Discover Alberi: the Egola Valley and local history

Alberi between the Egola Valley and history

Alberi lies on the banks of the Egola River. In the wetland valley near Alberi, there are extensive poplar plantations, while the river landscape is also closely connected with a rich local history.

The church and historical traces

Today's church in Alberi is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was built between February and November 1924 and consecrated on 28 December 1924.

In 1413, Alberi was associated with the Church of San Giusto in Sorripa; no remains of this building survive today. In the 1861 census, the settlement was called Sorripa Nuova, distinguishing it from the older Sorripa higher up. Alberi's historic theatre was also located on a corner in the centre of the settlement, on the road to Sorripa. It hosted performances and screened silent films until the 1930s. After the war, it was converted into two classrooms and used as a school until the 1970s.

The earlier history of the Egola includes several mills near Alberi. They used the river's water to power their waterwheels and grind grain from the surrounding hills.

Paths by the water and through the landscape

Near Alberi lies the Pozzo Sfondato, a Jurassic rock basin on the volcanic rock of the Evola River, where the water forms small waterfalls. The area can be reached via the municipality of Montaione's extensive network of nature trails.

For active days, the Anello Sughera cycle route offers clear guidance. It descends along Via San Cerbone towards Alberi and reaches the Egola Valley. Through Alberi, it passes a small church and then the bridge over the Egola River before continuing along Via Casastrada. The Anello Sughera cycle route covers 15.4 kilometres, includes 265 metres of elevation gain, and consists of 51 percent asphalt and 49 percent gravel.

The Montaione Beach summer route was scheduled for 7 June 2026, running from Montignoso through fords, water spots and wooded riverbanks along the Evola to the shady forests of Alberi. The planned event was open to adults and children, free of charge, and accessible only by registration.

Choosing the right holiday apartment in Alberi

When choosing a holiday apartment in Alberi, you can consider the banks of the Egola and the poplar plantations, the church and historic theatre, as well as the nature trails, Pozzo Sfondato and the Anello Sughera as different focal points. Along the Egola and around the poplar plantations, the landscape takes centre stage; the church and theatre point to the area's history. Pozzo Sfondato and the Anello Sughera add the rock formation on the Evola and a route through Alberi to this selection.

Discover more places

Discover more places: San Vivaldo, Iano, Zona Industriale Comiti, Sughera.

More about Montaione.