Holiday apartment in Sant'ellero – between the railway route and Vallombrosa

Sant'Ellero is connected to Vallombrosa by a restored hiking route between Sant'Ellero–Saltino and Vallombrosa; it is approximately 8.5 kilometres long. The route leads from the valley floor of the Valdarno to the Vallombrosa Biogenetic Nature Reserve. Along this route, historic railway landscape, natural surroundings and physical activity come together in a clearly defined connection. Vallombrosa is the destination of the connection, while the valley floor of the Valdarno lies at the other end of the path. When choosing a holiday apartment in Sant'Ellero, this route can provide the thematic framework for planning your trip.

The historic route as an outdoor experience

The Sant'Ellero–Saltino rack railway operated from 25 September 1892 to 18 April 1924. Its historic route, which once connected Sant'Ellero with Vallombrosa, has been converted into a path suitable for hikers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. The Sant'Ellero–Saltino–Vallombrosa rack railway path can be used on foot, by bicycle including e-bike, or for running. The different ways of using the route give it different paces without losing sight of its historic course. The length of the route and the chosen means of travel shape the planned rhythm.

From the valley floor to the Vallombrosa Trail Area

The Sant'Ellero–Saltino–Vallombrosa rack railway path connects the valley floor of the Valdarno with the Vallombrosa Biogenetic Nature Reserve. Upon arriving in Vallombrosa, the route provides direct access to the Vallombrosa Trail Area. To help with orientation along the route, there are nine information panels containing historical, natural-history and technical information. The topics range from the former railway to the nature of the Vallombrosa area and the technical infrastructure.

Mountains in the wider regional area

Poggio Stefanieri, a mountain, is located in the surroundings of Sant'Ellero. The wider regional area around Sant'Ellero also includes Il Pratone, Monte Pianellaccio and Monte Falterona, each of them a mountain. For planning a trip, the focus on the landscape can therefore be combined with the route and the wider mountain surroundings.

A palace, museums and an object from the late 17th century

Castello del Trebbio, a palace, is located in the surroundings of Sant'Ellero. In the wider regional area there are also Museo Bandini, Casa Museo Rodolfo Siviero and Museo Horne, each a museum. In addition, there is an object made of repoussé and engraved silver and gilded copper, originating from the Church of Santa Maria a Ellero and dated to the late 17th century.

Florence as the starting point for the journey

Thanks to the proximity of Sant'Ellero railway station, travellers can reach the starting point of the route from Florence and then continue on foot or by bicycle. From Florence, they can first travel to Sant'Ellero; trip planning can then connect the route with Poggio Stefanieri, the other mountains and the museums in the surrounding region. Sant'Ellero railway station thus marks the transition between travelling from Florence and continuing on foot or by bicycle.

Discover more places

For further orientation, you can also explore Tallini, San Donato Fronzano, Cancelli, Fornaci Incisa, Vallombrosa, Tosi and Donnini.

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggello.