A breathtaking itinerary on the Pistoia Mountains, near Pistoia, in the footsteps of journalist Tiziano Terzani
Surrounded by vast mountain landscapes and infinite sweeps of forests and high ground fields, this itinerary takes you to places that were once much loved by the journalist Tiziano Terzani, who originally came from the Valle dell’Orsigna: he was an intelligent and wise traveller who left us with his own rich and deeply spiritual heritage.
He used to meditate right here in the small clearing where a large beech tree stands. On this tree he stuck two small ceramic eyes, as a homage to the mystical Indian tradition which attempts to draw the divine closer to the universe.
Leaving the car in Case Cucciani's car park, we begin to walk upwards for about twenty minutes along the Terzani Path until you come to a wooden sign pointing to the Tree with Eyes, so dear to the journalist.
Let's approach it respectfully so as to feel that magic that fascinates the wayfarer: a splendid panoramic view over the Valle D'Orsigna and all the decorations left by people passing by, and which embellish this beloved tree.
Then we enter the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) Path n° 5 and so we can now be embraced by a thick forest of white pines and beech trees.
Leaving the car in Case Cucciani's car park, we begin to walk upwards for about twenty minutes along the Terzani Path until you come to a wooden sign pointing to the Tree with Eyes, so dear to the journalist.
Let's approach it respectfully so as to feel that magic that fascinates the wayfarer: a splendid panoramic view over the Valle D'Orsigna and all the decorations left by people passing by, and which embellish this beloved tree.
Then we enter the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) Path n° 5 and so we can now be embraced by a thick forest of white pines and beech trees.
Going further uphill, we reach the crest which borders with the Emilia Romagna Region and then we leave behind us the pass, called Passo di Porta Franca.
From here, we can admire the wonderful Apennine views that, depending on the season, can be coloured with intense green, ochre and brown hues, then the white of winter. Walking along the crest, we now go downhill towards Poggio dei Malandrini and soon after, you can refresh yourselves at the Montanaro Lodge.
Going further uphill, we reach the crest which borders with the Emilia Romagna Region and then we leave behind us the pass, called Passo di Porta Franca.
From here, we can admire the wonderful Apennine views that, depending on the season, can be coloured with intense green, ochre and brown hues, then the white of winter. Walking along the crest, we now go downhill towards Poggio dei Malandrini and soon after, you can refresh yourselves at the Montanaro Lodge.
Descending in a south-west direction, and crossing a lovely beech wood, we arrive at the Passo del Rombiciaio, where, entering the CAI Path 53, we begin a gruelling descent that will take us back to Orsigna.
Before completing our adventure, we can enjoy the delightful lanes of this pretty hamlet, admire its two windmills and (why not?) taste the excellent food and wine that this area offers.
Descending in a south-west direction, and crossing a lovely beech wood, we arrive at the Passo del Rombiciaio, where, entering the CAI Path 53, we begin a gruelling descent that will take us back to Orsigna.
Before completing our adventure, we can enjoy the delightful lanes of this pretty hamlet, admire its two windmills and (why not?) taste the excellent food and wine that this area offers.