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History of Campi near Florence, Tuscany

The territory of Campi was made inhabitable in the 8th century by Benedictine monks, who reclaimed the swamplands. It is crossed by the lower waters of the Bisenzio river in the plane between Florence and Prato.

Starting from the era of Charlemagne (8th century), it was a fortified castle of the Roman Empire and was a defence position on the Bisenzio river. In the 12th century, the village passed over to the bishops of the City of Florence, suffering repeated attacks by the enemies of Florence. It became the most important area of the countryside in the 13th century.

Seat of the podestà, Campi followed the destiny of Florence, which provided for the strengthening of its fortifications. These are still visible along the Bisenzio and were partially demolished in the 1800’s in an attempt at urban rationalization.

During the Medici and Lorena governments, Campi, which was mainly swampland, was reclaimed. Thus, the cultivation of cereals, potatoes, sugar beets and grapes developed, but the vicinity to Prato favoured the textile industry in the immediate post war period.

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