From Abbadia San Salvatore to the summit of Monte Amiata

Mount Amiata offers compelling athletic challenges to biking enthusiasts. One way to test yourself is attempting to reach the summit by tackling a climb connecting the villages in the valley with the extremity of the mountain. 

One climb that is both historic and heroic is that starting from Abbadia San Salvatore and reaching the summit of Mount Amiata, 5702 feet (1738 meters) above sea level.

The start is at the Bike Point of Amiata Bike, located in front of the town hall in Abbadia San Salvatore, a medieval village on the eastern side of Mount Amiata. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, this picturesque town is known for its history, culture and attractions encompassing nature, spirituality and its mining history. Where once stood the buildings of the Società delle Miniere di Mercurio (Mercury Mining Company), today is the Mining Museum, a place rich in history and interesting facts.

The route winds between variously steep uphill stretches, as the natural landscape changes, with chestnut trees giving way to beech trees. Reaching the summit is like crossing an important milestone that tastes like true victory! 

At the top of the mountain is the 72-feet (22-meter) monumental iron cross. This landmark tops the Amiata summit, visible from the surrounding plains and valleys as far as the Tyrrhenian Sea, Umbria and Val di Chiana. On the highest hump, it is possible to admire the statue of “Madonna degli Scouts”.

The Abbadia San Salvatore–Summit of Mount Amiata climb forms part of the Amiata Bike network of routes, a series of paths designed for those who love cycling that include the main “Ring of Mount Amiata,” a loop extending along the slopes of Mount Amiata and from which four technically more challenging routes branch off, with the distinction of being mainly on dirt roads, the “Varianti Gravel”.