Londa and San Godenzo
Londa and
San Godenzo
Londa and San Godenzo are located in the eastern part of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines stretching towards Florence and, more precisely, on the two opposite sides of Mount Falterona, where the Arno River rises. The mountain represents a natural barrier between the two municipalities and at the same time, a place of meeting and exchange: this is reflected in the personality of the two towns, which are marked by significant differences but united by important historical and landscape similarities. Both are considered to be the Florentine gateways to the Park of the Casentino Forests, Mount Falterona and Campigna, a protected area rich in age-old woods, natural sanctuaries and watercourses, an excellent example of nature conservation and sustainable management, whose beech forests have been recognised as a World Heritage Site.
Londa
Londa
the island of Valdisieve
Nestled in a small valley, Londa is a charming village in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Of medieval origins, it was known in ancient times as Unda, a name that alludes to the waters of the Rincine and Moscia streams. In the centre of the village, a nineteenth-century bridge gives access to Piazza Umberto I, where the Town Hall and the Church of the SS. The nerve centre of the town is the lake, on whose shores is the Visitor Centre of the Casentino Forest National Park.
Londa belongs to the municipality of Valdarno and Valdisieve and includes the hamlets of Rincine, Fornace, Caiano, Bucigna, Caspriano, Petroio, Rata, Sambucheta, San Leolino, Vicorati and Vierle.
Surface area: 59.4 square kilometres
Altitude: 226 m a.s.l.
Population density: 30.8 inhabitants/km²
Name of inhabitants of Londa: Londesi
Prevailing morphology: valley
The excellences
of Londa
- The Regina Peach
- Bardiccio
- Olive Oil
- Wine
San Godenzo
San Godenzo,
mountain jewel
San Godenzo is a lively mountain municipality, rich in art and history. Its name derives from San Gaudenzio, a hermit of the 6th century, in whose honour the homonymous Benedictine abbey was built, where Dante Alighieri is said to have stayed in 1302. The village belonged to the noble Guidi family, who ceded it to Florence in 1344. A third of the territory of the town is in the National Park of the Casentino Forests, Mount Falterona and Campigna, which surrounds the town with a rich natural environment.
San Godenzo belongs to the Unione dei Comuni Valdarno e Valdisieve and includes the hamlets of Casale, Castagneto, Castagno d’Andrea, Cavallino, Petrognano and San Bavello.
Surface area: 99.2 square kilometres
Altitude: 430 m a.s.l.
Population density: 10.39 inhabitants/km²
Name of inhabitants of San Godenzo: Sangodenzini
Prevalent morphology: mountain
The excellences
of San Godenzo
- The PGI chestnut
- The potatoes
- Bread and ancient grains
