Paved pathways, ancient “margine” and vistas of the Valdinievole
The route starts from the village of Massa (at 715 feet or 218 meters above sea level) in Valdinievole. Drive towards the Porta ai Campi and park your car nearby. To your right, just before the gate, set out along Trail 44, a path that descends steeply. Shortly afterwards, you come to the first “margine” along an ancient pavement on a steep slope, so be careful if it is wet! “Margine” is the term used in the Valdinievole to define a sacred aedicula, that is, the small construction erected to adorn and protect statues, sacred images or epigraphs. They were generally positioned near important crossroads or routes and served as a support for pilgrims.
Soon enough, descend to a lightly traveled gravel road, where you'll need to hang a left. Walk along this path for some 15 minutes until you come to the signs indicating the entrance of the trail into the forest. Here, dive into nature accompanied by a soundtrack of flowing water. You'll reach the Volata Bridge, which allows you to cross the stream of the same name.
From here, begin your ascent, passing by what remains of the second margine and, further on, those of the third. Following the marked path, climb through the forest until reaching Croci. The journey from Massa to Croci takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For the return trip, start out from behind the Croci Sanctuary, following the signs for Cozzile. The path, initially paved, soon enters the forest. Pass an initial small ford, then continue until crossing a second easy ford before traveling along a path through pines, alternating between sections of dirt and gravel road. After flanking the Volata stream, cross the waterway to face a gentle climb that leads you to the margine of Cozzile, after crossing the locality of “al Trito.”
Once in Cozzile, take time to stroll about until you reach the Porta Vecchia (Old Gate), entering into the village. Feel free to take your time exploring the streets and squares to the Porta Nuova (New Gate), where you can admire a spectacular 180-degree panorama, ranging from Siena's Torre del Mangia to Elba Island's Monte Capanne. You are now at 1348 feet (411 meters) above sea level.
Descend via an ancient cobblestone that leads to a flight of steps and the paved road, walking the extent passing below the castle walls to the mouth of the ancient road to Massa. Follow this route downhill through oaks, chestnut trees, olive groves and broom. Along the way, encounter the remnants of two margine, one after the other.
Return to Massa ideally passing through where once stood the Porta Pieri then explore the village, its squares and church, where you can climb the bell tower or visit the Museum of San Michele. Finally, exit via the Porta ai Campi to return to your vehicle.