산타 크로체 술아르노 최고의 러닝 경로

I had high hopes for this stretch. But I have to say I found it in terrible condition, and I'm very disappointed, because I could have promoted it on my tours and brought my clients there. I'm very disappointed that the much-hyped Via Francigena isn't kept in good condition. Just before Galleno, I also found a fallen tree that I had to climb over with my bike, and a second one is about to fall. After that? It's not much better.

village on a hill that blends beautifully into the landscape

A town of about 13,300 inhabitants in the province of Pisa, Santa Maria a Monte has always been a village much contested between the various Tuscan cities, from Florence to Lucca, until it became Pisan territory. Galileo Galilei also resided here for a short period of his life and in the town of Santa Maria a Monte is also located the Tavolaia Astronomical Observatory, active since 1999.

Only suitable for MTB.

Nice road with little traffic

The return is along the Via Francigena

After Lauds in the shade of a small village church, the crossing of the ridge to the Arno Valley on the Via Francigena began. The track was very difficult to drive. Forest paths made of hard-packed and parched clay soil, in which countless riders and mountain bikers had left their tracks on wet days, alternating with slippery gravel on steep inclines; all in all a sporting challenge.

The characteristics of this first cycling day are: 1) the beautiful track on a flat and fairly regular dirt road in the middle of bushes and woods, from Galleno to Ponte a Cappiano, on the remains of the ancient Francigena; 2) the rather unpleasant stretch between Fucecchio and San Miniato, in the midst of daily traffic, increased by the noisy (and foul-smelling) manifestation of the Mille Miglia, with 700 cars parade, 3) the lonely stretch between San Miniato and Gambassi, in the open and with frequent climbs on dirt roads and paths, among flowering hills and cultivated fields; 3) the excellent Sigerico hostel near the beautiful church of S. Maria a Chianni, near Gambassi (25 € for overnight stay, dinner and buffet breakfast).