Cerbaia: Pieve Vecchia, Shuttle and Cycling Route

For a stay in Cerbaia, culture, activity and transport can be linked to specific places and conditions: the Pieve Vecchia brings architectural history into the picture, the municipal shuttle operates on specific days, and the Ciclabile della Pesa offers a section for walking or cycling. Events are also part of the picture, including a Palio between four Contrade and a historical procession. If you are looking for accommodation in Cerbaia, you can take these differences into account when making your choice: cultural interests, preferred means of getting around and suitable travel dates are different aspects of planning.

Pieve Vecchia: architectural history in Cerbaia

The Oratorio di Santa Maria detto Pievecchia is located in Cerbaia, on Via Empolese in San Casciano in Val di Pesa; it is also known as Pieve Vecchia. The Pieve Vecchia probably dates from the 8th century. It was built on the ruins of a Roman temple. Its architectural history therefore includes two distinct historical layers: the Pieve's probable date of origin and the temple whose ruins serve as its building site. For travellers interested in culture, this distinction is illuminating; it draws attention both to the oratory's early dating and to the earlier building, without conflating the two.

Plan your shuttle and routes

A municipal shuttle connects the main town of San Casciano with La Romola, travelling via Spedaletto, Chiesanuova and Cerbaia. It runs on weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as on Easter Monday. The day of the week is therefore a specific point to consider in your planning: if you want to use the service, plan your journey for one of these operating days and check the timetable in advance. This may matter when choosing accommodation if you want to plan your days around the shuttle's operating days.

The directions for the Lungo la Pesa route lead to Cerbaia from San Casciano via Via Empolese or from Florence via Via Volterrana. This gives you two different starting points and the corresponding roads for orientation. The first section of the Ciclabile della Pesa is just under 24 km long and easy to walk or cycle. Its length and rating help you plan the route as a walking or cycling option for the day. The stated approach roads are useful for finding your way; the length and character of the Ciclabile section are what matter when deciding between walking and cycling. Before setting out, check the current condition and completion status of the route, as both may change.

Events and local traditions

In the 2025 edition of the Palio de’ Ciuchi, the four Contrade Cerbaia Nova, La Pesa, La Sugana and Il Villaggio competed against one another. A historical procession through the streets of the town took place during the Festa Arte e Sport in Cerbaia. These are two distinct kinds of events: a competition between the Contrade named above and a procession through Cerbaia. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for the specific edition before deciding on your stay dates.

Discover more destinations

La Romola, Mercatale, San Pancrazio, Ponte Rotto, Bargino, Montefiridolfi

For the main travel overview: San Casciano In Val Di Pesa.