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Stage along the route via Passo della Consuma
The stunning mountain landscapes of the Casentino region provide a picturesque backdrop from the very start of this stage. The route descends into the valley, winding through pristine environments, surrounded by the towering canopies of majestic pine, fir, and chestnut forests, offering an immersive experience in unspoiled nature.
It crosses the small hamlets of Gualdo and Castel Castagnaio, rich not only in lush woodlands but also in ancient history, with roots stretching back to the Etruscan era. Perched on a hill in Castel Castagnaio once stood an ancient Etruscan temple, later replaced by a Roman one, on whose foundations one of the castles belonging to the powerful Guidi counts was built. Today, a few fascinating ruins remain as a testament to its past.
The stage ends up in the medieval village of Stia, dominated by one of the residences of the Guidi counts, the Castle of Porciano, and enriched by religious treasures such as the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. Stia was—and still is—an important center for the production of panno casentino, the traditional and prized wool fabric, a cornerstone of local craftsmanship celebrated at the Museum of Wool Art, housed in the town’s historic wool mill.
