Talla: Historic Paths and Medieval Heritage in Tuscany

Talla combines long routes through the municipal area with medieval traces, the history of Guido Monaco, and a distinctive local festival and food culture. If you would like to combine outdoor activity, culture and regional specialities during your trip to Tuscany, the town offers several clearly distinct points of interest. The main routes either begin in or pass through Talla, while La Castellaccia and the Casa natale di Guido Monaco provide a historical focus.

Two routes with different characteristics

The Via dei Ponti Antichi Nord-Süd is a 14.2-kilometre out-and-back route for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Original stone paving is visible along the way, particularly near the Ponte di Annibale and on the section between Pontenano and the Passo della Crocina. The route is therefore characterised not only by its length, but also by specific traces of historic road construction. At 29.9 kilometres, the Gran Tour is considerably longer and is designed as a circular route for walking, cycling and horse riding. It covers almost the entire municipal area of Talla and runs on natural surfaces for around 95 percent of its length. The start and finish are at Piazza Licio Nencetti in the centre of Talla. There is also an e-bike charging station near the fountain. The main factors in choosing between the two routes are therefore the route type, length and documented surface.

Bridges and medieval local history

The medieval Ponte di Sasso is also part of the Via dei Ponti Antichi Nord-Süd. It has been preserved and can be crossed on foot. Together with the visible stone paving, it makes the historic dimension of the route directly tangible at certain points, without limiting the route to simply visiting historic buildings. La Castellaccia, the medieval village and old town centre, is located in the upper part of Talla. The Casa natale di Guido Monaco is housed there in a 10th-century building. Guido Monaco was born in this house between 992 and 995 and is considered the inventor of musical notation. The exhibition includes instruments and illuminated codices from the La Verna monastery. Prior reservation is required to visit the Casa natale di Guido Monaco – an important distinction from freely accessible places such as the Ponte di Sasso. Another historical point of reference is located at Piazza Licio Nencetti: the Church of San Niccolò was built there in 1644 by the Compagnia del Sacramento. Talla therefore brings together various forms of history: medieval paths and bridges, a 10th-century building, the biography of Guido Monaco and a 17th-century church.

Regional traditions throughout the year

Talla can also be experienced through its local specialities and events. The Sagra del cacio e dei baccelli takes place every year during the first days of May. Local chestnut-based specialities include Ballotte or Baloci, Tigliate and sweet polenta. The Corsa del Saracino di Talla is a medieval event that originated in Talla in the second half of the 18th century. It is held on the third Sunday in September and is associated with the Sagra del dolce casalingo, a festival of homemade sweet treats. The events in May and September thus complement the year-round routes and historic sites with two different seasonal occasions. Further destinations for your selection in Tuscany: [Cetica](Cetica), [Duddova](Duddova), [Centoia I](Centoia I), [Pratieghi](Pratieghi), [Loro Ciuffenna](Loro Ciuffenna), [Pian Di Sco](Pian Di Sco), [Padonchia](Padonchia), [Strada](Strada).

For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.