Going further uphill, we reach the crest which borders with the Emilia Romagna Region and then we leave behind us the pass, the Passo di Porta Franca. From here, you can admire the wonderful Apennine views that, depending on which season, can be coloured with intense green, ochre and brown hues, then on to the white of winter. Walking along the crest, we now go downhill towards Poggio dei Malandrini and soon after, you can refresh yourselves at the Rifugio del Montanaro (the Montanaro Lodge).
Altri tappe
Casetta de’ Pulledrari
In the Teso Forest near Maresca, not far from the Rombiciano Pass, lies the Casetta de' Pulledrari. Built after World War II, it has been a landmark for many hikers and enthusiastic visitors to the Pistoia Mountains for years. In the summer, it comes back to life thanks to local associations.
Popiglio
Proseguiamo il nostro viaggio sul Cammino di San Bartolomeo, affrontando il secondo giorno, più selvaggio e duro. Ci troviamo immersi, infatti, quasi per tutto il tempo, dentro un fitto bosco di castagni, solcando torrenti e calpestando antiche strade lastricate. Poco prima di arrivare a Popiglio, incontriamo il Masso delle Streghe e il Masso del Diavolo, particolari conformazioni rocciose impregnate di leggende. L’accoglienza a Popiglio ci ristora, visitiamo così la Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta e il Museo Diocesano di arte sacra prima di ripartire.
The Chestnut way
Chestnut processing begins during the month of October when the fruit is picked and taken to the 'metato', where it is dried on a low flame for 40 days. The chestnuts are then cleaned and transported to the Molino di Giamba where they are milled: the grindstones, driven by waterpower, turn the valuable fruits into a sweet flour. Between the end of October and early December, it is possible to pick the chestnuts in the didactic orchard and watch all phases of this process. During the rest of the year, you can walk in and sit in the 'metato', then walking down the Orsigna stream, cross the two wooden bridges built following a project by Leonardo da Vinci and reach the mill, which will be operated for your benefit. (Via di Paoluccio, Orsigna, Pistoia).
Riserva Naturale Biogenetica di Pian degli Ontani
The Riserva Naturale Biogenetica di Pian degli Ontani is an area of great natural value established to preserve and enhance the habitat of monumental beech forests. These forests originated from the conversion of woodlands that were once used for charcoal production, which was employed in the numerous ironworks in the area.