Passo della Futa: alla scoperta dell'Appennino tosco-emiliano

Discovering the Futa Pass, a mountain pass in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in Mugello: what to see and do in this fascinating mountain resort.

Let's geolocate ourselves: where is the Futa Pass?

The Futa Pass, in the Municipality of Firenzuola, within the large Metropolitan City of Florence, it is a border crossing of theTuscan-Emilian Apennines which opens at an altitude of 903 m above sea level It is crossed by the State Road 65 of Futa near the crossroads, a few meters north of the pass, with the provincial road 116 of Cornacchiaia to Firenzuola, and separates the Mugello valley from the Santerno river valley, in addition to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines from the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines.

How to reach the Futa Pass

Reached by Florence Barberino di Mugello via the A1, it takes Via Bolognese for about 500 meters, then taking the SP8. The route enters quite easily onto the SS65, which in just under 8 kilometers, reaches the top of the Futa Pass, in the Firenzuola area.

Cimitero Germanico Militare sul Passo della Futa

A Brief History of the Futa Pass

The ancient route of the Via Flaminia Minor of the Roman Empire seems to coincide with the Osteria Bruciata pass (917 m) located between the current Futa Pass and Giogo di Scarperia.

However, certain traces of this communication route can only be found towards the Two-hundred, and until the fourteenth century, when the Apennines were crossed by pilgrims who went to Rome on the occasion of the jubilee desired by Boniface VIII.

With theadvent of the Lorraines, and for reasons mainly of a military and defensive nature, a new communication route which connected two new cities (Firenzuola built in 1332 and Scarperia) through a new pass, the Scarperia Yoke. In the 1759 it was completed Futa Road (Florence-Bologna): since then the pass has once again become one of the most popular for crossing the Apennines.

During the Second World War the Pass was defended by some of the main fortified works belonging to the Gothic Line, the infamous German defensive system that for a long time managed to stop the Allies coming up from the south of Italy. Obviously the positions were abandoned as soon as the Allies managed to break through to the adjacent Giogo di Scarperia pass in September 1944.

The Pass was also included in the route of most editions of the Mille Miglia, from 1927 to 1957. From the opening of the Apennine section of the Autostrada del Sole, the December 3, 1960, the pass is mainly used by the inhabitants of the nearby villages for their travel in the area, and by motorcyclists.

For further information: The Painters' Trail in Mugello: Discovering the Landscapes That Inspired Giotto

Cimitero germanico vicino al Passo della Futa, sull'Appennino tosco-emiliano

The German Military Cemetery of Futa

Since it was the scene of bloody clashes between Germans and Allies on the Gothic Line, the pass is home to a German military cemetery. Built between 1961 and 1969, at 950 m above sea level, along the route of the Gothic Line itself, the cemetery is the largest in our country among those dedicated to the German soldiers who fell during the Second World War. On a huge space of 12 hectares it hosts almost 31,000 victims which were permanently placed here after they were temporarily buried in over 2000 Italian municipalities at the end of the war. great memorial, which recalls the war massacres, which can be reached thanks to an imposing and panoramic climb: it is the highest point of the place from which you can enjoy a magnificent view.

When to visit the Futa Pass

The best time to reach the Futa Pass is definitely the one that goes from spring to autumn, since in winter they are not exclude heavy snowfalls and strong gusts of wind. It is precisely for protect travellers from these dangerous weather conditions that occurred on the top of the Pass a long protective wall, historical and architectural testimony which certifies, for several centuries now, the importance of the pass in keep communications strong with the surrounding areas and the transport of essential goods for the community.

The Raticosa Pass: ideal for motorcyclists

The Futa Pass also leads to aanother extremely interesting destination, especially for two-wheel enthusiasts. This is the nearby Raticosa Pass, an area where mountains and hills predominate. But its main peculiarity lies in representing a pleasant stopping point for motorcyclistsHere, in fact, it is possible to find refreshments and check your motorbike in complete tranquility, also interacting with all the riders who meet on site. In other words, it is a ideal area for a bit of relaxation, to recover energy and to socialize with new adventure friends.

For further information: The Gothic Line in Borgo a Mozzano: a virtually unknown treasure

Passo della Raticosa sull'Appennino tosco-emiliano

Where to sleep and eat near Futa: our recommendations

Accommodation facilities

Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort – Luxury Resort in Tuscany: luxury resort with outdoor pool and excellent traditional restaurant; Tenuta Le Tre Virtù – Resort in Mugello: in Scarperia and San Piero, luxury resorts for a unique sensory experience; A step away from the B&B:in Pietramala, a B&B offering excellent accommodation with a patio; B&B Donnini Firenzuola: at Casetta di Tiara, a charming B&B with a terrace and 3 independent rooms; B&B Villa Bianca, in Scarperia, an excellent location offering themed rooms for overnight stays with breakfast.

Restaurants

La Selva di Frena Farmhouse, in Firenzuola, a corner where old traditions and new flavours meet; Raticosa Chalet, in Firenzuola, excellent for motorcyclists, Tuscan cuisine but also sandwiches and piadinas with delicious cured meats; Trattoria Bar Bibo, in Firenzuola, near the Futa Pass, Tuscany begins to make itself felt with meat which rightfully enters among the most recommended dishes, but the famous Mugello potato tortelli are also not to be missed; La Rocca Restaurant, in Firenzuola, in the heart of the historic center, the kitchen offers traditional Tuscan dishes; Badia di Moscheta Restaurant, in Firenzuola, traditional Tuscan cuisine, with strictly homemade specialties, in a fairytale landscape.

Tenuta Le Tre Virtù in Mugello, sede del ristorante Virtuoso, 1 Stella Michelin

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