Discover Pierle: Rocca, San Biagio and Hiking Trails

Pierle combines a striking ruin, a Romanesque church and hiking trails through forests, meadows and mountain ranges. The Rocca di Pierle and San Biagio are the main attractions; at the same time, the hiking experience extends to the 928-metre-high Monte Ginezzo and far-reaching views.

Rocca di Pierle and San Biagio

The present-day Rocca di Pierle was built from 1371 onwards over an older structure documented since the 11th century. Today, the Rocca is a ruin. In recent years, safety work has been carried out to protect the fabric of the building and people. The rocky outcrop on which it stands dominates the Mercatale valley and offers an excellent viewpoint.

Outside the castle walls stands the small Romanesque church of San Biagio di Pierle. A small village developed around it over time. The church dates back to the 11th century, was rebuilt in 1505 and further restored in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its appearance is defined by a gabled roof, a bell gable on the left and an apse covered with stone slabs. One of the most important celebrations is the Feast of San Biagio on 3 February, featuring the blessing of the bread.

Hiking across Monte Ginezzo

A hike to Monte Ginezzo begins at the church of San Biagio opposite the Rocca di Pierle. The route initially follows a forest track and then a mule track to the 928-metre-high summit. From there, far-reaching views open up over the Apennines, the Sibillini Mountains, Monte Amiata and Lake Trasimeno.

The Sentiero della Rocca connects Pierle with Sodo via Monte Maestrino, Monte Ginezzo, Portole and Croce di Sant’Egidio. It uses the CAI 562, CAI 50 and CAI 563 hiking trails. The stages of the Sentiero della Rocca also include a paved road, chestnut groves, the meadows of Ginezzo, the Cerventosa dam and forests predominantly characterised by oak trees. The Sentiero della Rocca is one of the cultural routes of the MAEC.

Destinations in the surrounding area

Monte Maestrino is located in the immediate surroundings of Pierle. The surrounding area also includes Villa Guglielmi Palace on Isola Maggiore, the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca museum, the Museo Diocesano Del Capitolo museum and Castello Di Coceto castle. Also located nearby are Monte Castel Giudeo, Alta San Egidio and the island of Isola Maggiore.

The municipality of Cortona included Christmas markets at the Rocca di Pierle in its Christmas programmes for 2024 and 2025.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to compare more places, you can find Pian Di Sco, Falciano, San Giovanni Valdarno, Terranuova Bracciolini, Penna, Pergine Valdarno, Falcigiano and Monte San Savino here.

For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.