The best MTB trails around Subbiano

The Sasso della Regina is a striking rock formation jutting out like a natural terrace over the valley below. This sandstone spur offers one of the most spectacular and dizzying views of the Apennines, characterized by a near-vertical drop overlooking a sea of pristine forests.

Along the Pratomagno ridge, between Monte Lori and Croce, a sword embedded in the rock adds a touch of legend to the route. This symbol invites you to pause and admire the endless panorama, capturing the timeless essence of the vast high-altitude meadows.

Legend has it that St. Francis, after receiving the Stigmata, left La Verna on September 30, 1224. The itinerary he was to follow wound toward Monte Arcoppe, the Foresto and reached the place called La Casella, from where, via Castello di Montauto, Sansepolcro, Citta’ di Castello, he would have reached Assisi. At La Casella, where a hermitage would later be built, he wanted to stop to perform a rite. From that height, where the eye sweeps across the vastness of superb landscapes, St. Francis, aware that that journey would be one with no return, looked at La Verna for a long time and with deep emotion said: Farewell, mountain of God, holy mountain, mons coagulatus, mons pinguis, mons in quo beneplacitum est Deo habitare! Farewell Mount Alvernia; God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless you! Stay in peace, for we will never see each other again. The Hermitage, built with light gray stone, consists of a chapel dedicated to St. Francis and a shelter that is always open. (Source: https://www.ursea.it/wp/archives/1118 )

Proper bike paths are rare, but this one is good and leads south from Poppi, always along the Arno River. It has a firm surface and is easy to ride.

Fantastic views over the valley of the Singerna. In addition, a nice place where you can BBQ, picnic tables are available. Good place to cool down during hot summer days.

traditional food always delicious and plentiful

The Sanctuary of La Verna is a sacred place nestled in the heart of the Casentino Forest National Park, in the splendid Tuscan region. This sanctuary is famous for being the site of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. Located among the forests of the National Park, the Sanctuary of La Verna offers visitors breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. The surrounding mountains, including Monte Penna, offer picturesque trails and unforgettable excursion possibilities. The forests rich in fauna and flora represent a natural sanctuary of rare beauty. Furthermore, the Sanctuary of La Verna is enriched by the splendid glazed terracottas by Andrea della Robbia, which decorate the walls and altars of the sanctuary. These Renaissance works of art depict sacred scenes and religious symbols, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.

Curiosity: In the area of that beautiful lawn and the picnic area, next to a large tree there is a memorial stone in memory of exactly what happened on Sunday 18 July 1976. That day many people gathered on the Alpe di Catenaia, to celebrate the anniversary of the liberation from Nazi-fascism, which began in our province in early July 1944. Arezzo was liberated on 16 July 1944. This area of the Alpe di Catenaia is located in the municipality of Subbiano and as in other mountains, here too there were numerous clashes between Nazi-fascists and partisans during the resistance period (1943-1945). The "Gothic Line" also passed through this mountain, since from here you could see the slopes of Arezzo and the Tiber Valley. But on that 18th July 1976, what was supposed to be a day of celebration in the afternoon became a dramatic day: a strong storm hit the area, lightning struck a group of people who had taken shelter under the trees; nine people were killed!