Hiking in the Giogo-Casaglia Park, following the “seccatoi” trail in the Mugello region
Walking in the Mugello chestnut groves nearby Moscheta Abbey
The Giogo-Casaglia Park stretches over an area of 6.240 hectares, covering the Apennines watershed that goes from the Giogo Pass in Scarperia to Mount Faggeta, in the upper part of the valleys of Santerno, Senio and Lamone in the north, and the Sieve valley in the south.
The area is run through several trails that are part of the S.O.F.T trails (Le Sorgenti di Firenze), the G.E.A trails (Grande Escursioni Appenninica) and the R.E.T. trails (Rete Escursionistica Toscana), as well as a network of themed trails.One of those thematic trails is the Seccatoi trail, i.e. the trail that visits ancient chestnut driers and chestnut groves in the area near Moscheta. It’s an easy and short trail, recommended for families with children. It’s about 2 km in length and 90 minutes walking. The best seasons are Spring to enjoy wildflowers’ blossoms, Summer to enjoy the fresh air, and Autumn to enjoy the warm colors of the season.
Badia di Moscheta and the Museum of Historical Landscape
The trail starts from the ancient Abbey of Moscheta, dating back to 11th century that nowadays hosts the Museum of Historical Landscape, where you can learn more about the landscape of the Apennines.
At the back of the abbey take the white road going up to Giogarello and follow the signs for “Sentiero dei seccatoi”. The road reaches the first chestnut drier that is an old stone house recently restored.
The chestnut driers and the ancient chestnut grove
Not too far from the first drier, you find the “seccatoio 2” that was probably built in 1773 as written on a stone underneath the window. These stone houses were used to dry the chestnuts to store them and transform them into chestnut flour.
Going back along the path, following the sings to “seccatoio 3” you reach a majestic centuries-old chestnut grove, that is one of the most beautiful in the Mugello region. You can take a break in the pic-nic area.
Last drier and back to Badia di Moscheta
Walk through the chestnut grove and reach the last seccatoio, that is open for visits. Proceed along the path ‘till the crossroads, near the river Vacchile, turn right and follow the trail 713 and signs to Moscheta. You’re about 5 minutes away from the starting point.
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