Ancient Via Granducale
- Travelling time: 4h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why we love it: In a remote region an open museum from prehistoric to medieval history
- Length: 10 km
- Total Elevation Gain: 50 m
- Way to travel: By bike, by foot, on horseback, nordic walking
- Cost: 0 €
- Our Advice: open all year
The starting point is the beautiful organic farm Sant'Egle, a carbon-free accommodation where those who love and respect nature are welcome.
The well-markedpath begins with a splendid promenade in the ancient Via Granducale which connected the Papal States to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The dirt road has oaks, centuries old oaks and many native birds.
Once arrivied at the small village of San Quirico di Sorano, last stop to buy water and food, you follow the signs to Vitozza, the disappeared city.
From the first meters of the route you can admire the ancient prehistoric dwellings that are now used as storage of agricultural tools and cellars. The trail enters in an enchanted forest where you can get lost among underground dwellings, Etruscan tombs, 2 Romans castles and ancient Etruscan pigeon house used for the breeding of birds. A small Via Cava (ancient Etruscan roads hand dug by the Etruscans) leads to the river Lente where you can admire its biodiversity.
The route continues adventurous and full of wildlife towards Sorano. At the foot of the ancient village of Sorano, on the right there is a bridge leading to the entrance of the more beautiful hollow street in the whole area, the hollow way of San Rocco.
Follow it until its end and if you have not brought a car, go back, walk in the picturesque and romantic village of Sorano, climb inside the Orsini Fortress and visit her Underground walkways and with only 1 km of asphalt it passes by the small village of Sant Anna which is connected, through a beautiful country road, at Farmhouse Sant'Egle where you can stop for a organic dinner or a romantic night in one of the suites with fireplace.
Author: Erika Mugnai
