The little border town of San Godenzo nestles high in the mountains between the Mugello and Casentino valleys. It is 400 meters above sea level so even during the hottest summer months you won’t experience the often almost unbearable temperatures of Florence. The cool temperatures and scenic surroundings are what bring so many Florentines here on summer weekends.
San Godenzo has a long history, which can be seen throughout its many sights including the beautiful cloister church dating from 1028. This church was built on the grave of the holy Godenzo who withdrew here in the 7th century to live as a hermit, to what was then a wilderness.
The peace and tranquillity that once attracted Godenzo is still to be found, but you would be hard pushed to live life as a hermit, as there is a great selection of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants!
Florence is just 48 km away, but if you are looking for a bigger town rather than a city, with lots to do that is not overrun with tourists then visit Pontassieve, the so-called capital of the nearby wine district Chianti Rufina which is only 28 km away.
