Montebenichi between its medieval village character and nature trails

Montebenichi is a well-preserved village with an authentic late-medieval character. The castle’s ring of walls, churches and historic buildings shape its appearance; trails lead through the surrounding landscape.

Churches and traces of history

The Pieve di Santa Maria in Altaserra was first mentioned on 20 June 715 in a document concerning a dispute between the bishops of Arezzo and Siena. Another important site is the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta in Altaserra. It is a religious building of early Christian origin that was rebuilt in the 12th century. Inside are a baptismal font dated 1596 and a carved stone holy-water font from 1574.

The Castelletto di Montebenichi directly borders a still-visible, broad section of the medieval walls. It was originally the core of the fortress; later, it was restored by the painter Salvadore Malesci in Neo-Gothic forms. Outside the castle’s ring of walls stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria e Santa Brigida. Its interior features Neo-Gothic murals. Together with the Church of Madonna del Conforto, which preserves an image of the Madonna della Misericordia, it creates a varied picture of sacred art and historic architecture.

The names associated with Montebenichi also point to a long local history. According to some scholars, Francesco Stendardi, one of the sons of the renowned Capitan Goro, had the Oratorio di San Francesco built in 1605. At the Palazzo Stendardi at the entrance to Montebenichi, Gregorio Stendardi is associated with the nickname Goro da Montebenichi; according to tradition, he served in the troops of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere and in the service of Francesco Ferrucci.

Woodland trails and distinctive landscapes

Behind Montebenichi, the C.A.I. Trail No. 147 passes through a woodland area dominated by deciduous trees, chestnut trees, beech trees, downy oaks and strawberry trees. The Olivone di Montebenichi, also known as Noccolo, is a notable natural feature. The tree is estimated to be around 500 years old, has a circumference of approximately 640 cm and is about 4.5 metres high. Since 2023, it has been included in the Regional Registers of Local Genetic Resources.

Along old routes

The Alta Valdambra CAI 47 hiking trail reaches the medieval castle of Montebenichi. You can walk, mountain-bike or ride a horse along it. The section of CAI 47 from Montebenichi to Cennina follows an old ridge road that once connected Valdambra with Chianti.

Another excursion idea is the “Journey among the streams and springs of Montebenichi”. It follows the watercourse for about three kilometres and crosses it approximately eight times.

More destinations

For further orientation, you can also explore Gricignano, Manzi, Strada, Terranuova Bracciolini, Campoluci, Pratieghi, Castiglion Fibocchi and Ortignano Raggiolo.

For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.