Via Ferrata di Sant'Antone, Buti

The Via Ferrata di Sant'Antone is a protected climbing route above Buti, on the Monte Serra road about 20 km east of Pisa in Tuscany, Italy. Terre di Pisa describes it as a medium-high difficulty route, starting at 410 m above sea level and arriving at 536 m, with technical passages that can challenge experienced hikers. Sources disagree on the total height gain (126 m versus 180 m). Via-ferrata.de lists two sections and about 175 anchor points, while other listings cite 175-178 numbered fixing points. A typical ascent takes about two hours for experienced climbers.

The route is not suitable for beginners and is classed as advanced. Participants need good fitness, a head for exposure and prior via ferrata experience, and no age limit is published. Climbers bring their own equipment: a via ferrata set, helmet, harness, gloves and approach shoes, as no rental or guiding service is listed in the sources consulted. Gloves help with the steel cable, and sturdy shoes are needed for the approach.

The route is managed by CAI Pontedera, the local section of the Italian Alpine Club. A CAI Pontedera notice dated April 2026 states that the concession has expired and the route is closed to all activities until a new concession is obtained. A 2024 user report also mentions closures for rockfall danger. Visitors should therefore treat the route as closed unless CAI Pontedera confirms that it has reopened, by calling +39 347 1840341 or writing to info@caipontedera.it. Closure signs at the base of the approach should be respected.

The start is reached by driving about 4 km along the Monte Serra road from Buti and parking on the right-hand side. No guided operator, safety briefing or published rescue plan was found. Climbers should never climb alone, should leave word of their plan and should carry a charged phone; in an emergency, the European number 112 reaches mountain rescue in Italy.

If the route reopens, April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable temperatures. Midsummer heat on the exposed rock, wet or windy weather and the period after heavy rain, when rockfall risk rises, are best avoided. The price is not published, and a fee is not known to apply.