B&B Antica Foresteria di Tòsina

Hey, I'm Lorenzo

Welcoming the guests at the Antica Foresteria di Tòsina is Lorenzo, one of the young people who, together with the "Perché No?" Group from Borselli, brought to life the project to restore and enhance the building. The initiative stems from a desire to create new opportunities in a part of the Apennines near Florence that has long been affected by youth migration, while also preserving the memories, traditions, and knowledge connected to the rural culture of the Florentine Mountains. The revival of the foresteria is thus not only about restoring a historic building but also represents a project deeply connected to the local community and its future. Lorenzo personally manages reservations and welcomes guests, remaining available throughout their stay for information, practical needs, or simply to offer advice about the area. His direct familiarity with the region allows him to provide helpful suggestions to those wishing to explore trails, villages, natural routes, and historical sites in this lesser-known part of Tuscany. In this way, the hospitality maintains the original spirit of the ancient foresteria: simple, genuine, and attentive to people, continuing a tradition of welcoming that has lasted for centuries in Tòsina.

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Area Campagna

Tòsina is a small hamlet of Borselli, located within the municipality of Pelago, nestled in the Florentine Mountains and surrounded by a landscape of forests, Apennine hills, and ancient routes that for centuries connected Florence with Casentino and the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. It is a secluded and peaceful spot, perfect for those wishing to discover a less touristy Tuscany, characterized by parish churches, abbeys, trails, and small rural communities.

The guesthouse is just a short walk from the Church of Santa Margherita of Antioch, situated in an area deeply influenced by monastic presence. The settlement of Tòsina itself has roots in the Camaldolese tradition and still preserves evidence of a millennial history, intertwined with the medieval events of the Apennines, the Guidi Counts, and the ancient routes that crossed these mountains.

The area is part of the Rufina Valley Ecomuseum, a region where landscape, agriculture, and historical memory are closely connected. Heading down towards the Sieve Valley, one encounters vineyards and farms belonging to the Chianti Rufina and Pomino DOC regions, two historic expressions of Tuscan winemaking. Thus, a stay here can alternate between nature hikes, visits to villages and churches, and stops dedicated to discovering local products and wines.

For trekking enthusiasts, Tòsina serves as a particularly interesting starting point. The facility is an official stop on the Via dei Monasteri, the route leading from Florence to the Camaldoli Hermitage, passing through some of the most evocative spiritual and natural sites of the Apennines. From this area, it is also possible to connect to the Via di Francesco and continue towards the Sanctuary of La Verna, following paths that have been traveled for centuries by pilgrims and travelers.

Among the most easily accessible destinations is the Abbey of Vallombrosa, set within the forest of the same name and linked to one of Tuscany’s most important monastic traditions. Nearby are Monte Secchieta and the Consuma Pass, popular scenic and natural spots appreciated by hikers and cyclists alike. Continuing eastward, one enters Casentino and the Casentinesi Forests National Park, Monte Falterona, and Campigna, one of the largest and most fascinating wooded areas of the Italian Apennines.

The territory is also well-suited for cycle tourism, thanks to the presence of secondary roads, Apennine climbs, and routes that pass through woods, valleys, and small towns. Those preferring a more relaxed holiday can enjoy leisurely walks in the surroundings, visit the villages of the Sieve Valley, or simply savor the tranquility and slow pace of the mountains.

Despite the secluded nature of the location, its position allows for easy expansion of the itinerary to other parts of Tuscany. Florence and Mugello are reachable within about an hour by car, while inland routes open up towards Casentino, Camaldoli, and La Verna. The Antica Foresteria di Tòsina thus represents an ideal base for exploring a territory rich in nature, spirituality, and history, away from the busiest tourist circuits but surprisingly close to some of Tuscany’s most significant sites.