A history lasting millions of years

—Historical background

Journey through the geological history of Tuscany

The Balze of Valdarno are not just postcard views; they are living pages of a book written by the Earth itself. Their story begins millions of years ago, when this territory was a vast sea: the waves sparkling in the sun hid an underwater world rich in marine life. But nature never stands still: through the movements of the earth’s crust, that sea began to recede, leaving behind sediments rich in fossils, evidence of a lost era. These sediments slowly turned into layers of sand and clay, writing the geological history of this area. Erosion then sculpted the Balze: water, wind, and time itself shaped these lands, creating spectacular clay formations that we admire today. Every ridge, every escarpment of the Balze tells a story of transformation and resilience. Even the land, under the pressure of the elements, can become art. But there is more: the Balze del Valdarno are a treasure trove for scholars. Here, geological strata have preserved fossils that tell us about ancient animal species, some of which have been extinct since time immemorial. It is a journey into prehistory, a bridge between the present and a world long gone.

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How to get there

—The Ancient Cassia and the Setteponti

Every stone and every path tells centuries of life.

The Ancient Road of Setteponti is a route that meanders through the Balze (crags) of Valdarno, skirting the Pratomagno massif. Here, among the vineyards and olive groves that cover the plateau, you can feel the breath of history and touch the indissoluble bond between man and the land.

This historic route is more than just a path: it is a lifeline that has united and defined communities since time immemorial. Starting from an Etruscan route, it became part of the great Roman epic, turning into the historic Cassia Vetus: an umbilical cord between past and present, between the rolling hills and Roman innovation.
The Setteponti Road is not only a physical link between places, but a symbol of cultural connection, a thread that weaves together histories and peoples, creating an identity that has stood the test of time.

Places like Gropina, Trevane and Ciuffenna are silent guardians of a pre-Roman heritage, witnesses of a world that still breathes beneath our feet. The refined Roman organisation has left indelible imprints in the area, revealed by archaeological finds and place names that tell of a prosperous agricultural life, praised by great names such as Pliny the Elder, Varrone and Tito Livio.