Even though the first settlements in the area of Vicchio can be dated back to ancient times, the first important historical events of the village began at the end of the XIIIth century: at this time, the Florentine Republic asked the surrounding Municipalities and Parishes to construct a new and fortified built up area which would help to reinforce its control over the Mugello area. The village, then inhabited by those who worked on its construction, subsequently increased in its urbanistic and commercial importance but still remaining faithful to the Florentine Republic. Vicchio occasionally offered hospitality to Benvenuto Cellini in a simple house in its centre which has recently been restored. Vicchio's "circle of walls", erected by the Florentines, is still in part in existence. The village also boasts of notable examples of architecture, from the "Palazzo Pretorio" which houses the "Museo Civico Beato Angelico" to the Baroque Oratory of St. Phillip Neri. In the environs, there is the locality of "Vespignano", traditionally indicated as Giotto's birthplace: the house where he is thought to have been born is used for temporary exhibitions and is an archive for documents and other works.
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