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From Val di Sieve hills to Vallombrosa and Greve through the Chianti mountains, Tuscany

It is advisable for the visitor to follow the old Via Aretina from Florence as far as Rovezzano and then continue to S. Andrea a Rovezzano along the state road which continues towards the east, following the river Arno.

After passing the towns of Girone, Compiobbi and the houses of Ellera, we reach Sieci, where there is the Pieve di San Giovanni Battista a Remole. This three-naved building which dates back to 1100 is separated by arches on square pillars and is characterised by a narrow bell-tower with alternating single and double mullion windows with capitals in Longobard style. In the interior, under the presbytery is a crypt which is now used to house religious relics. In the right nave we can find a multicolour marble baptismal font (1753) with a perforated stone railing from the fifteenth century and a small statue of Saint John the Baptist of Robbian style. A thirteenth century panel representing the Madonna is kept in the right-hand chapel, whereas in the end wall of the choir there is a panel with the Crucifixition, a work of the Botticelli school (fifteenth century).

After leaving Sieci we enter Pontassieve, an ancient Florentine castle, and then return up the valley of the river Sieve (SS No.67 Tosco Romagnola). To the left rise the buttresses of Monte Giovi, cultivated with vines, olives and crops, and on the right we can see the Nipozzano hill covered with cypresses and with a villa bearing the same name on the peak of the hill, overlooked by a castle tower.

As we approach Rufina, the valley widens and shortly after crossing the town we take the road to the right to Pomino. The road climbs up through splendid views, until it reaches Castiglioni with its Pieve di S. Stefano. This building, together with the Pieve di S. Bartolomeo represents a typical example of Romanesque religious architecture of the Florentine countryside originating from the fusion of stylistic elements taken from the Lombard culture with those of the late-antique tradition. The church, which dates back to the twelfth century, has a basilicar structure with three naves, bereft of decoration.

Following the road up a steep ascent after the village of Rimaggio, we enter Pomino where there is the Pieve di S. Bartolomeo, dating back to the twelfth-thirteenth century. Inside the wide and solemn interior the first pillar on the right has been replaced with a mighty column with a rustic capital showing four sculptures of human angels’ heads, flowers and water foliage. There is also a precious vitreous terracotta work by Luca della Robbia and a fifteenth century panel showing the Madonna col Bambino e Santi attributed to Maestro di S. Miniato. Open upon booking: telephone: 055/83.18.996

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