Pianosinatico – Trails, History and Mountain Views

Pianosinatico combines trails, nature observation and remembrance. The village is located on the Statale 12 dell’Abetone e del Brennero, the state road to Abetone and the Brenner Pass. The routes lead to bunker remains, wooden sculptures, woodland flowers and a viewpoint overlooking the Lima and Sestaione valleys.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The Percorso Giallo is approximately 1.5 km long, has an elevation gain of 150 m and leads to bunker remains as well as the reconstructed “La Buca” bunker. The Percorso Verde is also known as “Via del partigiano”, is approximately 1 km long and has no elevation gain; wooden sculptures and the “Albero della Pace” are located along it. The approximate distances and elevation figures help you distinguish between short options and those with steeper climbs. For planning your day, the approximately 1 km-long Percorso Verde with no elevation gain differs from the Percorso Giallo, which has an elevation gain of 150 m over approximately 1.5 km.

The Percorso Azzurro “Via della 10° Mountain Division” is approximately 4 km long, has an elevation gain of 220 m and exposed sections, and connects Pianosinatico with Pian degli Ontani. The Percorso Blu “Via delle Pattuglie” is approximately 3.5 km long, has an elevation gain of 150 m and connects Pianosinatico with Fontana Vaccaia and Abetone. For a longer loop, there is the approximately 16 km-long Percorso Arancione “Via della Germanica Squadriglia”, which leads through Pianosinatico, Rivoreta, Bicchiere and Le Regine.

Cappel d’Orlando and the Landscape

The easy, red-and-blue-marked “Itinerario del Cappel d’Orlando”, also known as the old connecting road between Pianosinatico and Pian degli Ontani, is approximately 7 km long as a mixed route, has an ascent of 70 m and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes there and back. Orchids and snowdrops can be observed along the roadside of the old connecting road. A narrow ridge trail leads to the summit of Cappel d’Orlando after several ascents and descents. From there, a viewpoint offers views over the Lima and Sestaione valleys. For Cappel d’Orlando, the time planning includes the approximately 1 hour and 30 minute round trip as well as the 70 m ascent.

Traces of War and Transport History

“4 Passi a Pianosinatico sulla Linea Gotica Toscana” is a themed trail through the village. It explores anecdotes and particular features of the war as well as the period when the front was in Pianosinatico. The trail also passes a beech tree called “Albero della Fortuna”; according to a local legend, walking through the opening in its trunk brings lifelong good luck.

In the second half of the 18th century, Pianosinatico was home to one of four post stations with an inn in the Pistoia area. It served as a temporary stop for couriers, private carriages and stagecoaches, for transporting people, goods and correspondence, changing horses, and allowing passengers to board and alight.

When choosing a hotel in Pianosinatico, you can compare the trails by length, elevation gain and character.

More Places for Trip Planning

Agliana, Quarrata, Marliana, Lizzanello, Montale, Montecatini Terme, Sambuca Pistoiese, Abetone

For the broader travel overview: Pistoia.