Cycling in Chianti, among parish churches and vineyards

This short but challenging loop is characterized by vineyards, dense woods and above all splendid medieval parish churches. 

The 40-kilometer route has an elevation gain of 1,116 meters and steep climbs that therefore require a certain degree of physical fitness. It is advisable to use a gravel bike or MTB and divide it into 2 stages, stopping off in Greve in Chianti. 

Departure is from Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, in the direction of the village of Morrocco with the 15th-century church of Santa Maria del Carmine. After passing Sambuca and the Pesa River, you begin to climb, in order to reach the splendid Badia a Passignano, which dates back to the year one thousand. 
Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, the Abbey stands tall, with its mighty walls inside which there is a fresco by Domenico and Davide Ghirlandaio depicting the Last Supper.  

Continuing along the Poggio al Vento road, you enter a dense wood and reach the dirt road with the tabernacle of the Madonnina di Rignana. After tackling a challenging climb, you descend to Greve in Chianti, where you can stop for a refreshing break. 

In fact, the return to Tavarnelle is the most challenging part of the route. You set off uphill right away, on a dirt road to Valigondoli, where the long descent takes you back down and past the Pesa River. Along paved and dirt roads, you come to the Romanesque Parish Church of San Pietro in Bossolo, before your return to Tavarnelle.