Municipality of Castiglion Fibocchi
Piazza Municipio, 1 - 52029 Castiglion Fibocchi (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 1686
Fax: 0575 47516
E-mail: segreteria@comune.castiglionfibocchi.ar.it
PEC: c.castiglionfibocchi@postacert.toscana.it
Tax Code and VAT 00284440518
STRADA DEI SETTEPONTI - THE ROAD OF THE SEVEN BRIDGES
The Cammino dei Setteponti (Seven Bridges Route) mostly follows quiet, secondary paved roads, also ideal for exploration by bicycle. The surrounding landscape is one of extraordinary beauty—rolling hills cultivated with vineyards and olive groves, interspersed with striking geological formations such as the Balze of the Valdarno.
This ancient route, of Etruscan origin, reached its peak during the Middle Ages, not only serving as a key route connecting Florence to its surroundings, but also as an alternative pilgrimage path to Rome. From Arezzo, it connected to the Alpe di Serra route, a valid alternative to the better-known Via Francigena.
The name Setteponti ("Seven Bridges") derives from the many bridges that crossed streams and rivers flowing from the Pratomagno toward the Arno Valley. While the actual number of bridges was greater, the number seven held deep symbolic value in medieval Christian thought—representing spiritual perfection and divine completeness, evoking the seven days of Creation.
The bridges were built in stone, typically with a single, arched span—like the Roman bridge of Loro Ciuffenna. One bridge in particular, Ponte a Buriano, features seven arches still perfectly preserved to this day. This bridge is said to have caught the eye of Leonardo da Vinci during his travels between Florence and the Val di Chiana. Some scholars suggest that the name Setteponti may even originate from this very structure’s seven arches.
The route is lined with ancient Romanesque parish churches, medieval villages, and millennia-old churches—places that inspired artists like Masaccio, Piero della Francesca, and even Leonardo, who famously used the Balze as a backdrop in the Mona Lisa.
Stages of the Route
Stage One: The Cammino dei Setteponti begins at the Pieve di Cascia in Reggello and ends in Castelfranco di Sopra, about 15 km away on foot. Along the way, you cross a scenic path that leads to the Romanesque bridge of Pian di Scò, and follow an ancient stone-paved road uphill to the Pieve di Pian di Scò. This stretch is pedestrian-only, and still preserves its original stone paving.
Stage Two: This is the most scenic part of the journey, traversing the Balze of the Valdarno—towering ochre-colored formations of sand, clay, and gravel that rise up to 100 meters. Sculpted over centuries by wind and water, they form a landscape of canyons and ravines, often described as a “Tuscan Monument Valley.” The trail winds through woods and ascends to the charming village of Pantravigne, then on to Montemarciano, another delightful medieval hamlet, and finally to Loro Ciuffenna. Continuing onward, you arrive in Gropina, home to one of the most significant Romanesque parish churches in the area—a true symbol of the route. This stage covers approximately 30 km, ending in San Giustino Valdarno.
Stage Three: The final leg spans around 17 km, beginning at Il Borro, a beautifully restored medieval village now functioning as a refined albergo diffuso (scattered hotel). From here, the path leads through Castiglion Fibocchi and continues to the Ponte a Buriano, with its iconic seven arches. This architectural gem sits within the Ponte Buriano and Penna Nature Reserve, a 7-km protected area along the Arno, extending to the Penna Dam. Leonardo da Vinci himself visited this region between 1502 and 1503, studying the Arno’s territory as part of a project to reclaim the Val di Chiana. He was captivated by the Balze landscape, which he incorporated into several of his works.
Useful Information
To complete the entire Cammino dei Setteponti, you’ll need about three days, with options for camping or staying in local accommodations, such as farmhouses and agriturismi. Alternatively, you can enjoy the trail in short day hikes, selecting individual stages to suit your schedule. The route is accessible to all, with no particularly steep climbs, making it a true gem of Tuscan landscape and heritage—perfect for walkers, history enthusiasts, and lovers of slow travel alike.
