Stage 23a

Palazzolo-San Giovanni Valdarno (Figline and Incisa Valdarno variant)

Palazzolo, an ancient post office on the Via Cassia, is behind us and we penetrate more and more into the Valdarno, following the river; the route is easy and suitable for everyone. We will encounter some towns that fall into the ‘category’ of Terre Nuove dating back to the late Middle Ages, when Florence asserted its supremacy in the area having defeated the Aretines. In order to consolidate their power, the Medici built several towns ex novo in places where there had previously only been villages, and brought back to the forefront the ancient Roman road system, which was given the title of ‘via Maestra’ (main road), to signify in words the importance they wanted to give to this route, compared to others in the area. In this variant, instead of passing through Loppiano, once you reach the locality of Campogiallo, you continue directly towards Incisa Valdarno, to then rejoin the classic itinerary at the height of Piazza Malgrat de Mar, exiting from Figline and Incisa Valdarno Municipality. From a naturalistic point of view, we suggest a short diversion to observe the ‘Balze’ (crags), the geological element that uniquely characterizes the Valdarno landscape, an erosive phenomenon that has given rise to steep clayey slopes with a distinctive yellowish color.