Sammommè: Between Chestnut Forests, Hiking Trails and Local History

Sammommè Between Forest and Water

Sammommè lies near the source of the Ombrone Pistoiese, at around 555 metres above sea level. Its houses are spread among the surrounding forests, with their lush chestnut groves. The village developed around the Pieve di San Matteo.

A Church and a Long Memory

The church of Sammommè reaches back through several centuries of local history. By a decree issued by Bishop Colombino Bassi on 9 April 1726 on the occasion of a pastoral visit, the church, then led by parish priest Giovanni Morelli, was elevated to the status of a pieve. Its dedication suggests that its foundation dates back as far as the 7th century. A record from 1086 mentions land in Sancto Mamme that Bishop Pietro had granted as a fief to a loyal follower. The church also houses an Agati–Tronci organ from the late 19th century with 56 manual keys, 16 pedal keys and 16 stops.

Traces of Castles and Legends

Above Sammommè stand the remains of Castello di Batoni, associated with former episcopal holdings and the legend of Selvaggia dei Vergiolesi. According to tradition, she is said to have stayed there while fleeing. The small Pian di Ripalta oratory is also part of the local history: the first houses clustered around the building known as Il Chiesino, which is located in the Savaiana hamlet.

Hiking with Railway History

A hike along the Sentiero delle Stazioni between Sammommè and Piteccio offers close-up views of the waterworks of the Porrettana Railway. The Gothic Line crossed the area between Pistoia and Pracchia several times, continuing as far as Sammommè; some little-known remains have survived there. The itinerary “In treno sulla Linea Gotica” combines the train journey from Pistoia to Pracchia with a hike to Sammommè and the return journey by train to Pistoia. This brings together technical railway history and a hike through the landscape in a single trip.

Circular Routes for Different Plans

The Sammommè circular route starts in the village’s main square and reaches the first fountain for refilling water bottles at Pian di Giuliano. The fountain at Pian di Giuliano can be included as a drinking-water stop along the route. The route also includes technically demanding single-track sections leading to Passo di Piastreta. When planning the Sammommè circular route, the technically demanding single-track sections should be planned as a separate part.

A Summer Event with Music

In 2026, the tenth edition of the San Mommè Color Park will transform the Parco Giochi Camilla in Sammommè into a summer festival. Games and activities for everyone, especially children, will be part of the event, along with live music late into the evening by Auroro Borealo, Mille Lire and Thomaze DJ.

More Destinations

More destinations: Piastre, Piteccio, Pontelungo, Santomato, Sarripoli, Bottegone, Ponte Nuovo, Arcigliano

To the main travel overview: Pistoia.