurant suggestions:

Three restaurants where it is possible to taste typical dishes from the area as well as products from Pieve dei Medici, rich with unforgettable flavours.

(TYPICAL) Carmignano products

Our Carmignano dried figs are not only a typical Tuscan delicacy but also have recognition from the Slow Food movement since 2001 due to the characteristic handmade techniques adopted.

Carmignano extra virgin olive oil is particularly esteemed and earned the title of “Toscano” IGP and attributed to “Montalbano”, the hillside area where Carmignano lies.

Our wines: DOC Barco Reale di Carmignano and DOCG Carmignano, also the Riserva version. All the red wines from our area are a blend composed of mainly Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon, without forgetting other grapes such as Trebbiano, Canaiolo, Colorino and San Colombano.

Carmignano is also a producer of Vin Santo DOC “Occhio di Pernice” and Aleatico IGT, perfect with cantuccini biscuits from Prato or with the mantovana pratese, a typical dessert includedin the famous Artusi recipe book.

History of Carmignano

Hospitality and gastronomic excellence

The town of Carmignano has historic importance due to its central position between Pistoia and Florence.Its strategic position close to the River Arno meant the Etruscans settled here during their most flourishing era towards the VII B.C. The Necropolis of Comeana and Prato Rosello bare witness to this.

After its destruction during the Roman period, following the Barbarian invasions, Carmignano returned to having a central role for commerce and agriculture before the Middle Ages and the imposing Rocca remains an important symbol of these times. During the Renaissance the Medici family used Carmignano as a citadel where they could relax away from their administrative duties in the city.

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