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Short History of Cerreto Guidi near Florence

The first historical testimony relating to Cerreto Guidi dates back to 780. The name Cerreto in Greti remained in use until 1079 when that of the ancient feudal dominion of the Guidi Counts, took over. Here, the Guidis constructed a castle not far from the Via Francigena route, the road of pilgrims and merchants.

Beginning in 1085, their power became purely nominal in favor of the Florentine Republic.The total concession of Cerreto to the Florentines came officially, at the end of the feudal epoque in 1273. From that moment onwards the destiny of Cerreto would be joined inseparably to that of Florence.

The 16th century is of major importance in the history of Cerreto, profoundly influencing its future, and during which the city was bound to that of the Medici. Cerreto became “frontier territory” as an area of pleasure and hunting for the Medici court. In the 1500’s, Cosimo I de’ Medici chose to build himself a splendid villa in a prominent, panoramic position over the hills and valleys not far from the Fucecchio wetlands and the renowned estate of the “Medici Barco Reale”.

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