The best road cycling routes around Uzzano

Piazza Duomo, very well maintained

The summit of San Baronto is located at an altitude of 349 meters above sea level in the heart of Montalbano, in Tuscany. This hamlet of the municipality of Lamporecchio (PT) is considered the "homeland" and symbol of Tuscan cycling, a historic meeting point for both amateur cyclists and professionals in training. At the top of the climb, the local cycling tradition revolves around two fixed stages: the famous Fontanella (water refill point for bottles) and the passage in front of the Church or the bars at the pass for a classic slice of cake.

The scenic road connecting Vinci to San Baronto is one of Montalbano's most famous and spectacular routes, much loved by car drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists for its harmonious curves and breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills. The main route follows the Strada Provinciale 13 (SP13), known in this stretch also as Via di San Donato, which climbs from Vinci, winding its way through centuries-old olive groves and vineyards, before joining the SP9 to reach the pass and the village of San Baronto.

The Walls of Lucca are one of the most significant and best-preserved historical monuments in Europe, an imposing Renaissance ring of walls that has remained completely intact, entirely enclosing the historic center of the Tuscan city. Built between 1504 and 1648 primarily as a defensive deterrent, they were never used for warfare. In the early decades of the 19th century, by the will of Maria Luisa of Bourbon, they were converted into a splendid public promenade and elevated urban park.

The Porta Sant'Anna (officially Porta Vittorio Emanuele) is one of the newer city gates in Lucca's historic city walls. In contrast to the mighty Renaissance gates of the fortress, this is a modern, purely functional opening from the early 20th century.

The historic center of Lucca is one of the best-preserved medieval hearts of Europe, enclosed entirely by a splendid, intact Renaissance city wall from the 16th-17th century. Known as the city of "100 churches" for its extraordinary density of religious buildings, the center is a large pedestrian area full of cobbled streets, soaring medieval towers, and unique squares.

The Walls of Lucca are one of the most famous historical monuments in Italy, known worldwide for being the only Renaissance city walls to have survived completely intact to this day. Built between 1504 and 1648 mainly to defend against the expansionist ambitions of Florence, they completely surround the historic center of the city. During the 19th century, by the will of Maria Luisa of Bourbon, the military fortification was transformed into an immense elevated public park and a charming tree-lined promenade.

The Towers of Serravalle Pistoiese are the most evident medieval symbols of the fortified village of Serravalle Pistoiese, located in a strategic position that historically controlled the passage between the Pistoia plain and the Valdinievole. The village is famous for its fortifications which include two main nuclei placed at the two ends of the town.