Padonchia

Padonchia can be explored through two specific themes: the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo and hiking trails associated with the area. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the church art and the route details separately. The church brings together several historical periods and works of art; the routes described differ in their course and context. This will help you decide whether you are more interested in cultural history or a hiking route during your stay.

Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo: History and Art

The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo is dated to the 7th or 8th century AD. The first historical document to mention the church dates from September 26, 1230. This date marks its written mention, not the period when the church was built. The present-day building also has its own chronology: its floor plan dates from the 14th century, and traces of restoration date to around 1989–1990. These details therefore refer to different aspects of the church’s history—its early dating, its first mention, and the floor plan of the present-day building.

The church’s artworks include a depiction of Saint Michael the Archangel piercing the demon with a lance. The work is dated to the first half of the 15th century. A Madonna and Child, also dating from the first half of the 15th century, is preserved in the church. Both works offer a glimpse of religious art from this period, but depict different subjects: Saint Michael the Archangel fighting the demon, and the Madonna with the Child. Those interested in art history will find two dated works here that make for an informative comparison.

Hiking: Two Different Routes

The Citerna–Monterchi Trek connects Monterchi with Citerna in Umbria, passing through Lippiano before returning to Monterchi. At the start, the route follows trail marker 10 along the Torrente Cerfone. It branches off via Omarino toward Padonchia. Farther along, the marker changes from trail marker 10 to 152a, which points toward Valle Padonchia. The route connects Monterchi, Lippiano, and Citerna; it initially follows the Torrente Cerfone, and later marker 152a points toward Valle Padonchia.

The Sentiero 153 SL Monte Santa Maria Tiberina–Lippiano–Padonchia ends in Padonchia. It reaches the village after descending to Valle Padonchia and then climbing to the ridge. The trail is part of the multi-day Sentiero dei Laghi, which connects Lago Trasimeno with Lago di Montedoglio. Along the way, the route passes through an oak woodland and a field; after crossing a road, it reaches the bed of the Torrente Erchi. Conditions may vary seasonally. If you plan to hike this route, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

For comparison, the main difference is the role of each route: the Citerna–Monterchi Trek runs from Monterchi through Lippiano to Citerna and back, while the Sentiero 153 SL is part of a multi-day trail and ends in Padonchia. The first description therefore highlights a connection between places, while the second focuses on its place within a longer route, with Padonchia as the destination.

Valle Padonchia and the Names of Its Waterways

Valle Padonchia is named after the Torrente Padonchia, which has the same name. The description of the Sentiero 153 SL also identifies the bed of the Torrente Erchi as a trail landmark. The two waterway names serve different purposes: the Torrente Padonchia gives the valley its name, while the Torrente Erchi is listed as a point along the route described.

Discover more destinations: Castelfranco Di Sopra, Pierle, Giovi-Ponte Alla Chiassa, Duddova, Montebenichi, Pergine Valdarno, Santa Firmina, Palazzuolo.

For the regional travel overview: Arezzo.