Discovering the places of Niccolò Machiavelli by bicycle

A short but evocative loop to discover the places of Niccolò Machiavelli, the Florentine writer, politician and author of “The Prince.”

Departure is from San Casciano Val di Pesa along the dirt road in the direction of Spedaletto. The main destination is Sant’Andrea in Percussina, just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away, where the Casa Machiavelli (House of Machiavelli) is located, the home where Machiavelli was exiled and where he composed his work.

We suggest stopping to visit the museum or otherwise enjoying the beauty of the quaint village and landscape.

Continuing on, there is Chiesanova, famous for its schiacciata (a Tuscan bread similar to focaccia), and soon after Romola, a village where the famous conductor Zubin Metha also stayed for an extensive period. Descending in the direction of the the Pesa River, you reach Cerbaia, ideal for a short stop. 

From here, go up along the road for Pisignano then take a short but intense climb to the right in the direction of San Casciano Val di Pesa. Signalling your arrival are the walls of the village that was once an ancient post station and where “The Deer” by Mario Merz now stands.