Trekking 2 – Villamagna – Poggio Incontro – Villa Magna

Type of route: unpaved, practical on footi, mountain bike or horse. 

Duration: 2:30/2:45 hours Distance: 6,9 km 

Difference in altitude: 275 m

This itinerary starts from the Piazza in Villamagna (Coord. GPS N 43° 45’42” E 11° 22’57”), the same location as the Pieve di San Donnino, noted for its Romanesque-Lombard bell tower. From the square you can reach the public gardens where, on the left side, a steep path leads to the Oratorio del Beato Gerardo. The simple 14th century stone Oratory is composed by a single nave and houses traces of 15th century frescoes and the empty ark of Blessed Gerardo, whose remains are kept in a 16th century urn in the San Donnino Church. 

On the opposite side of the street, in front of the Oratory, we find the path that leads to L’incontro. Crossing through a forest home to oaks and hornbeams, carpeted by undergrowth of broom, juniper and rockroses, we will soon reach a junction where we will take a left, following the red and white signs. From there continue on along the CAI path n. 4 and we will eventually arrive at the Convento dell’Incontro (557 m asl). 

The Monastery, built in 1715 by the Blessed Leonard of Port Maurice, was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in 1950 after years of neglect and abandonment. Recent works have improved and enhanced the building, which includes a park full of different types of trees. 

Leaving the Monastery through the gate and heading left along the paved street, a sweeping panoramic view of Florence, from the Arno Valley to the Apennines, can be enjoyed. Near the electricity towers, heading down several meters and then taking a quick left following the perimeter wall, we will reach the Strada Comunale dell’Incontro. From there take the CAI 00 path on the left and walk downhill through a forest of cypress trees (partially destroyed by fire) until reaching a paved street. At a curve marked with a crucifix, continue straight until reaching the Villa Poggio a Luco. Heading to the left, going slightly uphill through the cypress trees, we pass Le Mura from where, heading downhill, we will reach Via di San Romolo. Turning left we will return once again to Villamagna, where this journey ends.

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