routes / Out of town

From Pistoia: a panoramic loop with views of the city

Castagno: the open-air museum village

Pistoia

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routes

Out of town

Pistoia

length

40 Km

Difference in altitude

1500 m

Means of transport

MTB

A challenging route designed for mountain biking enthusiasts, perfect for full-suspension bikes, and accessible year-round.

The route begins at Piazza Oplà, near the centre of Pistoia, and initially ascends toward the charming village of Germinaia. From there, it continues toward Iano, offering cyclists stunning panoramic views of Pistoia.

Just before reaching Iano, the trail takes on a dirt climb known as “Cavone,” leading to Via Bolognese, above the locality of Il Signorino. The journey proceeds toward Collina and Poggio dei Lagoni, traversing an enchanting landscape during a long, scenic climb of about two hours. At the top, riders embark on the first single track, called “Il Boia,” which descends to the area of I Piloni.

From I Piloni, the single track “I Fiaschi” takes you to the picturesque village of Sammommè. After a brief climb on a panoramic paved road, the route diverts just before the SS 64 to follow another single track called “La Matta,” which leads to the open-air museum village of Castagno.

From Castagno, passing near the local railway station, the trail joins the single track “Il Merlo,” descending to the area of Il Casale. A climb then begins toward Il Signorino, where riders enter another wooded trail heading downhill after a short stretch on Via Bolognese.

The journey continues along the single track “Malacosta,” a technical descent leading to the locality of Villa di Sotto. From there, it descends further to Valdibrana, eventually returning to Pistoia to complete the loop.

An experience rich in scenic views and technical trails, this route is ideal for those seeking a two-wheeled adventure immersed in the nature and history of the area.

Itinerary curated by AVDO Trail Area – Pistoia

Stages Itinerary

Pistoia

stage 1

Pistoia

Pistoia, a city of art, boasts treasures within its medieval walls. Piazza del Duomo houses the Cathedral of San Jacopo, Palazzo degli Anziani, and Palazzo del Podestà. Piazza della Sala, a historic and vibrant hub, features the Pozzo del Leoncino, a food market, and trattorias. Romanesque gems include San Giovanni Fuorcivitas and Sant’Andrea, while Renaissance highlights are the Basilica della Madonna dell’Umiltà and Spedale del Ceppo. Museums span ancient to modern art, including Pistoia Sotterranea and the Marino Marini Museum. Beyond the walls, explore the Medici Fortress, Villa Puccini, and the Zoological Garden.

Castagno di Piteccio

Pistoia

stage 2

Castagno di Piteccio

Founded around 1600, the village is essentially an open-air museum. Thanks to the art critic Tommaso Paloscia, who loved spending his holidays here, Castagno inherited an important artistic heritage between 1975 and 2004, transforming it into a village with an open-air museum. This valuable collection continues to grow, with new works being added even beyond the “walls,” marking the beginning of a project to extend the museum into the surrounding landscape. This initiative has created new slow-paced routes that blend art and nature. Today, Castagno boasts as many as 60 works of art. To spot them all, one must take a careful look around.