Vallombrosa is a summer resort in the Province of Florence in the Italian region of Tuscany. It is 328 ft. above sea-level, on the northwest slope of the Pratomagnomountain chain. The village of Vallombrosa lies among forests, and was originally the location of a hermitage dedicated to Santa Maria d'Acquabella. Later, the large BenedictineVallombrosa Abbey was built and remains a major landmark of the region. The Abbey can accommodate a limited number of visitors. Vallombrosa is a toponym which indicates both a forest located on the southern slopes of Pratomagno, and a place, located within this forest, in the territory of Commune of Reggello. The Reggello Vallombrosa meteorological station is located there. In the Vallombrosa area there is the homonymous nature reserve, as well as the renowned Vallombrosa Arboretum and a vast lawn, very popular in the summer period, especially by the inhabitants of Florence looking for rustic relaxation.
The fame of the Vallombrosa-Saltino complex as a health resort was born in the second half of 19th century, and reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks in part to the railway Sant'Ellero-Saltino, long since abandoned. Italy's annexation of Trentino following WWI led to a decided loss of interest for Vallombrosa and Saltino, as Italian vacationers preferred the new Alpine destinations, relegating those two vacation spots to a local interest. Despite this constant decline, the town seemed to find, starting in 1960, a tourist revitalization with the construction of a ski resort on the peak of the neighboring Monte Secchieta. The natural ski area that was created allowed Vallombrosa, thanks to its proximity to Florence, to offer an elitist tourist image compared to other mountain tourist resorts in Tuscany. The closure of the ski facilities, which took place in 1988, was not followed up, partially due to lively controversy over the environmental damage that might result from invasive plant species. The closure left the site without the possibility of offering alternatives to tourists in the winter period.
