--or by rail to St Ellero, the station beyond Pontassieve, and on by steep grade line to Saltino (trains vary according to the season) and Vallombrosa. At Saltino _Hotel Vallombrosa_, _Hotel Croce di Savoia_, and ten minutes further _Hotel Castello di Acquabella_ (all large and with modern comforts). From Saltino carriage road 1½ miles to Vallombrosa, _Albergo della Foresta_, _Villino Medici_ (recommended). From Vallombrosa a road ending in a footpath across the mountains reaches the Consuma road near Consuma, about two hours’ walk. * * * * * Convenient centres for excursions are Bibbiena, _Albergo Amorosi_; Poppi, _Restaurant and pension Gelati_, _Albergo Vezzosi_, near the station; Pratovecchio, _Albergo Spigliantini_, _Albergo Bastieri_; Stia, _Albergo della Stazione Alpina_, _Albergo Falterona_. =Bibbiena= is situated on a hill fifteen minutes’ walk from the station, fare 50 c. In the church of San Lorenzo are two _della Robbias_. * * * * * Excursions from Bibbiena. --to La Verna (inn) by road, 7½ miles. Two-horse carriage from Bibbiena, 15-20 lire. The monastery, which is visible from afar, consists of several parts which date from different periods. The road on leaving Bibbiena passes the interesting Dominican monastery Madonna del Sasso, founded in 1347, and enlarged in 1486. It then passes Campi, crosses the Corsalone and ascends through a wood and along rocky slopes. Outside the monastery lies the Cappella degli Uccelli, where flocks of birds welcomed St Francis on his first visit. The oldest part is the Cappella degli Angeli, built in 1216. This contains three _della Robbias_. The large church was begun in 1348 by Tarlato, Count of Pietramala. This contains several _della Robbias_. The small church of the Stigmata was built in 1263 by Count Simone of Battifolle, as is indicated by a well-cut inscription at the entrance. It contains a very fine _della Robbia_. Below this chapel is the Sasso Spicco, whence the devil hurled St Francis, and the cave, called St Francis’s Bed, whence a raven used to call him every night to matins. In the Luoghi Santi, St Francis frequently stayed. A path leads to the chapel, three-quarters of an hour above the convent, from which there is an extensive view, and beyond ascends the Penna. Below lies Chiusi di Casentino, formerly looked upon as _Clusium Novum_, mentioned by Pliny. Here Ludovico Buonarotti was _podestà_ at the time when his son Michel Angelo was born at Caprera, a short distance to the south-east.