The Setteponti
The road of the Setteponti, called Cassia Vetus in the past, is one of the most beautiful routes to see between Florence and Arezzo, rich in history and unique landscapes. It is a succession of curves that winds through olive groves, vineyards and the typical farmhouses of the Tuscan countryside, it allows us to admire Romanesque churches, picturesque medieval villages and the characteristic Balze del Valdarno, a natural landscape that is the background in Leonardo da Vinci’s Gioconda painting. Leaving Arezzo to enter in the Setteponti, we pass through Ponte Buriano , the bridge that gave the name to the road and was made known by Leonardo da Vinci. Starting here we begin our journey with a visit to the Borro, a village that still maintains its medieval appearance.
Continuing, but before the town of Loro Ciuffenna, we arrive at Gropina where we find the Romanesque parish church of San Pietro dating from the 12th century. This church is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany, one where we can admire capitals and a pulpit from the Lombard period. Leaving the parish church, stop in the town of Loro Ciuffenna, characterized by the old walls, the red Clock Tower, the small stone-paved streets, and the Romanesque bridge from which you can admire the oldest working water mill of Tuscany. Continuing from Piantravigne you can admire the spectacular Balze del Valdarno. Depending of the time available, we can continue to discover the Abbazia San Salvatore in Soffena with works of Scheggia, the brother of Masaccio, visit the village of Castelfranco di Sopra, with a terranuova designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the parish church in Santa Maria di Scò