On a Vespa from Pontedera to Chianni through hills and woods

A Vespa itinerary off the usual tourist routes. It starts from Pontedera, the gateway to Valdera, and arrives in the village of Chianni, crossing a landscape that from plain becomes first a hill and then a low mountain with woods and chestnut trees.

Pontedera

The itinerary starts at the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera, the city of motors that hosts the largest Italian museum dedicated to motorbikes and one of the largest in Europe. Over 250 models of Vespa, Ape, Ciao, mopeds and the group’s sports brands: Aprilia, Gilera and Moto Guzzi are on display in the approximately 5,000 square metres.

Pontedera is also a centre of contemporary art, with permanent sculptures on road roundabouts, in parks and squares (including the ‘author benches’ in Piazza Garibaldi). The Baj Wall along the railway is also worth a ‘pass’. Two exhibition centres complete the offer: the PALP exhibition centre in Palazzo Pretorio and the Centro Sete Sois Sete Luas near the Piaggio Museum.

Ponsacco

We proceed to Ponsacco, a town of furniture and furnishings, once characterised by the presence of numerous family-run craft businesses. In the Middle Ages, the town was an important castle on the border between the rival republics of Pisa and Florence and thus the scene of frequent clashes that destroyed bastions and walls.

The Oratory of the Madonna della Tosse with terracotta by della Robbia and the Church of San Giovanni with its sloping bell tower remain from the past. Just outside, in a dominant position, stands the Villa Medicea di Camugliano, one of the most important estates in Tuscany, whose old-world charm shines through as you visit the park with its English garden and outbuildings. On the way, just before the Villa, you will see a small church ‘framed’ by cypress trees. This is the Church of San Pierino, located in the private park of the Camugliano Estate, but clearly visible from the road.

Capannoli

At this point, we suggest a short diversions to Capannoli, to visit the Villa Baciocchi Museums, a complex that includes the Zoological Museum, Archaeological Museum and Botanical Park.

Another scenic spot to reach on a Vespa is Santo Pietro Belvedere, a small village of Etruscan origin, which contains open-air works of art.

Casciana Terme

If you want to try an itinerary of relaxation and wellness, we recommend a stop at the Terme di Casciana. Here you can soak in the outdoor thermal pool or enjoy a drink at the Gran Caffè delle Terme, furnished with precious period furniture and neoclassical frescoes.

Rivalto

Proceeding in the direction of Chianni, we suggest a small diversions that leads to the medieval village of Rivalto, famous for the production of a particular chestnut, the marrone di Rivalto, whose flour is excellent for autumn sweets such as castagnaccio, necci and fritelle. The preacher Blessed Giordano da Rivalto, considered among the most learned of his time and one of the fathers of the Italian language, was born here. The Sanctuary Church of the Madonna del Carmine, in a panoramic position and surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, is worth a visit.

Chianni

The final stop on our itinerary is the pretty village of Chianni, surrounded by low mountains and chestnut forests. Olive trees are cultivated here, yielding a delicious extra virgin olive oil with an intense colour and fruity flavour.

Chianni is an ideal place for food and wine and scenic itineraries: the woods are beaten by hunters, especially wild boar, in whose honour one of the most heartfelt festivals in Tuscany is celebrated in November.