The Via Romea del Chianti and Senese

The Via Romea del Chianti and the Via Romea Senese begin in the heart of Florence, at Ponte Vecchio. These two routes are quite similar but differ in certain sections. The Via Romea del Chianti was rediscovered thanks to the excellent work of a group of volunteers from the “Comunità Toscana Il Pellegrino” Association, who meticulously marked the trail with stickers depicting a pilgrim and red-and-white signage. The Via Romea Senese, on the other hand, follows the path of another major historical road of the Florentine countryside, later known as the Regia Romana road, which connected to the Via Francigena at Poggibonsi, in the middle valley of the Elsa River. From there, it continues toward Siena, taking a slightly longer route.

The routes leave the city through Porta Romana and proceed along trails and dirt roads, passing through hilly landscapes in rural settings that have remained unchanged for centuries. Entering the Chianti Fiorentino region, the paths cross the villages of Chiesanuova, famous for its flatbreads, and Sant’Andrea in Percussina, where visitors can explore Machiavelli’s house, before soon reaching San Casciano Val di Pesa.

The journey continues into the true heart of Chianti Classico, following white roads and trails lined with forests and vineyards until reaching San Donato in Poggio, a charming stop before arriving at Castellina in Chianti, a town symbolic of the renowned wine. In Castellina, besides the famous Medieval Fortress and its charming wine shops and boutiques, visitors can explore the Poggino Necropolis, which bears witness to its Etruscan origins. The route then continues along secondary roads until reaching Siena, one of the most beautiful artistic cities in Tuscany, a crossroads for pilgrims for centuries. From here, travelers can join the Via Francigena and continue their journey toward Rome.

The Via Romea del Chianti is a historic path, rich in sacred sites and evidence of ancient "hospitals", which in the past provided refuge for passing pilgrims. Just outside Florence, one encounters the splendid Certosa del Galluzzo, the Pieve di Santo Stefano a Campoli, where pilgrims can still stay in the rectory, the Church of San Giorgio after San Donato, and the remains of ancient "hospitals" at Magione and Uopini.

Also noteworthy is the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo a Passignano, a stunning Vallombrosan monastic complex whose first religious community dates back to the year 1000.