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Candia Hills: Visit wine roads by bike

Discovering Massa on two wheels

Massa-Piazza Aranci– colline di Candia – Foce – Massa

ITINERARY

Length: 15 km (“circle” itinerary)
Duration: 2 hours
Type of road: paved and dirt
Type of bicycle: mountain or with gears
Difficulty: medium

DESCRIPTION
From Piazza Aranci, go towards Largo Matteotti, down via Pacinotti, turn right on viale Trieste to via Foce. Once in Mireto, follow signs for Pieve di San Vitale by going down the street of the same name. Once in Piazza della Liberta’, take a left then an immediate right on via Ponte del Vescovo. Once past the small bridge you will be in via dell’Uva. There is a difficult uphill portion at the beginning but the remaining 3 km portion is easier. There is a restaurant just before the gravel road begins. After 800 m, take the right hand turn at the fork for 3 km until via Foce, which curves right to return to Massa.

WHAT TO SEE
The Candia hills boast exceptional views of the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan coastline. Take the opportunity to try the local wine—a vermentino DOC from Candia.

Massa: Piazza Aranci is the first impact with the city. The sumptuous Palazzo Ducale is on the east side and now hosts the provincial government and prefect offices. The cathedral dedicated to Saints Francis and Peter is on via Dante. Behind Piazza Mercurio, via Piastronsata leads to the Chiesa del Carmine and the Malaspina castle.

Mireto: The Pieve di San Vitale, of ancient origins and Renaissance architecture, conserves important artworks such as the Annunciation, a 15th sculpture piece, a marble tabernacle with a Madonna and Child and a statue of Saint Rocco datable between the 14th and 15th centuries.

(Fonte: Massa Carrara Tourist Information Office)