The best road cycling routes in Riserva Naturale Di Berignone-Tatti

The sculpture in the shape of an inverted question mark visible in the image is titled "Equanimity" and was created by the Dutch artist Emilie Cummings-Enneking. The work was inaugurated in June 2011 in the open-air art park of Fattoria Lischeto, symbolizing concepts such as inner balance and strength.

Micciano is a hamlet in the Italian municipality of Pomarance, located in the province of Pisa, in Tuscany. This small and charming medieval village stands perched on top of a steep hill at about 473 meters above sea level, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the beautiful Val di Cecina. It is believed that the name derives from Castrum Mitiani, linked to the landholdings granted in 59 BC to the Roman legionary Mitius thanks to the Lex Julia desired by Julius Caesar. The first written documents date back to the end of the first millennium. Due to its dominant position, the village was long contested between the monks of the Abbey of San Pietro in Palazzuolo and the Bishops of Volterra, before the population swore allegiance to the Municipality of Volterra in the 13th century.

Montecatini Val di Cecina is a charming medieval village located in the province of Pisa, in Tuscany, famous for its rich mining history and the magnificent view over the hills of the Val di Cecina.

Castrum Montis Leonis, as the village of Montecatini Val di Cecina was called in ancient times, and its center is indeed characterized by imposing buildings and thick black-and-white striped walls, a castle that must have served as a residence for knights from the North. For a long time it was a territory of contention between Pisa and Volterra, and that war was part of the life of this village can be understood, for example, from the two openings made transversely to the Torre dei Belforti, which allow control of the Mastio of Volterra and the Rocca Sillana, a "telescope"... of yesteryear. This territory, dotted with small villages immersed in nature, is then intimately linked to an element - "precious" in many ways - since the time of the Etruscans: copper. In the 19th century, the copper mines in this area were the largest in Europe and - although they have not been in operation since 1907 - today the tunnel, the mining site of Camporciano, the Mining Museum are still visitable, and one can also admire the various stages of the ancient processing of this element.

An ancient castle located north of the Monterufoli Forest, Micciano stands out from its high reddish gabbro cliff called the 'Pinzo', which faces the hill on which the village of Libbiano stands, separated from the deep Adio Valley. Its name appears to derive from the Latin 'Fundus Mitianus or Maecianus', the name of a Roman legionary who, benefiting from the 'Julian Law', was gifted a large plot of land in that area in exchange for valorous military deeds. The oldest document of the small village's history, dating back to 947, is preserved in the Episcopal Curia of Volterra and refers to the investiture of Giovanni di Giovanni as parish priest, while a papal bull from Pope Alexius III, dated 1076, confirms the donation of Micciano and its court to the Abbey of Monteverdi by Emperor Henry II of Saxony.

Monteguidi is the classic Tuscan village that you expect to find perched on a hill, immersed in a postcard landscape. As you climb, the panorama opens up in all its beauty, with the village standing out like the perfect protagonist of a Tuscan painting.

The origin of this small town is as a castle. Today only the imprint remains in the urban planning and in the strategic position: perched on a rocky spur between the Trossa and the Adio. Near Micciano, you will find spectacular hairpin bends, perfect for tackling by bike. Smooth climbs, adrenaline-filled descents and breathtaking views make this place a true gem for those who love cycling.

Near Micciano, these hairpin bends are among the most fun you'll ever ride on a bike, both uphill and downhill. The easy slopes and the many panoramic points make this segment truly unique. The asphalt is also in good condition.