MTB 14 - From Paciano to Città della Pieve over Monte Pausillo - Bike in Umbria

MTB 14 - From Paciano to Città della Pieve via Monte Pausillo

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Positive height difference : + 660
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Negative height difference : - 660
The start is from the centre of Paciano in Piazza della Repubblica, where the trail descends. Leaving the sealed road, it turns into a dirt road which goes under the railway and the main road before returning to the sealed road below Villastrada.
It continues straight ahead up the short climb towards the “Le Coste” estate and after a quick descent, it reaches the SS71 at km 11.1 where it turns right towards Chiusi. The trail soon leaves the main road (km 11.4) and turns left up the first climb of the route: a beautiful dirt road first through the woods, then through fields and vineyards to San Litardo, where it joins the SS 71 Nord and continues climbing towards Città della Pieve.
At km 18.5, the route reaches Città della Pieve, a town of Etruscan-Roman origins, where it is worth stopping to visit the historic centre. From here the trail goes towards the sports field and continues along a rather uneven dirt road after the sealed road ends. At the bottom of the descent, it continues along a narrow valley until it crosses the SP309 (km 24), entering the dirt road on the other side and beginning the second, most challenging climb of the route.
The first 200 metres are very steep and rocky and may cause bikers to dismount, but the rest is not as rough. It continues through the woods for several kilometres, but towards the summit, the forest opens out onto breathtaking views that can reach as far as Mount Amiata on clear days. The climb ends just a few metres from the top of Mt. Pausillo (km 29.5) where the trail starts descending towards Paciano, a technical stretch that requires particular care.
After the first few metres, turn right, climb briefly, then take the narrow single track on the left inside the pine forest. Just outside the pine forest, turn left and resume the main dirt road that in a few kilometres takes you back to the centre of Paciano.
Along the way, enjoy the refreshing woodland scenery of Mount Pausillo, taking advantage of the wonderful views that open up over Lake Trasimeno and all surrounding valleys, with a view that reaches up to Mount Amiata and that, on clear days, also extends as far as the Apennines around Abetone. The villages along the route are also worth a visit. The historic centre of Paciano, for example, is among the most beautiful villages in Italy for its remarkable environmental and artistic heritage. It is enclosed by fourteenth-century walls with towers and three gates and stands in an area rich in forests of oak and chestnut trees. The medieval village of Panicale lies on the hills of Lake Trasimeno where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the Nestore valley. Within the town, worthy of note are the Palazzo del Popolo, the Collegiate Church of San Michele, the complex of San Sebastiano and the Cesare Caporali Theatre. Not to be missed is Città della Pieve: ancient Etruscan-Roman town, it has preserved most of its historic structure. Among the most notable buildings are the Cathedral, which preserves the works of two great painters, Perugino and Pomarancio; the church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, where the extraordinary Adoration of the Magi by Perugino is found; the Fortress (1326), with five towers; Palazzo della Corgna (16th century); Palazzo Bandini (16th century); Palazzo della Fargna (18th century), now the Town Hall, and Palazzo Baglioni (18th century).

From Paciano to Città della Pieve over Monte Pausillo

From Paciano to Città della Pieve over Monte Pausillo

From Paciano to Città della Pieve over Monte Pausillo

From Paciano to Città della Pieve over Monte Pausillo