Signa, the town of straw

All around Florence! Rivers, lakes and hills characterise Signa, which lies to the west of Florence, along the River Arno: Signa’s ancient river port, which served the city of Florence, was for centuries the economic and cultural centre of this area.

What to see in Signa

The oldest part, or ‘Castello’, bears witness to the town’s medieval past, and it is here that a themed festival takes place every year, culminating in the burning of the north tower to commemorate the victorious siege of 1397.

In the centre and outlying villages of Signa, you can visit many churches dating back to ancient times: San Lorenzo, San Giovanni, Santa Maria and San Mauro; inside, there are ancient frescoes and works of art, and the parish church of San Giovanni is also the resting place of the remains of the Blessed Giovanna, who is commemorated every year on Easter Monday.
The town has opened an interesting museum entirely dedicated to its most traditional craft: straw work. The Florentine straw hat was made in Signa, thanks to the tireless work of the women ‘trecciaiole’, who plaited the strands of straw so that they could be shaped. The Straw Museum is an excellent example of a museum of local customs and traditions.

And for outdoor enthusiasts? As well as the hills, which stretch into the Montalbano at the Gonfolina pass, Signa offers the vast green space of the Parco dei Renai, with lakes where you can enjoy water sports, surrounded by extensive public parkland. The park is linked to the Parco delle Cascine in Florence by a cycle path that runs alongside the Arno. 

Hiking and walking routes to Signa

Signa is part of the Renaissance Ring, offering a lovely stretch of flat terrain.    see the map of all the walking routes in the Florence area.

How to reach Signa

The city can be easily reached by train from Santa Maria Novella Central Station in Florence.

Download the Brochure All Around Florence

To find out more about the history of the area around Florence, download the brochure now from the official tourism website of the Municipality of Florence and the Metropolitan City: Click here to download the brochure All around Florence.