Scalvaia and the Canaloni on the Farma

Scalvaia combines an impressive river landscape, hiking trails and an unusually prominent history. The Canaloni on the Farma in particular give the area a distinctive natural appeal: small waterfalls and natural pools lie between rock ledges shaped by the current. When planning your stay, the question is therefore less about compiling a long list of sights and more about choosing the focus of your visit – landscape, hiking, or the historical and cultural traces of the area.

The Canaloni and the trails along the Farma

The Canaloni are about a 40-minute walk from Scalvaia and form one of the most impressive sections of the Farma River. Those who want to explore the landscape on foot will find a clearly described connection on the RSMF5 hiking trail: it leads from Scalvaia to the Farma and onward to the Canaloni del Farma and the Ferriera di Ruota. The trail is 6.49 km long and has 136 metres of ascent and 339 metres of descent. Another option is the hiking trail between Iesa Carrotto and Scalvaia. It runs over the summit of Monte Quoio and offers numerous turn-offs to the trails along the Farma and on Monte Quoio. This allows you to discover the surrounding area from a different direction than the route to the Canaloni. A branch of the Q1 trail passes through a chestnut forest in the Poggio al Carpino area. There, 19 young conscientious objectors were captured; some of them were shot by Fascists in March 1944. The trail therefore represents more than just a landscape: it also touches on a specific historical site.

History and local culture in Scalvaia

The Monumento ai martiri di Scalvaia commemorates partisans who were killed on Monte Quoio near Scalvaia on 11 March 1944. The names of 16 partisans from Monte Quoio who fell victim to Fascist violence are engraved on the monument’s pedestal. Visitors to Scalvaia therefore encounter a local history closely connected with Monte Quoio and the events of 1944. Older evidence is also part of the townscape. The Church of San Giovanni Decollato is mentioned in a will from 1248. Palla a 21, also known as Palla eh!, offers a very different insight into local life today. It is an old ball game that is still played regularly in Scalvaia. Together with the monument and the church, it creates a cultural profile that is not limited to a single building: history, religious heritage and a local sporting tradition that is still actively maintained exist side by side. You can find further destinations from the same selection at Castellina In Chianti, Campriano, Colle Di Val D'elsa, San Giovanni D'asso, Presciano, Pienza, San Casciano Dei Bagni and Scrofiano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Siena.