ITINERARI OF CASTLE

The ridge trail rests at the top of the hills that divide two opposing sides. It Is also referred to as the trail of castles because of the various outcroppings along the way that once served as regional lookout commands. The formation of the Chio Volley is rather unusual. It unfolds like an inlet on the eastern flank of the much larger Chiana Valley, with both high and steep hills that create a sort of ring around the plain below. The ridge trail is the most difficult of the three trails.
The ideal departure point far the trait is Garibaldi Square where Is the illustrative Marker No. 1. From here, a day walk con be organized along the complete ridge, or shorter easier walks may be selected following other paths that branch off along the way. The course is easy to follow as it h a CAI (Italian Alpine Club) route and therefore, marked with their treditional red and white stripes. From Garibaldi Square, follow the marking, for the CAI 555 trail that leads to the top of Mount Castiglion Maggio, passing first San Pietro Capella at Mammi. Up until this point, the path Is asphalt paved and steep; afterward, the path is dirt covered. Rising quickly in elevation, the beauty of the pan-oramic views of the Chiana and Chio Valleys below increate with the rise elevation until reaching the maximum point, in proximity to the top af thè mount, which is roughly 760 meters above sea level. The stopes are steep due to their geological formation being rocky like the ridge of the Alpines which has its origins here.
At the summit, the CAI 555 trail joins the CAI 50 trail, and following the road to the right, continues downhill until Foce Pass (Passo delia Foce) where is the illustrative Marker No. 11. At this juncture, there ore three choises return to the starting point following the panoramic Palazzo del Pero county road no. 40 in the direction of Castiglion Fiorentino; head downhill to the Chio Valley in proximity to the Santa Margherita village crossing the steep road that follows the secondary ridge; or. to continue the walk toward Mount Cometa and the settlement of Caldesi, being certain follows the CAI markets. Continuing along  the ridge trail, the course climbs upward until the crest of the mount from where the entire Chio Valley is displayed below. From this viewpoint, it is easy to find one's bearings and to recognize the various landmarks such as the regional castels and villages. Shortly before Caldesi are signs indicating the way to the villages of Collesecco and Santa Cristina, Continuing ahead), the path inclines gradually with the rums of the houses constructed on Mount Cometa continually coming into view more clearly. Many, many years ago there stood a castle on the mount, but today, not a trace of it remains. Shortly after passing what is left of the houses, the path tarns to the right, following the signs for the Montanina Castle (Castello della Montanina).

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