The Valleriana is the hilly and mountainous area located in the Upper Valley of the Pescia River, north of the city. Here you will find ten villages of medieval origin connected by ancient mule tracks that cross chestnut groves and pass over countless waterways. The artistic treasures preserved in the churches and oratories of Valleriana are numerous and valuable; the landscapes and natural beauties are unique; furthermore, many historical events took place on these heights.

The area has been traveled since ancient times, perhaps prehistoric, certainly by Etruscans and Romans, as it represented the obligatory passage to head north starting from Valdinievole. Along these ancient routes, in fact, several settlements were born, many of which were the original nuclei of the current villages.

Valleriana includes two distinct valleys: Val di Torbola and Val di Forfora, where the two branches of the Pescia stream flow (Pescia di Pontito to the west, and Pescia di Calamecca to the east); in ancient times, however, it also included the valley crossed by the Pescia di Collodi stream.

The heart of this area is represented by the DIECI CASTELLA): ancient medieval villages built in "pietra serena" (local sandstone) that seem suspended in time. Pietrabuona, Medicina, Fibbialla, Aramo, Castelvecchio, San Quirico, Stiappa, Pontito, Sorana, and Vellano are pearls of rural architecture connected by winding paths and ancient chestnut woods.

  • Architecture and History: Every village preserves its original structure with walls, gates, and Romanesque parish churches of extraordinary beauty, such as the Pieve di Castelvecchio.
  • Food and Wine: The area is famous for the Sorana Bean (Fagiolo di Sorana)a PGI product with a very thin skin and high digestibility, a symbol of the local rural tradition.
  • Slow Tourism: It is the ideal destination for those who love trekking and mountain biking, thanks to the dense network of trails crossing Valleriana.

Visiting Valleriana means immersing yourself in a silent atmosphere, where nature and human hands have found a perfect balance over the centuries.

San Lorenzo, the gateway to Valleriana

If you are ready to fill your heart with beauty, we invite you to discover the DIECI CASTELLA. Crossing the natural gateway of San Lorenzo a Cerreto , you will find yourself immersed in the greenery, history, scents, and flavors of Valleriana.