This simple itinerary will lead to
the discovery of the unspoilt valley of Valsovara,
including a visit to two important Castles which formed
part of its defense; and finally to the ancient Pieve di
Sovara.
From the Campo della Fiera at the
top of Anghiari go north-west towards the Carmine.
Walking along the SP45, in the place called “la Gattina”
take the road that is found on the right going down
towards La Commenda, where you will join path 108. From
here, turning right go towards Castello di Galbino,
which is a short way beyond the village of Tavernelle.
Pieve of Sovara
Galbino, placed between a tributary of the Sovara
and the main Libbia road, is an ancient castle whose
origins are thought to date back to the year 1000.
Transformed into a Villa the castle today consists of a
turret in the centre of the roof and small round towers
placed at its four corners. A splendid loggia with stone
columns runs along the whole of the fascia. Once you
have seen the castle, turn back until reaching the river
Sovara and then walk along its left bank. In the hamlet
of Molino Bianco rejoin path 108 and turning right
follow it until reaching the ancient Pieve di Sovara,
situated at the foothills of Anghiari. Pieve dates back
to the late medieval period and has associations with
the important road network in the area, which has two
interlinking Roman roads: The Crinale which comes from
Monterchi and Citta di Castello and that which arrives
from Arezzo
Admire the church then retake the left bank of the
Sovara and continuing in the same direction for about 20
minutes, arrive at Castello di Sorci. Castello di Sorci
was inhabited by three great and powerful families
between 1200 and 1530: The Tarlati family from
Pietramala (1234-1388), The Baldaccio family (1388-1441)
and the Pichi family (1443-1650). Built as a sign of
dominance, it was subject to dispute and resistance
during the early medieval years, being destroyed and
rebuilt several times, it has had the life of a
mercenary commander, like the famous Baldaccio of
Anghiari.
Castle of Sorci
Transformed into a farm, today Castello di Sorci houses
a typical Italian restaurant and is well known because
of the presence of the ghost of Baldaccio, who, every 50
years appears on the anniversary of his death, 6th
September 1441.
From here rejoin the SP47, returning towards our
departure point.
