Mountain Bike Ride on the Montalbano Ridge

Sport, nature, and history

Serravalle Pistoiese

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routes

Out of town

Serravalle Pistoiese

length

29 Km

Difference in altitude

807 m

Means of transport

MTB, gravel

A medium-difficulty route that offers spectacular views and passes through historically rich sites, creating a perfect blend of sport and culture.

This circular route crosses three Tuscan provinces offers a unique experience for those who love to explore nature by mountain bike. The itinerary provides spectacular views and passes through historically significant sites, creating a perfect blend of sport and culture.

Starting from the town of Casalguidi, head towards Cantagrillo along the Montalbano Provincial Road. Along the way, pass by the sports area dedicated to Franco Ballerini, former coach of the Italian cycling team, who tragically passed away in 2010.

Upon reaching Ponte Stella, cross the industrial area and enter the countryside of Serravalle Pistoiese. A poignant stop is the monument dedicated to Silvano Fedi, a partisan who died in a Nazi ambush on July 29, 1944, along with his companions. Fedi is considered a key figure in the resistance and liberation of Pistoia.

After about one kilometre, the dirt path leads to the hill of Vinacciano, with its charming small village. Continuing through country roads and the Serravalle quarries, reach the ridge, where you can enjoy an incredible panorama: to the right, you’ll see the Padule di Fucecchio, the profile of Monsummano Alto, and the plains of Pistoia.

Following the trail, arrive at the Croce di Belvedere, a pilgrimage site, and then descend towards Località dei Papi. After some undulating sections, the path plunges into a captivating beech forest in Casalvento, where you can take a short loop among the local agritourism. The final descent through the forest offers thrills and adrenaline, bringing you back to your starting point, Casalguidi.

Itinerary by Simone Querci

Photo credit: CAI Pistoia

Stages Itinerary

Casalguidi

Serravalle Pistoiese

stage 1

Casalguidi

Originally known as Casale, Casalguidi, in the municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese, was fortified in 1181 by the people of Pistoia after the arrival of Frederick Barbarossa. Its origins date back to the first settlements on San Biagio, where a temple dedicated to Venus was later consecrated to Saint Romulus. After being destroyed by the Lombards, it passed to the Carolingians, who granted it to Ildebrando of the Guidi Counts. In 1301, it was devastated by Corso Donati’s troops, and in 1391, it fell under Jacopo del Verme. Only under Cosimo I de’ Medici did the conflicts subside, bringing stability to the community.

Serravalle Pistoiese

stage 2

Serravalle Pistoiese

Serravalle Pistoiese lies on the border between the Valdinievole and the Pistoia area. Remains of ancient fortifications which we can still admire today - the Torre del Barbarossa and the Rocca Nuova - bear witness to the considerable importance of this area, as it was where many pilgrims used to pass through and which takes us back to the warmongering times of the Lombards. Nearby was once an impressive building built by the Knights of the Jerusalem Hospital “La Magione”, where pilgrims used to find a warm welcome; nowadays all that is left are the remains of its outside walls.

Vinacciano

Serravalle Pistoiese

stage 3

Vinacciano

The Castello di Vinacciano passed to the municipality of Pistoia in 1221 and shared the same fate as its neighboring castles, especially in the 14th century. In 1318, Castruccio Castracani from Lucca conquered it, along with other castles, and stationed Lucchese soldiers there. In 1322, after capturing Pistoia, the Lucchese reinforced the castle and stationed additional troops there.