On a Vespa in the Valdarno

Valdarno Inferiore (not to be confused with Valdarno Superiore in the province of Arezzo), lies between Pisa and Florence. It is an area crossed by the Arno River-rich in history, excellent food, beautiful landscapes-bounded to the north of the river by the Cerbaie hills and to the south by the Hills of San Miniato, the largest truffle area in Italy.

San Miniato

The Vespa itinerary starts from San Miniato, the city of the white truffle, which is located along the ancient Via Francigena. This is why the Germanic emperors chose it as a stronghold. Its strategic proximity to Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca made it a strategic point.

Those who enjoy slow tourism can traverse its territory by following the ancient route of armies and trade.

A visit to its lovely historic center is characterized by the rich cultural offerings that combine civil and religious buildings. Don’t miss the Town Hall with the splendid Hall of the Virtues, the Cathedral with the Diocesan Museum, and the Tower of Frederick from which there is a splendid 360-degree view.

Montopoli in Val d’Arno

Returning to the left bank of the river, you can stop at Montopoli in Val d’Arno, a former medieval castle rich in evidence of a history that begins as far back as Roman times, now preserved at the Museo Civico.

You can ride a Vespa through the entire historic center, from the Castruccio Arch to the Tower of St. Matthew.

Leaving Montopoli it is only a few kilometers to San Romano, where in 1432 the famous “Battle of San Romano” took place, immortalized by Paolo Uccello’s triptych (the panels are kept in the Louvre, the Uffizi and the National Gallery). The Sanctuary of the Madonna, a place of devotion and home to one of the most important Tuscan nativity scenes, is also located here.

Castelfranco di Sotto

Crossing the San Romano Bridge, we are back on the right bank of the river. We suggest a stop in Castelfranco di Sotto, a former medieval castle and re-founding town, now an industrial center linked to the Distretto del Cuoio.

The «renaioli» who dredged water from the river to collect sand and trade it, used to carry out their activities here. The tradition lives on in the picturesque “palio dei barchini” held every year in June.

Just outside Castelfranco you enter the Montefalcone Nature Reserve, the area of greatest naturalistic interest in the Cerbaie hills, between the Bientina and Fucecchio paduli. Environmental education initiatives are held here throughout the year, with guided hikes.

Santa Maria a Monte

To admire this view, one must ride a Vespa to Santa Maria a Monte, whose urban core is among the most interesting examples of a medieval Tuscan village. Its spiral shape reflects the three circles of walls around the former castle. The historic center preserves the Collegiate Church, tower houses and underground cisterns.

Santa Maria a Monte was the birthplace of Vincenzo Galilei, father of Galileo, and was for years the residence of the poet Giosuè Carducci, Italy’s first Nobel laureate, to whom the house museum is dedicated.

Also worth a visit is the Civic Museum, set up near the Archaeological Area of the Rocca, dedicated to the patron saint Blessed Diana Giuntini, celebrated every year on Easter Monday with the traditional Procession of the Breadbaskets.