The lower valley

Starting from Bibbiena, the main town in the Casentino Valley, take a secondary road that leads to Sarna Castle, a peaceful retreat located approximately 600 meters above sea level, whose origins date back to the year 1000.

This small medieval village, once fortified and surrounded by walls, overlooks the Arno Valley and offers a wide view of the La Verna massif.

Continuing along the same road, with a few downhill hairpin bends, you reach Rosina and Taena, two historic villages in the municipality of Chitignano, known for their ancient Etruscan origins and their location along a picturesque historic route.

The two villages are located on the ancient road that, starting from Chitignano and passing through Taena, Rosina, Sarna, Dama, and Biforco, headed towards the Serra Pass to cross the Apennines.

The route then continues toward Poggio d’Acona, reaching Valenzano Castle, dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Originally a watchtower in the late Lombard period, likely built on the site of a previous Etruscan-Roman garrison, the castle stands in a strategic position near the ancient salt road.

From the top of the castle, a narrow, steep road descends to the valley floor, along the banks of the Arno River, where you can easily reach the starting point on the bike path.

A loop that combines history, nature, and cycling tourism, passing through medieval villages, castles, and unique landscapes that reveal the authentic identity of the Casentino Valley.