Ti Prego - Discovering the spiritual places where to admire silence

Ti Prego (I pray you) is the name of an evocative route that leads us to discover hidden art and architecture in Palazzuolo sul Senio, not only churches among mountains and hamlets, but ancient convents and monasteries too: exploring it on foot or by eBike is an alternative way to approach the rediscovery of silence while respecting the environment.

There are two suggested legs: the Badia di Susinana monastery and the Quadalto convent, both of them enchanting places on the Mugello mountains.

The ancient Susinana complex in the Vallombrosa area can be reached via the SP 306 state road towards Casola Valsenio. At the 5,7 km you turn following the directions to the Church, which is about 1 km away.
The monastery, located on top of a hillock between the Senio and Rio Cesare rivers, is preceded by an imposing mill, from which you access an arched bridge; it is advisable to leave your bike here and proceed on foot, hearing just the sound of your own footsteps, along the cobbled path that winds up among the pine trees and then climbs up to the Abbey.
It is interesting to visit the inside of the church, where you can admire the fine wooden choir dating to 1771 and the ceramic baptismal font made by the Manifattura Fornaci San Lorenzo.

From the Abbey it is worth reaching Misileo, that is the Frontier District, the border with Tuscan Romagna which is home to the second oldest tobacco shop in Italy!  A licence was granted in 1864 to Alberto Pifferi, ancestor of the current owner, who will regale you with his tales.
And before moving on to the next leg, we suggest you to sample the local mushroom and truffle-based delicacies!

The Madonna della Neve Shrine can be reached from the centre of Palazzuolo sul Senio travelling along the state road to Florence for 1,2 km, right after the village of Quadalto. The convent is a place of beauty and peace with a strong contemplative trait; it has been the seat of the Francescane Ancelle di Maria nuns for over 250 years.
According to tradition it was the Virgin Mary who led the three founders to create the shrine in 1774 "in my Oratory of Acuadalto where the scent of wild roses is found".

Furthermore, why not take a break at the Bar Quadalto, a few metres away from the Convent? Here you will find a permanent exhibition on Palazzuolo, c’era una volta/Una volta, a Palazzuolo (Once upon a time in Palazzuolo): on display are photographs and documents that highlight its architecture, art, recorded history and also, sometimes, a little melancholy.