Trail 460
Anello del Guardingo Passignano
The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo at Passignano, commonly known as Badia a Passignano, adopted the Vallombrosan rule in the 11th century under San Giovanni Gualberto, who died here in 1073. The area also gave its name to the painter Domenico Cresti, known as Il Passignano (1559–1638), who was born nearby.
The circular route starts at Badia a Passignano, at the junction of Via Poggio al Vento and Via di Greve, where parking is available. The trail initially descends along Via Poggio al Vento, passing vineyards and woodland. After crossing the Fosso di Rimaggio stream and the Maggiociondolo rest area, the route climbs through forest to Via di Rignana, then continues uphill on a dirt road to the ruins of Podere Monte, a typical historic sharecroppers’ farmhouse.
The path continues through woodland and gravel roads to San Cresci – La Paurosa, before descending again toward the abbey. Along the way it passes Casa Pugliano, the birthplace of Domenico Cresti, and continues between woods and vineyards back to Badia a Passignano.
About one kilometre before reaching the abbey, a short detour leads to the Cappella dei Pesci (Chapel of the Fish). According to tradition, during a visit by Pope Leo IX in 1050, two large pike miraculously appeared in a nearby spring at the request of San Giovanni Gualberto. The waters were later considered healing, and the chapel was built in 1510 in gratitude for a recovery.
A scenic circular walk combining history, vineyards, woodland, and religious legends in the heart of the Chianti landscape.
Trail Overview
Distance: 6.6 km
Duration: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: 265 m
Category: Barberino-Tavarnelle trail network
Area: Chianti Fiorentino, Val di Pesa
Credit to caifirenze.it