One of the most beautiful routes to travel in the Arno Valley, between Florence and Arezzo, is certainly the Setteponti (or Sette Ponti). Created in Etruscan-Roman times and known as the Cassia Vetus, it runs along the high hills on the slopes of Pratomagno.

Following the construction faster roads in the centre of the valley, the Setteponti became a slow-moving road, immersed in a typically Tuscan landscape, increasing over time the interest of cyclists and motorcyclists from all over the world.

Along the Setteponti you can find many interesting places to visit such as Romanesque parish churches, small villages and, of course, the famous Balze del Valdarno (Valdarno Cliffs).

Starting from the village of Donnini, in the municipality of Reggello, let’s discover ten places to see along the Setteponti route.

 

Pieve di San Pietro a Pitiana (Parish Church of St. Peter in Pitiana)

Located in an elevated position from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama, in the highest part of the Valdarno, stands the Pieve di San Pietro a Pitiana. Built shortly before the year 1000, it contains several works by the school of Ghirlandaio.

 

Pieve di San Pietro a Cascia (Parish Church of St. Peter in Cascia)

The Pieve di San Pietro a Cascia is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the Valdarno for its loggia, bell tower and beautiful interior spaces. Next to the parish church is the Masaccio Museum of Sacred Art, where one of Masaccio’s most famous works, the San Giovenale Triptych, is preserved.

Oblique view of the Cascia parish church in Reggello

 

Badia di San Salvatore a Soffena (Abbey of San Salvatore in Soffena)

Continuing on the Setteponti we encounter, outside the town centre and within a large meadow with olive trees, the Badia di San Salvatore a Soffena. This Abbey, which belonged to the Vallombrosan Monks and later, deconsecrated and used as an agricultural warehouse, contains the Annunciation, a painting by Masaccio’s brother.

Also worthy of note is the Village of Castelfranco di Sopra, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio as one of the Florentine New Lands. From here begins one of the most characteristic paths of the Valdarno: the Sulphur Water Path.

 

Piantravigne

Perched on a hill of cliffs is Piantravigne, a small but beautiful village, from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the Balze pinnacles.

 

Montemarciano

After Piantravigne, we encounter another small village perched on the cliffs: Montemarciano. In this small village is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie which houses the oldest representation of the Madonna in the entire Upper Valdarno.

 

Loro Ciuffenna

One of the largest towns overlooking the Setteponti is Loro Ciuffenna, included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy along with Castelfranco di Sopra. On the River Ciuffenna, which flows through the town, is the oldest watermill in Tuscany.

 

The Pieve di San Pietro Gropina (Parish Church of St. Peter Gropina)

Also considered one of the most beautiful parish churches in the Valdarno, the Church of Gropina is also the oldest, with records dating back to 1780.

 

Il Borro

Il Borro is a small but characteristic village where time seems to have stood still. Owned by the Ferragamo family, it is now a large farm with restaurants, accommodation, a splendid villa and small shops.

 

Castiglion Fibocchi

This ancient village is recognisable by its town hall, flanked by a clock tower, and its very characteristic narrow streets. Just outside the village, on a small hill, are the ruins of the ancient Pieve di San Quirico, of which there is already mention in the 2nd century.

 

Ponte a Buriano (Buriano Bridge)

Certainly the most evocative bridge in the entire Valdarno is the Ponte a Buriano, also depicted by Leonardo da Vinci along with the cliffs in his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. The bridge is currently under restoration and therefore not accessible.

 

Obviously, along the Setteponti you can find countless small villages and churches just waiting to be visited.