Sentiero della bonifica

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The Sentiero della Bonifica cycle lane and foot path goes through ancient marshland, across canals, past locks and through the tunnels which were once used to drain the whole area and which today make up an open air museum in the heart of the Chiana Valley. It’s an historical route with both cultural and naturalistic elements and is the perfect way to get to know the area better – either on foot or by bike. Of course, there are also places to stop for refreshments along the route, all in harmony with the natural surroundings.

The cycle route follows the main canal as it winds its way through the Chiana Valley. The route was created as a joint project between the Chianciano Terme Val di Chiana Tourist Board, Arezzo Tourist Board, the Province of Arezzo, the Province of Siena and the Tuscan Region. Maps and information are available for those who wish to travel the route by bicycle. The whole route is 60km long and crosses the Chiana Valley from Arezzo to Chiusi. The cycle path itself is the old canal maintenance path.

The whole area was drained from the middle of the fourteenth century by the Medici and then by the Asburgo-Lorenas. Illustrious scientists and engineers like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei and Vittorio Fossombroni were consulted with regards to how to carry out this huge job. In fact, the route is dedicated to Fossombroni, a technician from Arezzo. Today, the system of locks along the canal provides the perfect route for cyclists, in particular thanks to the fact that both ends of the route have frequent bike-friendly train services. The route provides visitors with a great mix of nature, history and typical products found in this corner of Tuscany.

There is also a tour package available called ‘In bicicletta nelle terre del Clanis’ (‘Cycling in the Clanis Lands’). This tour package is offered by the Chianciano Terme Val di Chiana Tourist Board and tour operator. It splits the route into two days, starting from Chiusi Scalo where visitors can stop to admire the curious sixteenth-century towers, known as ‘Beccati Questo e Beccati Quello’. These towers once marked the border between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State; today they mark the division of Tuscany and Umbria. There is also the Catacomb of Santa Mustiola, which is evidence of very early Christianity in the area, and Montepulciano Lake, a nature reserve which is home to many different species of migratory birds. Cyclists should also see the Callone di Valiano which dates back to the early eighteenth century and which allowed the level of water in the lake to be regulated. Unfortunately, it was partly destroyed by the German army in the Second World War. Also of interest are the Leopoldine houses which were built for sharecropping families after the land was drained. The Colmata di Brolio (reclaimed land) is also noteworthy as this is the last tangible evidence of one of the most advanced engineering projects ever carried out by man.

source : http://www.turismo.intoscana.it

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