Sammontana: Trails, Art and History in Tuscany

Sammontana between history, art and landscape

Sammontana appeals to travellers who want to combine their time in Tuscany with culture, outdoor activities and regional traditions. The history of the area stretches from presumed medieval traces to the Fattoria di Sammontana, while the Sentiero CAI 476 and the 476 loop trail offer concrete opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. These are joined by the Marco Bagnoli Atelier, as well as wine and olive oil from the Fattoria di Sammontana.

Historic sites and regional traditions

An important historical reference point is the Fattoria di Sammontana. In 1867, its estate, including the main villa, the church, the distillery and the surrounding agricultural land, was acquired by Michele Dzieduszycki. The Fattoria was formerly owned by the Medici family. Today, it produces high-quality wine and high-quality olive oil according to organic and biodynamic criteria. S. Maria a Sammontana is a parish. The Fattoria di Sammontana also borders a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Another historical trace is the Fornace di Sammontana: its history dates back to 1700, when it was founded to produce ceramics and terracotta materials. The Villa di Salingrosso is also one of the interesting testimonies of the past. It probably already existed in the Middle Ages; surviving traces of towers and the perimeter walls that still remain point to this.

Hiking and mountain biking around Sammontana

For active days, the Sentiero CAI 476 offers a clearly described route: it is 9.4 km long, has an elevation gain of 240 metres and is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The trail passes the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Sammontana and also goes by the artificial lake Lago artificiale di Sammontana. In addition, the completed 476 loop trail of the 4 Valleys network starts in Sammontana. It climbs to Botinaccio and then descends towards the Arno. This route makes the change in landscape part of the experience itself: the starting point is in Sammontana, followed by the ascent to Botinaccio and finally the descent towards the Arno. This allows you to choose between a 9.4 km route with a specified elevation gain and the course of the 476 loop trail without confusing the two route descriptions.

Art as a reason to visit in its own right

The Marco Bagnoli Atelier is located at Via della Quercia 9 in the Sammontana district of Montelupo. The artist conceived the multifunctional space as a total work of art. It houses a constantly changing temporary exhibition of his works from 1972 to the present. At the atelier, the Pro Loco of Montelupo also organises a series of events with guided tours and thematic focuses on the works displayed there. The atelier is intended to become established as part of the local artistic heritage. Other destinations: [Poppiano](Poppiano), [Camaioni](Camaioni).

For the main travel overview: Montelupo Fiorentino.