Polcanto: History, Trails and Cycling Route

When looking for a hotel in Polcanto, you can first consider what kind of stay you are planning. The old church of San Donato, trails associated with Monte Senario and a measured cycling route offer different points of interest. Polcanto is also connected by bus stop to the Polcanto–San Piero a Sieve route. These topics can help you match the destination to your plans: an interest in culture, activities on foot or a cycling tour raise different considerations.

History in Polcanto and the surrounding area

The old church of San Donato in Polcanto has been documented since 1276. This date gives its historical significance a specific timeframe: the church is attested from the late 13th century. The Badia del Buonsollazzo, a monastery of medieval origin that is now abandoned, lies near Polcanto. Palazzo Scalandroni can only be viewed from the outside. If you take historic buildings into account when choosing a destination, you will find different points of historical interest here: a church with a documented date, an abandoned monastery and a palazzo viewed from the outside.

Trails and landscape

Heavily fractured Monte Senario sandstone is exposed on the southern slope of Polcanto. The rock adds a specific landscape feature to the trail descriptions. One trail starts in Polcanto on Via Faentina. After about 400 m, it reaches the Polcanto cemetery; from there, it continues into chestnut woods. The approximate distance refers to the section up to the cemetery, not to the total length of the trail. This gives you a starting point, an early landmark and the subsequent route into the chestnut woods to help with your planning.

Trail 2/P follows an old mule track to the ridge, then continues to the monastery of Monte Senario. The trail to Monte Senario is considered the fastest route from the Mugello side. When comparing trail information, you can use the features described as a guide: the start on Via Faentina, the route along the old mule track, the ridge, the destination at the monastery or the Mugello side.

Cycling route and motorcycling

The Salaiole variant of the climb to Vetta Le Croci is 13.2 km long. Over 1.5 km, there are 190 m of elevation gain; the average gradient is also 12.6%, with some sections exceeding 15%. The total length and the other measurements describe different aspects of the variant. When comparing cycling routes, you can consider the distance, elevation gain and gradient figures separately for your planning.

The GSSS motorcycle school is located in Polcanto. If you are planning a visit, check its current operating arrangements in advance.

Travel by bus

For your journey, Polcanto is connected by bus stop to the Polcanto–San Piero a Sieve route. Check the timetable for this route before travelling so you can plan around your intended travel date.

Discover more destinations: Marradi, Gaville, Fontanella, Linari, Montaione, Fucecchio, Pontassieve, Impruneta

For the main travel overview: Florence.