“La valle canora dove si snoda l’azzurro fiume
Che rotto e muggente a tratti canta epopea
E sereno riposa in larghi specchi d’azzurro”
(Marradi - Dino Campana 1885-1932)

Poets' prose still today find reference in the Marradese territory, so suggestive and attractive for the green of its forests, its century old chestnut trees, the interchange of rivers and streams, whose lipid waters (according to ARPAT the cleanest in the Firenze province) cross uncontaminated valleys, land still virgin, where sky and earth almost touch.
In an embrace in which the colours of nature, the magic of the forests and the pureness of the air (this also considered by ARPAT the cleanest in the Firenze province) make the territory of Marradi an obligatory destination for nature and culture lovers.
The median position of Marradi between Firenze, Ravenna and the Romagnola Riviera, each reachable by car and train (with the suggestive and historic Faentina Railway line) make it an ideal location for those who want to combine environmental tourism with historical, cultural and resort tourism.
The Marradi municipalities are numerous, farm holidays, bed & breakfast, accommodation facilities immersed in the country, in quiet corners, where one can pass the days in complete relaxation and privacy.
Facilities able to welcome every type of client, from the most demanding to the boy scout, The municipal territory is crossed by a vast mesh of interesting nature walks, signposted and cared for by the CAI and SOFT Trekking, usable by foot, maintain bike or horseback and which often pass notable religious monuments of the X-XI century.
The naturalistic interests extend also to the fauna, the return of the wolf, the many hoofed animals, walking in our woods it is possible to meet “Bambi”.
The rivers with pure limpid water make this land one of the few Appennine zones rich in fish from the salmon family.
There are numerous Abbeys and religious locations in the Marradi Municipality formed from the strong spirituality during the X and XII centuries.
Those of most note are the Abbey of S. Reparata, one of the most important monastic complexes in the territory, going back to the XI century; of Romanic architecture founded by S. Giovanni Gualberto, which retains works from the Ghirlandaio school.
From the same period, the Abbey of Crespino del Lanome where prestigious frescoes from the XII century are found.
To these must be added the Eremo di Gamogna, which is found in a high plain at roughly 900 metres above sea level, and the Abbey della Valle also of Romanic architecture founded by S. Pier Damiano.
A visit to the Rocca del Castiglionchio is also obligatory, a fortification from the VI century, today only the recently consolidated central nucleus remains. Its panoramic position, which covers all the Lamone valley made it a strategic location from a military point of view. Niccolò Machiavelli cited it more than once in his writings.
First the dominion of the Guidi Counts then successively that of the Fiorentina Republic, Marradi maintains a notable historic centre which presents an urban structure difficult to find in mountain towns: the houses, the lordly palaces remind one more of the streets of the historic centre of a city like Firenze, rather than a town in the mountains. Piazza delle Scalelle is its heart onto which face the Palazzo Comunale with its arcade, the 1600s Palazzo Fabroni, the Palazzo del Cannone and the church of Suffragio.
In the underlying square, other than the palazzo Fabroni and the palazzo Torriani there is the tower lane, via Fabbrini, where a recently restored antique sundial can be found. A little further on is the Dominican monastery and the extremely elegant and delightful Teatro degli Animosi in late 1600s style. Also to note is the Arcipretale church and the house of the poet Dino Campana.
Regarding this, in the new Dino Campana cultural centre, which also contains the municipal library, the tourist office and the historic archives with documents going back to the period before the unity of Italy, there is the Campaniani Study Centre, the most important study centre and collection of documents relative to Dino Campana and the absolute richest bibliography of the poet. A centre which is a point of reference for scholars and students.
Marradi is the land of Marron Buono (chestnut) and diamond point of the Mugello IGP. The quality of the Marradi chestnut is recognised internationally as being the highest.
Gastronomy benefits from the myriad of exquisite recipes based on the chestnut among which stands out the “torta di Marroni di Marradi” (Marradi Chestnut cake) emblem of the local gastronomic culture, the recipe for which is jealously conserved in the memory of the elderly.
It is possible to taste this deliciousness during the historic and famous “Sagra delle Castagne” (Chestnut festival) held during the month of October, also reached by the evocative steam train.
For the last few decades the local gastronomy has featured, together with the traditional and delicious Porcino and Ovulo mushroom, game and in particular wild boar, accompanied by the rediscovered polenta.
In the month of December the Christmas Market is held, with the characteristic stalls, a warm and welcoming atmosphere with reminds one of the Tyrolean markets.
And lastly for those who want to spend time resting and relaxing at Marradi while taking up a sport, there are numerous structures available, tennis courts, football and five a side pitches, athletic fields, sports arena, motocross course, three riding schools, and a swimming pool with a large car park and an adjoining ballroom.