Page 176 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

174 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

1 Ponte Buriano 3 Via Sette Ponti
Arezzo, Toscana; 52100 Arezzo, Toscana; 52024, 52028, 52026
With its seven beautiful arches crossing A series of pretty villages mark the
the River Arno, the 13th-century defensive points on the Via Sette Ponti
Romanesque Ponte Buriano is the (Road of the Seven Bridges), with views
start of an ancient pilgrim route, the over the lake basin of the Balze. In tiny
Via Sette Ponti. The bridge also marks Loro Ciuffenna, visit the Romanesque
the start of a Regional Natural Reserve Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina, with a
that runs along the river to the dam at carved stone pulpit and capitals, and
Penna. These wetlands are key nesting the ancient Tuscan mill.
grounds for migrating birds – find out Further along the SP1, Piantravigne
about trails through the reserve from perches perilously amid the towering
the visitor centre (by the bridge; 393 sand and limestone pinnacles of
Above Busy bric-à-brac market in Greve 53089; www.parks.it) at Ponte Buriano. Le Balze. The final stop, the parish
in Chianti The bridge itself has not changed church of Santa Maria in Pian di Scò,
since Leonardo da Vinci visited it in with its imposing bell tower, still has
GETTING TO PONTE BURIANO
the late 15th century, when he was a simple Romanesque interior, largely
From A1 Florence-Rome, take Arezzo so taken by its beauty he put it in the unaltered since the 12th century.
exit. Pass under Viale Don Minzoni, then background of his Mona Lisa. ª Leave on SP87 to Figline Valdarno.
left towards Bibbiena. At roundabout, ª Head northwest along Via Sette At roundabout, take 2nd exit onto Via
take Via Sette Ponti/SP1 to Ponte Buriano.
Cross bridge, through town, turn left and Ponti/SP1, through Castiglion Fibocchi. Francesco Petrarca/SS69. Turn left at
left again. Park near the river on the right. At San Giustino Valdarno, turn left for Via Nicolò Copernico/SP16 to Greve in
Borro. Follow signs to the car park. Chianti. Follow signs to car park.
WHERE TO STAY
2 Borro 4 Greve in Chianti
Arezzo, Toscana; 52028 Florence, Toscana; 50022
PONTE BURIANO In the medieval era, this tiny clutch At the heart of town, Piazza Matteoti’s
Le Bilodole inexpensive of houses could only be reached by irregular architecture reveals Greve’s
This central farmhouse has a pool and
offers good breakfasts in quiet environs. a drawbridge spanning a deep gully. prosperity in the Middle Ages, as the
Loc. Cincelli 11, 52100; 0575 364 655; Today, this hamlet has been fully wealthy merchants were required to
www.bilodole.it restored by the Ferragamo family pay for their own loggias (porticoes) –
(of the Florentine fashion house), now filled with shops, bars and
AROUND PONTE BURIANO
Badia Di Campoleone expensive and now houses artisans’ workshops. restaurants. The statue in the piazza
This luxurious villa offers a wellness The automated presepe, or nativity is of local explorer Giovanni da
centre, pool and restaurants. scene (open daily), which rather Verrazzano (1485–1528), the Italian
Loc. Castelluccio 38, Capolona 52010; surprisingly includes Pinocchio, was who sailed to North America.
0575 451 561; www.badiacampoleone.it created by the local priest. Chianti is a top cycling destination
BORRO ª Return to Via Sette Ponti/SP1 and and the Eroica Trail is well signposted
Il Borro moderate–expensive turn left at Loro Ciuffenna, park in and suitable for all levels. Bikes can
Rent an 18th-century villa or a simple Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Return to be hired from Officiana Ramuzzi (Via
apartment. The staff is very helpful. SP1 and carry on before turning left Italo Stecchi 23, Greve in Chianti 50022;
San Giustino Valdarno, Loc. Borro 1, on Strada Comunale di Piantravigne 055 853037; www.ramuzzi.com).
52020; 055 977 053; www.ilborro.com
to town. Return to SP1 to Pian di Scò. ª Take SR222 south to Castellina in
VIA SETTE PONTI In town, turn right into Viale Alessandro Chianti. Park to the south of the town
Villa Belpoggio moderate Volta/SP1 and use car park on right. centre on Via 4 Novembre.
Only 2 km (1 mile) from Loro Ciuffenna
this historic house in luxurious gardens
has comfortable rooms and suites.
Via Sette Ponti Ponente 40, Loro
Ciuffenna 52024; 055 969 4411;
www.villabelpoggio.com
CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI
Palazzo Squarcialupi expensive
In the historic centre, this large hotel
has comfy rooms, pool and terrace.
Via Ferruccio 22, 53011; 0577 741 186;
www.palazzosquarcialupi.com
Right Typical Le Balze sandstone landscape
near Piantravigne Far right The famous
seven-arched bridge of Ponte Buriano

174-177_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 174 21/09/17 11:19 am
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue Spread template “UK” LAYER
(OpenType)
Date 02 November 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
Fonts Bulletfont, Clearbullet,
Frutiger Pro, Myriad Pro, Travelfont