Between the cool woods of Vallombrosa and the Art Nouveau panoramas of Saltino, Summer 2025 promises a packed calendar of events capable of combining refreshment, scenic beauty and high quality cultural proposals. From June to September, the green heart of Reggello comes alive with concerts, guided walks, popular meetings and literary prizes: an invitation to experience places that, since the 19th century, were the favorite destination of the European elite in search of a healthy climate and spiritual quiet.
Literature in the Trees
- Vallombrosa Literary Award – July 7, 4 p.m.
Delivered in the abbey’s ancient guesthouse, the Florence-Valdisieve Rotary Club’s award celebrates authors and titles that tell the story of the intertwining of man and nature. - Vallombrosa National Poetry Prize – Sept. 20,
Verse and spirituality meet in the monastic refectory for one of Italy’s most evocative poetry competitions.
Music in the abbey
The abbey’s large Mascioni organ (1935) takes center stage in a free concert series (5:45 p.m.):
- July 26 – Ugo Sforza
- August 2 – Giulia Ricci
- Aug. 9 – Gregorian chant with Marco Cimagalli, Luca Falera, Daniela Ramaccia
- Aug. 16 – Harpsichord with Matteo Pasqualini
- Aug. 23 – Organ and oboe with Andrea Macinanti and Marino Bedetti
In Saltino, in the Multipurpose Center (9 p.m.), space for chamber music:
- July 13 – Flute and guitar
- Aug. 14 – Flute and guitar
- July 13 – Organ concert with Luciano Zecca
Walks and outreach
- Thematic Visits to Experimental Arboreta – June 28 and August 9
With the Carabinieri for Biodiversity, among exotic essences planted more than 150 years ago. - Le Matinée (Saltino, 10 a.m.) – July 29, August 12 and 19
Short talks on history, architecture and nineteenth-century vacationing.
Sports and major events
- July 27 – Green Run Vallombrosa Trail (9 a.m.)
13 km of running immersed in the biogenetic reserve. - August 15 – Feast of the Assumption
Liturgical celebrations, music and picnic on the Prairie. - August 29-30-31 and September 7 – Festival Foresta Maestra
Seminars, sound walks and concerts designed by the association “Vallombrosa – The Forest of Florence.”
Why choose Saltino and Vallombrosa?
- Ideal climate: altitudes between 900 and 1 000 m, cool air even on the hottest days.
- Protected nature: the Vallombrosa Forest is a biogenetic reserve and home to the tallest trees in Italy.
- Cultural heritage: thousand-year-old abbey, Art Nouveau villas, votive chapels and the famous experimental arboretums.
Check the organizers’ websites or the Saltino Tourist Office for the detailed schedule and book your summer among music, woods and history now: Vallombrosa and Saltino are waiting for you!
