L’EROICA, STRADE BIANCHE AND THE CAMMINO LAURETANO: THREE ROUTES, ONE ROAD
The white gravel road leading to Monte Sante Marie — and which itself bears the name Monte Sante Marie — is famous worldwide. It is the most challenging, celebrated and iconic sector of both L’Eroica and Strade Bianche, the race known as “the northernmost Classic in southern Europe.” It is also one of the highlights of the Tuscan Cammino Lauretano, the historic walking route from Siena to Cortona. And it was once the setting for one of the most legendary special stages of the Sanremo Rally, famous for its “jump”.
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADS IN THE WORLD
It has been called one of the most beautiful roads in the world: a succession of climbs and descents, with the landscape of the Crete Senesi stretching across the horizon, and a backdrop to countless advertisements and magazine covers. Twelve kilometres of gravel road, with Monte Sante Marie exactly halfway along it.
An ancient road, deeply bound up with the identity of this place.
AN ANCIENT ROAD
Few people know, however, that until the early 20th century, this road literally ran through the village of Monte Sante Marie. Anyone wishing to pass this way had to go through the castle itself — “Who are you? Where are you going? What are you carrying?” Yes, quite literally — entering through the great arched gateway, now incorporated into the cellars of the manor house (and open to visitors by prior arrangement), and leaving through the Porta Senese, or vice versa.
MONTE SANTE MARIE
AND ITS ROAD
Monte Sante Marie and its road mirror one another: a little winding, a little forbidding, a little mysterious — but inseparable.
