Siena (322 M s.l.m.) - Montaperti (229 M s.l.m.) - Castelnuovo Berardenga
(351 M s.l.m.) - Castello di Montalto (329 M s.l.m.) - Castelnuovo Berardenga
Starting from Porta Pispini, go downhill as far as the strada statale
(SS), cross it and get onto the minor road (asphalt in parts) going to
Castelnuovo B. via Vico d'Arbia. After the railway underpass, climb for
about one and a half kilometres, passing the atmospheric Castello delle
Quattro Torri on your right. The asphalt gives way to macadam and the
road continues to wend its way past country houses and poderi (smallholdings)
until it comes to Vico d'Arbia. From here you soon reach Montaperti, the
site of an ancient battle between the Florentines and the Sienese in the
13th century. Then there is a short but steep climb on an uneven surface,
after which you continue northwards towards Pianella (without going into
the hamlet) until you come to a junction. Follow the signs for Castelnuovo
B. along an undulating dirt road that passes woodland and cultivated fields.
You soon come to the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Carry on, going
gently downhill, towards Colonna del Grillo. At the crossroads there is
an old and characteristic road sign. Turn left onto provincial road no.
540 and follow it for about a kilometre and a half till you come to a
sign for Badia d'Ombrone, where there is the 13th-century Camaldolite
abbey. Retracing your tracks a little, follow signs for Montalto, which
you will get to after passing the Monastero d'Ombrone with its little
white church.
From the beautiful castle (now a private residence), cycle back to Castelnuovo
B. for the overnight stop
Starting point |
Siena 322 m |
Length |
Km 27.4 |
Time required |
3 hours |
Difference in height |
m. 200 |
Surface |
50% asphalt, 50% unpaved roads |
Difficulty |
MC |
Difficult climbs |
None |
Maps |
Atlante Stradale d'Italia (centro), carta
1:200.000, De Agostini-Tav. 9 |
Quality of views |
High |
Recommended places to visit |
Siena and Montaperti |
Info |
Agriturismo Podere S.Quirico (Castelnuovo
B.) tel 0577/355206 |
|