Pieve a Maiano: Church History and the Route to Lago di Penna

You can explore Pieve a Maiano through its history and practical choices for excursions: The town’s name refers to a vanished pieve, while trails and public transport connections to the Ponte a Buriano e Penna Nature Reserve offer practical options for your stay. There is also a municipal driving route to Civitella in Val di Chiana. When planning your stay, you can therefore weigh up whether local history, a guided visit to the birdwatching hides, or a full-day drive should be your main focus.

A Bell with a Story of Its Own

The vanished pieve that gave Pieve a Maiano its name is documented as far back as the 12th century. The Church of S. Maria Assunta dates from the 19th century; inside is a bell from 1358 that came from Montoto. If you are interested in local history, you can distinguish the story behind the name from that of the later church.

Sentiero C and the Nature Reserve

Sentiero C is a practical option for a short nature visit: The 800-meter trail starts near Pieve a Maiano and takes about 15 minutes to reach the birdwatching hides at Lago di Penna. Access to the hides is permitted only as part of guided visits. Bear this condition in mind when planning, and check trail conditions on site; the duration is an approximate route estimate.

Pieve a Maiano serves as an alternative access point to the Ponte a Buriano e Penna Nature Reserve, and parking is available there. Before setting out, check whether parking is available. Near Pieve a Maiano, the Ponte a Buriano e Penna Nature Reserve includes the “Ponte a Buriano e Penna” Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance. The Tuscany Region designated it on November 10, 1998, under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

Driving Route and Public Transport

Another way to plan your day is to take the municipal “Valdarno–Civitella in Val di Chiana” driving route. It starts in Pieve a Maiano on State Road 69 and covers about 25 kilometers to Civitella in Val di Chiana; a full day is planned for the entire route.

The Autolinee Toscane SI330 line stops in Pieve a Maiano. In the timetable valid from October 5, 2026, the stop is listed between Arezzo Terminal and Ponticino. Check with the operator for services and connections on your travel day.

Dining and Planning Your Visit

There are several places to eat in Pieve a Maiano. If you are planning a break, check the opening hours of individual establishments before your trip.

A visitor arrangement for 2023 provided for visits to the Oratorio La Casina on Thursdays and Saturdays during the second week of the month, between 10 a.m. and noon, with advance booking by telephone; visits were excluded from July 15 to August 31. Before visiting, confirm whether tours are currently offered and when.

Discover more destinations: Albergo, Badia Al Pino, Tegoleto, Ciggiano.

Return to the main travel overview: Civitella In Val Di Chiana.