Florence Regains Control of Historic Le Mulina Racecourse

The former Le Mulina racecourse, nestled in the green expanse of the Cascine Park, has long been a symbol of both Florence’s sporting history and its urban challenges. Founded in 1842, the track was once one of Italy’s most prestigious venues, where celebrated jockeys and horses drew crowds to the city. Its decline, however, began with structural and financial troubles that reduced the frequency and quality of events until its closure in 2012.

Since then, Le Mulina has been at the center of legal disputes and neglect. In recent years, competitive horse racing has contracted nationwide, and all official trot and gallop competitions have been concentrated at the Visarno track, also located in Cascine Park. Le Mulina, instead, was envisioned for a different role: as a multifunctional venue that could still host equestrian activities, though not of a competitive nature, as well as other outdoor and cultural events.

In 2014, the City of Florence granted a 25-year concession to a private company, with plans to transform the area into a multifunctional center. But maintenance was never properly carried out, rents went unpaid, and the site instead became a symbol of degradation, with abandoned waste, unauthorized structures, and even episodes of fire and crime. In 2023, prosecutors placed part of the complex under seizure, while the company’s legal representative came under investigation for multiple alleged offenses.

The long standoff with the city reached a turning point this week. Tuscany’s regional administrative court (TAR) has sided with the Municipality of Florence, rejecting private company’s appeal against the revocation of the concession. The judges cited “serious breaches of contractual obligations,” including failure to pay fees and neglect of basic upkeep, while stressing the public interest in regaining control of the site.

Mayor Sara Funaro welcomed the ruling as “a decisive step” in reclaiming an abandoned but strategic public space. The municipality has already initiated safety works and launched a call for new proposals to give Le Mulina a sustainable future.

Yet, the road to rebirth remains long. More than a decade of decay has left deep marks on the once-celebrated racecourse. For now, the TAR decision represents a clear light in a story overshadowed by controversy, confirming the city’s right to move forward. The challenge ahead will be to transform Le Mulina from a symbol of decline back into a place of life, community, and culture within Florence’s largest park.

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