Walk 5 - Villa Certinale and Romitorio walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
Start/car parking: Wide cul-de-sac road way opposite to the entrance
gate of Villa Cetinale. Parking advice in both Italian and English.
From Stigliano drive to Rosia and Sovicille, heading to Ancaiano
(signposted). Immediately before entering to Ancaiano village, turn
right along an unsurfaced road signposted to Villa Cetinale, which is a
further half mile.
A straightforward walk, largely in woodland, linking the Villa Certinale
with the great Romitorio, high on the hillside above. Steadily uphill on
the outward part but no steep gradients. No problems underfoot.
The Romitorio, a former hermitage, is dated 1716. It has four storeys
and some unusual features, including an Egyptian cross. At the front is
an impressive well.
Start/car parking: Wide
WALK
From the parking area walk to access roadway and turn right uphill. In less
than 100 yards the track bends to the left. Continue uphill and here there is a
first glimpse of Romitorio through the trees. Pass a little tower on the left then
a private roadway leading to Cerbaia. On the track right side there is a huge
gateway that gives access to a particular Italian Garden known as Parco la
Tebaide. In the opposite side there is a rather eroded statue. Go on the same
route and pass another track on the left, still following the white and red
waymarks. Keep left at a fork, where we join the route 110.
1. Thirty yards after the fork leave the track to turn left along a narrow
waymarked path climbing and winding through woodland, stony underfoot
(be careful, the signed path turns to the right immediately to go uphill).
Join a broad track in a short distance. Turn right, soon bending to the left to
complete the ascent to Romitorio where there are occasional long viewers of
Sovicille area.
2. After visiting Romitorio, which will probably be secured against vandalism,
continue along the track rising between stone walls to pass behind; this soon
becomes a broad woodland roadway. In 200 yards ignore a waymarked path
to the right. Stay in the main track.
3. At a Y junction turn left to commence to descend, with a sharp left bend
and a dry stream bed in 50 yards. Stay with the main track at a fork and
continue to descend.
4. Join another track with a lower stone wall. Turn very sharp right to continue
the descent, soon passing another shrine, now heading right through more
open countryside. Join the Cetinale access road just below the buildings. Turn
left pass the Granaio building and return to car park.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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