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Inhabitants in 1991: 8.848
 The
municipal territory of Vaiano extends for 34,23 square kilometres in the
medium valley of the Bisenzio in a hilly zone. It became autonomous
municipality from 1949 when the districts of Vaiano and Solignano
were removed from the municipality of Prato, and it reached its present
day aspect in 1984 with the aggregation of a small uninhabited area
removed from the municipality of Barberino di Mugello.
Ancient Roman settlement, the capital however owes its development
in the Medieval to the Vallombrosana Abbey of San Salvatore which
was founded in the XI century, soon becoming powerful for the numerous
land donations giving it an outstanding patrimony in the Appenninica region
surrounding it. Next to the Abbey a small hamlet began to be formed, whose
first origins were as a hospital for pilgrims, which was managed by monks,
where, from the beginning of the XIII century, they offered shelter to
the wayfarers who crossing the Appennino passed through the Valley of
the Bisenzio. Successively walled by the Pratesi, who made it a
sentry castle for the valley. Vaiano remained dependent to Prato
and acquired autonomous municipality only in recent times. Today the meagre
group of ancient habitations has almost disappeared and Vaiano has the
aspect of a modern industrial municipality.
Places to visit:
S.Salvatore, church of the XI
century, reconstructed successively and remodelled several times during
the years. The bell tower goes back to around 1250. Near the church
there is a small museum. |
Historical info reproduced upon authorization of Regione Toscana - Dipartimento della Presidenza E Affari Legislativi e Giuridici
Translated by Ann Mountford |
www.terraditoscana.com
