Speaking of the “hidden treasures” of Tuscany, Valdarno is one of the places undoubtedly worth mentioning.
As the name suggests, Valdarno is the valley where the Arno river flows. It extends from Arezzo and Florence (Upper Valdarno) to San Miniato and Pisa (Lower Valdarno).
As the name suggests, Valdarno is the valley where the Arno river flows. It extends from Arezzo and Florence (Upper Valdarno) to San Miniato and Pisa (Lower Valdarno).
Loro Ciuffenna
Due to its fertile land and the rich variety of fauna and flora, the Valdarno was inhabited by Etruscans, Ligurians and Romans in ancient times. Later, the valley was long disputed between Florence and Arezzo.
“Going even further back in time, the geological history of the Valdarno is of great interest”.
From the Pliocene and until about 100,000 years ago, the Valdarno was a lake. The composition of the soil and the formation of mountains still bear traces of this ancient past, together with animal and plant fossils that can be seen in the Paleontological Museum of Montevarchi.
The Valdarno has such a variety of landscapes that it is possible to practice any kind of excursion or bicycle tour.
The Valdarno and its territory fascinates anyone with its unexpected beauties: gentle hills, dense woods, mountains (the Pratomagno reaches about 1600 meters above sea level) and suggestive rock formations such as the Balze, a series of ridges shaped over time by erosion by part of atmospheric agents.
Nature lovers will adore the Valdarno, so much so that it hosts the Valle dell'Inferno and Bandella Regional Nature Reserve, habitat of numerous species of birds.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for pretty villages and parish churches, consider taking the Via Setteponti itinerary, which follows an ancient route once known as Cassia Vetus and whose origins date back to the Etruscan and Roman times.
“Going even further back in time, the geological history of the Valdarno is of great interest”.
From the Pliocene and until about 100,000 years ago, the Valdarno was a lake. The composition of the soil and the formation of mountains still bear traces of this ancient past, together with animal and plant fossils that can be seen in the Paleontological Museum of Montevarchi.
The Valdarno has such a variety of landscapes that it is possible to practice any kind of excursion or bicycle tour.
The Valdarno and its territory fascinates anyone with its unexpected beauties: gentle hills, dense woods, mountains (the Pratomagno reaches about 1600 meters above sea level) and suggestive rock formations such as the Balze, a series of ridges shaped over time by erosion by part of atmospheric agents.
Nature lovers will adore the Valdarno, so much so that it hosts the Valle dell'Inferno and Bandella Regional Nature Reserve, habitat of numerous species of birds.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for pretty villages and parish churches, consider taking the Via Setteponti itinerary, which follows an ancient route once known as Cassia Vetus and whose origins date back to the Etruscan and Roman times.
Pratomagno
According to the legend, the geological characteristics of the Valdarno inspired Dante Alighieri for his Divine Comedy. Some parts of Dante's description of Hell are thought to be inspired by the Valle dell'Inferno. Well before the construction of the dam, the valley had very steep slopes that were furrowed by the Arno river.
The figure of Leonardo da Vinci, who thoroughly studied this territory, is also linked to the Valdarno. He was probably fascinated by the Balze, from which he drew inspiration as the background for some of his paintings, one above all the Mona Lisa.
The figure of Leonardo da Vinci, who thoroughly studied this territory, is also linked to the Valdarno. He was probably fascinated by the Balze, from which he drew inspiration as the background for some of his paintings, one above all the Mona Lisa.