From Montepulciano to Monticchiello if
you are a lover of romantic, inspiring lands, you can enjoy a great scenic
Valdichiana route, cycling in Tuscany, a great chance to practise a wonderful outdoor activity living in the meantime a fascinating experience of tourism.
In that very captivating,
picturesque corner of one of the most astonishing regions of Italy well known to be
packed by a multitude of superb, historic sites in an incomparable scenery among the
most enchanting in the world you will charmed by the immense beauty of the province of Siena.
It is definitely a great destination at the foot of the Apennines pretty
close to the beautiful Lake Trasimeno, a more than fascinating
waters basin very loved by people fond of water sports, nature, tourism and
cyclists who can find all around that territory encircled by a fabulous hilly frame along the wonderful course of the river Chiani
which gives its name to that stupendous valley a lot of things to do.
That geographic area also includes the province Arezzo, another land rich of stunning attractions, motherland of one of the most celebrated artists all time, a genius of the Renaissance called Michelangelo Buonarroti bordering furthermore those of
Perugia and Terni situated in
Umbria , another fantastic region all to discover for its unique spendour.
As additional, attractive detail you are very close to another famous
valley, the splendid Val D'Orcia which apart its extraordinary appeal was
absolute protagonist as scene of of the famed movie The English Patient.
That successful
Anglo-American production released in 1996 directed by
Anthony Minghella which enchanted the public of all
around the world awarded with its 9
Oscars won in the edition of 1997 filmed some scenes
in the wonderful centre of Pienza, one of the most charming sites of that geographic area.
Surrounded by idyllic, hilly plateaus the Valdichiana was one of the favourite settlements of the ancient Etruscans who found there one of the most fertile soil of the
entire Italic Peninsula permitting them to cultivate different kinds vegetables thanks to an extraordinary soil and a very mild
climate.
In that land you will be delighted by superb, fine wines tasting experiences appreciating in addition a supreme extra virgin olive oil, a fantastic product highly regarded worldwide for its outstanding quality.
With an endless list of opportunities to enjoy historic, cultural, gastronomic, photographic tourism, that territory is very appropriate for cycle tours with several, stunning
itineraries across a land born to bewitch everyone for its marvellous patrimony.
In an Eden boasting an infinite list of artistic marvels ranging from the finest Renaissance to the most charming Medieval architecture visible including in the smallest hamlets also protagonists of a magnificent secular history that Tuscan heaven is since a long time ago a Mecca for mountain bikers.
Thanks to
the presence of splendid mixed and dirt trails, that relevant destination is simply
perfect for activities on two wheels, a place in proximity of the route of that famous cycling competition called Strade Bianche inserted in the professional calendar.
That spectacular race undoubtedly increased since its inception the desire of many people to test those attractive, special roads in the heart of Italy which became in the last decade a top destination for a multitude of passionate cyclists who can combine that attractive activity with many others.
All those who love that can also have the chance to taste an
outstanding cuisine loyal to the oldest regional culinary traditions, a delicious gastronomy perfect for the most refined palates always searching the most
delectable flavours finding there a multitude of genuine, delectable
typical plates and all homemade.
For all that and more many visitors since a long time
ago started to enjoy cycling and visiting
farms or spending great stays in agriturismi, hospitality structures offering the best, fresh products and in the meantime having the unique chance to stop in different places admiring
the immense treasures Tuscany offers.
All the area around Montepulciano is packed by monumental gems scattered everywhere
including in remote villages nestled on the top of picturesque
hills, unmistakable landmarks of that dreamland.
That great idea to combine cycling, nature, art, history, gastronomy attracted and attracts a large number of German, American, British, Dutch tourists who by bicycle continue to be enchanted by that kind of exciting
tourism which offers them a complete, unforgettable experience in an Italian heaven.
From Montepulciano to Monticchiello along
a very short itinerary of approximately 10,0 kilometres with slopes
ranging between 8% and 10% with some steep walls having a superior percentage you will have the unique chance to be charmed by an incomparable scenery surrounded by picturesque olive groves, vineyards which form
all together an enchanting image that only Tuscany offers.
That route is not long but spectacular, apart the
magnificent landscapes you will admire all around, it is a very valuable test
with curves, climbs, changes of rhythms, dirt sections, narrow roads
in the heart of the most scenic Siena countryside.
Naturally for who is a non cyclist it is also possible to do that driving for about 10 minutes along a
comfortable hilly road of approximately 6,5 kilometres and you will equally
enjoy magnificent sights while the other for bikers has the same
itinerary until a specific point with a variant turning on a dirt trail from which
starts that alternative, great cycle route.
What is more than interesting is that driving or by bycicle in those few of kilometres you can stop to take numerous,
fabulous pictures in every corner admiring historic sites taking with
you great memories of places which will donate you, something of very suggestive, and significant transmitting in a while great feelings living a different day of holiday in a sort of Paradise.
Montepulciano is the starting point from its
historic centre which why not if you are planning a trip to Tuscany could be
your base, a golden haven during a stay organising from there day by day an infinite
range of radial excursions.
That beautiful town of Etruscan origin nestled on a high, scenic hilly plateau at an altitude of 605,0 metres, it is a centre of 14,500 inhabitants well known for its superb, Medieval and Renaissance core.
Characterised by romantic narrow streets, winding alleys, wonderful squares encircled by majestic walls erected in the Middle Ages you will breathe there the unique atmosphere of the true, appealing Tuscany.
Montepulciano is is undoubtedly one of the most most shining pearls of the entire region also for the outstanding preservation of its great, monumental complex formed by
the imposing, marvellous Palazzo Comunale, the Municipal Palace and the Cattedrale
di Santa Maria Assunta, a stunning religious building considered one of the best
masterpieces elevated in that region between the 16th and the 17th centuries.
All around those two emblematic symbols you will be
delighted by a wonderful maze of enchanting alleys packed by inviting, lovely shops selling fine crafts, antiques, magnificent paintings flanked
by stunning buildings totally reflecting that iconic, architectural style born in Florence the capital of the Region.
Naturally the name of that centre apart its immense
artistic, historical value is also well known worldwide for its fine,
prestigious wines, especially notorious for the emblematic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a sort of magic blend
created by the grapes of Canaiolo Nero, Mammolo and in much more
percentage by the famed Sangiovese.
That charming municipality in addition as the mentioned nearest Val D'Orcia also attracted famed filmmakers as the American director Christopher Wietz who chose that site as protagonist of some scenes of a famed movie, The Twilight Saga: New Moon dated
2009.
From the historic heart of that town you can
start your cycling experience taking a steep descent of approximately 2,5 kilometres
with three spectacular bends reaching Viale I Maggio, a long avenue which
leads to the Bivio San Biagio, an intersection in which that road
splits in two sections and once there you will have to follow the indications
towards Pienza.
On the right in a charming narrow street bordered by
beautiful cypresses you can admire the beautiful Chiesa di San Biagio, a
wonderful Renaissance Church erected in the 16th century I suggest
to visit because you will be enchanted to see something of simply great.
Located in an ample, green space encircled by hills, that architectural marvel is a superb masterpiece by Antonio da Sangallo Il
Vecchio, a talented Florentine master very active in many centres of the region in that period but who also
worked in Rome.
That great architect is well known because in the Italian
Capital re-established the layout of the fortification of the iconic Castel Sant´Angelo also known to be the Mausoleum of Hadrian containing the rests
of that famous Roman Emperor from 117 to 138 who commissioned the elevation in the former Imperial capital the Temple Venus and rebuilt the emblematic Pantheon.
That outstanding Religious building is
highlighted by a scenic, huge cupola with a turret and pinnacle, that artist partially
took as inspiration the majestic St. Peter´s Basilica in Vatican
by Donato Bramante, an eminent protagonist of several,
outstanding works such as the cloister and apse of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church in Milan but also the Belvedere courtyard in Vatican among others.
That Sacred structure consists in a Greek cross plan with a
central dome, fantastic architectural lines all around its facades with a refined execution of
symmetrical decorations inserted in a layout boasting elements perfectly placed in a building boasting fine, defined outlines.
Including
the project of the gable roofs of the structures developed beneath that big,
domed marvel are something of great for the perfect composition encircling that superb cupola covering nave and apse.
Simply sublime is the main facade flanked by a
superb high bell tower completed by a fabulous spire.
In in its interior
you will have the chance to admire a series of other masterpieces as the main altar highlighted by stunning frescoes, a marvellous marble altarpiece completed by four, fine statues placed beneath a huge vaulted niche, other highlights are majestic columns, sinuous vaults reaching a beautiful ceiling and a relevant pipe organ dated 1781 by Alamanno Contucci.
After that magnificent visit on the southern side of that monumental wonder surrounded by a fairytale woodland from that cross road you have to
continue for approximately 300,0 metres and in proximity of a
Tamoil Service Station you have to turn on the left following the signals Terre
Di Nano.
In that point you will also have as reference a Hotel
called Albergo San Biagio facing you, from there starts a beautiful hilly,
straight road called Via San Bartolomeo flanked by olive groves,
vineyards and romantic cypresses.
At the beginning that artery is pretty narrow for
approximately 500, 0 metres, after that half kilometre starts a climb
pretty gentle with slopes of about 3%, 4%, and on the right side you will
be delighted by a splendid, panoramic view of a marvellous corner of the
Valdichiana.
That great scenic image has with protagonists several
rows of vines enclosed between two charming hills, a very recommended place
to take several pictures making a spectacular giant poster to pay homage to
those divine Tuscan landscapes.
In that area you are in the heart of a land in which started a long time ago a
secular, sublime tradition linked to the cultivation of supreme grapes well known since
the 8th century but already implanted during the ancient times of the Roman Empire.
Those emblematic vineyards produce selected wines identified
by a Denomination of Controlled Origin marked by four iconic letters ; DOCG.
That code certifies all about true, real origin, concrete provenance, protection of the methods of production, a sort of original passport or imprint attesting the unique
qualities of those local wines with their own identity, as an indelible DNA impossible to alter or imitate.
After the harvest when the wine is produced to reach its highest value the product has a special process before to perform a brilliant escalation in terms of quality and ranking.
It has to be aged for minimum two years in
oak barrels to reach the top level entering in the elite
when it will be awarded with the title of Montepulciano Riserva after three years after that concrete period with no one day less or more of conservation it will reach its highest, prestigious,
value.
An excellent cycle in terms of quality was in the 90's, a more than appreciate one corresponded to the harvest
which took place in 1999 which was for different reasons such as as climatic conditions, sun, cool nights and more one of
the best of the last two decades and half.
After approximately 300, 0 metres from that
point you will meet a curve where the climb starts to be steeper changing in a
section with a slope having a percentage close to 10%.
Cycling
for other 200, 0 metres you will delighted by spectacular bend, the ascent
continues reaching in a point a wall around 14%. although for just some hundreds metres.
The surface has some little holes, the asphalt is not in perfect condition but despite
that the views are simply great with a constant presence of scattered olive groves and
vineyards on both sides.
After approximately 400,0 metres you will meet a couple of other bends with magnificent photographic view points, after 3,0
kilometres the road starts to be pretty flat with some gentle undulations
flanked by a multitude of vines on the right side and by another of charming cypresses on the opposite side.
You can see there a beautiful Villa which is currently an accommodation, once you
will be close to that building you will have a fantastic view of the town of
Montepulciano in front of you admiring the silhouette of that centre boasting from that point a
unique fascination.
That concrete place is highly recommended for all those who love
photography immortalising a scene simply astonishing because at sunset it could
represent the enchantment of the most picturesque, striking Tuscany in all its splendour with
reflections and play of lights showing you something of extraordinary.
After a gentle curve near to that stylish mansion
the climb continue again for about 2,0 kilometres, in that point
who is travelling by car can continue along a comfortable road reaching
Monticchiello driving for just some minutes.
The cyclists have take a dirt
road very similar to a famous section of the Classic Strade Bianche,
that great race in the Chianti Valley close to Siena won by
famous champions such as Fabian Cancellara, Michael Rogers and Damiano
Cunego among others.
In that trail starts a great test for excellent
mountain bikers trying the emotions and vibrations of a very spectacular route cycling in the scenic Valdichiana.
The beginning is highlighted by a steep descent of about 250,0 metres but immediately after you will face a climb with a slope ranging between
10% and 12%, in a brief section it could be compared a bit to a sort of mur of the iconic Ronde Van Vlaanderen as Flemish people call the
Tour of Flanders, that legendary competition which takes place in Belgium
but in the place of those typical cobbles you will cycle on a dirt surface.
The scenery is absolutely stunning, containing in a
nutshell the best of Tuscany, a sort of live painting with tiny, scattered agglomerations, remote farms perched on amazing hills packed by olive groves and vines.
In that area in strategic corners are located
some enchanting B&B very appropriate
to show their guests the unique beauty of a region which can charm anyone anytime, including the most
inspired romantic people or thinkers.
That climb is approximately 800,0 long metres
followed by a short undulated straight of about 400, 0 metres and after that starts
another one more or less of 300,0 metres in length with similar features of the previous ending gently with the last effort at the door of Monticchiello.
Once there you are in another valley,
the previously cited wonderful Val D´Orcia taking its name by a river crossing that Paradise, famous for two jewels of Tuscany called Pienza of which
that small centre is part as neighbourhood and the famed Montalcino, well known for its famed wines.
That land is also highlighted by the presence
of the Monte Amiata one of the most beautiful Tuscan peaks boasting a very inspiring silhouette, well known for its unforgettable
sunrises, marvellous sunsets which give that fabulous mountain of 1738, 0 metres
of altitude a unique charm often immortalised by landscape artists.
That scenic territory as the Valdichiana is well known for its superb artistic patrimony, superb wines, delicious cheeses, an infinite list
of marvellous historic, natural attractions and much more great people.
Monticchiello is a
medieval village at approximately 5,0 kilometres from Pienza a borough belonging its municipality situated at an altitude of 500, 0 metres boasting a relevant medieval past linked for a long time to the history of Siena.
Its boundaries were historically protagonists by endless clashes between the current capital of the province and Florence to obtain the domains of those territories considered a very strategic point bordering Umbria.
In the 16th
century the powerful Florentine House of Medici conquered the village incorporating it in the territories of Granducato di Toscana,
the Grand Duchy of Tuscany an independent state until 1859
before to be annexed to the Italian Reign ruled by the House House after a plebiscite
one year later.
Attesting the considerable, historic value of that site is the immediate view of its entrance called Porta Sant´Agata representing
the old gate of the walled fortification erected in the Middle Ages visible by
the presence of two high stoned towers.
The first was one developed on a square plan pretty well
conserved while the second established on a circular base
was restored and it did not keep its former image, they are both representative landmarks flanking a scenic
arched gate, crossing it you will enter into the splendid Borgo
Medievale, the medieval core of that great place.
Strolling it you will be charmed by scenic alleys picturesque, narrow streets highlighted by restored buildings erected in
different historic periods breathing a magic atmosphere in a peaceful environment greatly preserved transmitting you very special sensations.
A great highlight is the wonderful Pieve Dei Santi Leonardo e
Cristoforo, a magnificent Gothic Church dedicated to the Saints Leonard and
Christopher.
That outstanding, architectural masterpiece reachable by an
attractive stone step boasts an imposing gable facade highlighted by an impressive rose
window with a splendid, framed wooden portal established beneath a refined, carved niche.
In its
interior you can admire relevant frescoes by talented artists of Senese
School dating back the 14th century.
In the past that Sacred
construction also contained a considerable image of the Virgin Mary, the Madonna
di Monticchiello which is currently displayed in the Diocesan Museum of
Pienza.
That work was one of the great masterpieces by Pietro Lorenzetti ,a master from Siena who
also painted in Rome, Assisi and Arezzo especially
notorious for his executions characterised by a great use of brilliant colours, perfect lines, defined shapes, scenes with superb perspectives, a style which significantly
influenced the great painter and architect Giotto.
That centre apart its artistic treasures is also famous for its partisan resistance during the Second World War against the
Fascist regime and despite its limited size with just 210 official residents it boasts notable, cultural traditions closely linked to the inhabitants performing theatrical shows playing a kind of art
called Teatro Povero, poor theatre.
They represent realistic histories where the main actors are ordinary people talking about daily life, different kinds of subjects with extreme authenticity
and spontaneity with protagonists the Tuscan territory, local characters
and events happened day by day.
All that started a long time ago but it is is
still deeply rooted as part of an indelible, cultural patrimony to preserve, highly
attractive in its kind as a true expression of identity.
Monticchiello is part of Pienza so after that beautiful route and a walk in the streets of that small, enchanting village which will donate you an unforgettable experience of
cycling and art in the most genuine Tuscany of course that other
attraction deserves a last effort and it is a must.
You can continue cycling if you desire reaching the core of that marvellous
town which originally was known with the name Corsignano very famous for being the birthplace of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a figure who became Pope Pius II in 1458, admiring its medieval heart listed
as UNESCO Patrimony site.
A main highlight is its wonderful Renaissance Duomo, the Cathedral elevated between 1459 and 1462 by the architect Bernardo Rossellino who real name was Bernardo di Matteo Gamberelli next to magnificent palaces such as Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia and
the superb Palazzo Comunale, the Town Hall.
Once there after an enjoyable visit I suggest you to taste the iconic Pecorino di Pienza, an emblematic, delectable sheep cheese with DOP denomination, a mandatory when you visit that great town of the Val D' Orcia.
If you are planning to visit that area of Tuscany the nearest airport is the
Aeroporto Internazionale dell´ Umbria San Francesco di Assisi situated
74, 0 kilometres away and from there in approximately one hour driving
along the Raccordo Stradale 6 Bettole-Perugia you will be at destination.
Another option with more solutions in terms of number of flights could be the Aeroporto Internazionale Amerigo Vespucci
of Florence located at a distance of 127, 0 kilometres and driving by
A1/E35 motorway via Montevarchi you can reach that area in less than
one hour and half.
The Aeroporto Internazionale Galileo Galilei of Pisa
is located at 188, 0 kilometres of distance, in two hours driving via the Tuscan
Capital you will be reach that fabulous territory, that airport is a further,
great option due to the several low costs opportunities it provides.
The Valdichiana offers a vast range of very comfortable
accommodations, magnificent people with a high sense of hospitality, many
chances to taste a divine cuisine next to those sublime wines which are also
part of the local history and an infinite list of other stupendous things attracting
every visitor.
Cycling is one of them and from there you will have a
more than ample fan related to that outdoor activity consisting in a myriad of
itineraries of considerable, cultural values all them to enjoy day by
day.
Montepulciano-Monticchiello is a splendid
journey very significant in which nature, art and culture are greatly mixed to
delight many tourists because in those few kilometres there is a bit of everything and for
that it is in its kind a very captivating experience.
I added below some links with some suggested accommodations and information about the territory if you have plan to visit soon that Tuscan corner of immense fascination.
The stunning atmosphere and environment of that
Italian Region which with its unique scenery charmed the world it is also in
that scenic Valdichiana route of just 10,000 metres, cycling in Tuscany where you will appreciate a land born to enchant and astonish millions of people with its incomparable,
indisputable appeal and numerous attractions in a hospitable, friendly region always ready to welcome you
all year.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Montepulciano
Villa
Poggiano
Villa
Cicolina
Albergo
Duomo
Hotel I Due Cigni
Meuble Riccio
Albergo
Il Rondo
Hotel
Panoramic
Albergo
San Biagio
Useful links
