Encompassed between the Apennines and the Calvana ridge is the Val di Bisenzio, a strip of land that stretches along the homonymous river for about fifty kilometres, passing through the municipalities of Cantagallo, Vernio, Vaiano and Prato.

The valley has been inhabited since time immemorial, but in the mid-20th century its inhabitants began to abandon it. Nowadays it is inhabited mainly by chestnut trees ans roe-deers, beech trees and deers, squirrels and foxes. Ancient mills, rustic peasant houses, some so-called "cannicciaie" (structures used for desiccating chestnuts), some fruit trees and imposing fortresses scattered in the woods testify to the past presence of man in this area.

So, if you are spending your vacations in Tuscany and you have decided to stop some days in Prato, an excursion to the Acquerino Cantagallo nature preserve is a must. The nature preserve covers a surface of 1,867 hectares and is mainly renowned for the source of the river Bisenzio and the Faggione di Luogomano, a century-old beech tree whose crown covers about 900 square metres.

Other things to see in Val di Bisenzio are the fortress of Vernio (which was built either in the 10th or in the 11th century), the fortress of Cerbaia (which dates back to the 10th century) and Mount Le Coste or Mount Spazzavento, as the natives call it, where you can admire the mausoleum dedicated to Curzio Malaparte, an Italian 19th-century journalist an writer.

And now, just a few gastronomic tips: grab the chance of a trip to Val di Bisenzio and taste the typical tortelli filled with potatoes and the so-called "zuccherini di Vernio" (round anise biscuits dipped in glacé icing).