Monte Senario is one of the most important sanctuaries in Tuscany, located just 20 km from Florence, in the commune of Vaglia. I come here several times a year—it has become a personal ritual in every season.
In summer, when Florence is scorching hot, the shade of the trees here offers a cool, sacred refuge. In autumn, it’s the magic of nature and the chestnuts that draw me back. And when winter brings a little snow… it becomes pure poetry.
On hot summer days, when going to the beach is not an option, there’s nothing better after work than finding a cool, quiet place not too far from the city—something that refreshes both body and soul. One such place is Monte Senario, nestled in the wooded hills of Mugello, just a half-hour drive from Florence.
The seven holy mountains
According to history, the sanctuary dates back to 1234, when seven noblemen from Florence decided to found the Order of the Servants of Mary and built their first monastery right here. Over the centuries, the complex was expanded and renovated. Today, it’s a beloved pilgrimage site—both for Italians and for travelers seeking silence, nature, and something deeper than a postcard view.
Where Silence Has a Voice
And yet, the most beautiful part of the sanctuary—for me at least—is not the building itself, but the surrounding forest and the caves, where according to legend, the seven founding saints lived. If you want to visit the three remaining caves, take the Via del Silenzio, a path that descends gently into the woods. After a short walk, the first path on the right will take you to one of the ancient hermit caves—still visible today.
There’s also a distillery at the monastery, still run by the monks. It’s the spiritual heir of the ancient pharmacy that once served pilgrims and locals alike. Since 1865, the friars have been producing a liqueur made from silver fir (Abies alba) extract, called Gemma d’Abeto—a warming herbal elixir created by Fra Agostino Martini, the monastery’s apothecary.
This place is not just a historical site or a pretty viewpoint. It’s a space of silence, simplicity, and something unspoken. Whether you come for spiritual reflection, the cool air of the forest, the autumn colors, or just a moment away from the city noise—Monte Senario welcomes you with open arms and ancient trees.