Colle on Montalbano: Church, Trails and Rural Character

Colle on the slopes of Montalbano in the municipality of Quarrata

Colle is located on the slopes of Montalbano in the southern part of the municipality of Quarrata. The area has a consistent orographic character, possesses high ecological value and consists almost entirely of open countryside. Colle has a dispersed rural settlement structure. Rural buildings line Via Fontemorana e Spazzavento, Via di Colle and Via dei Mattarelli. The historically evolved settlement structure has remained essentially unchanged despite later building expansions.

Church and religious heritage

Parish history of Colle

A historic landmark in Colle is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. It dates from the 13th century. The parish history of Colle includes its former dependence on the Pieve di Bacchereto. The parish separated from its former affiliation with San Jacopo a Capezzana.

Relic and Festa della Sacra Spina

Santa Maria Assunta also houses a Sacra Spina relic, which has been there since 1920. The Festa della Sacra Spina is connected with this religious heritage. The Festa della Sacra Spina is a traditional religious event held around the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, celebrated on 14 September. Beyond its religious origins, it developed into an event featuring social and cultural initiatives.

The Via Crucis on Via di Colle

The religious history of the area also includes the Via Crucis along the panoramic Via di Colle. It consists of fourteen tabernacles. The tabernacles were erected in 1937 on the initiative of several parish families. Rural buildings belonging to Colle’s dispersed settlement structure also line the same Via di Colle.

Hiking in Montalbano

The Anello della Furba loop trail

The Anello della Furba loop trail passes through Colle and is approximately 6 km long. During the hike, the route partly follows the course of the Torrente Furba. The Anello della Furba is a loop trail in Montalbano. Its starting points are located in the municipalities of Quarrata and Carmignano. The approximate length of around 6 km provides a clear distance for day planning; no fixed walking time or sequence of breaks is inferred from it.

Passeggiata da Colle a Spazzavento e ritorno

Another hike is titled “Passeggiata da Colle a Spazzavento e ritorno”. It leads from Colle to Spazzavento and back. It begins on 17 May 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The starting point is listed as the car park of the Colle cemetery on Via Capezzana in Quarrata.

More destinations for your travel planning

You can also include Prato, Poggio A Caiano, Carmignano, Montemurlo, Fornacelle, Artimino, Cantagallo and Vaiano in your further travel planning.

For the higher-level travel overview: Prato.