Local places to visit

Poppi is rated as being on of the most beautiful hill townshamlet in the whole of Italy with a wonderful tradition of art and culture – an ideal destination for the interested tourist.
The town can be found right in the heart of the Casentino, a valley considered to be one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. The mediaeval town is a unique walled city, crowned with an impressive castle built by the Guidi family in the 13th century. During the last weekend of August, the old town is transformed into a wonderful wine festival where the best of Tuscan wines can be tried. This is known as Gusto dei Guidi, A wonderful evening can be spent exploring the ancient cellars which are set up as atmospheric wine bars.

Bibbiena is the largest of the Casentino towns having ancient origins with many etruscan and roman villas being found in the area.
Every year, during a summer weekend, there is the re-enactment of a story called the MEA, where the is a celebration in the town, with the old quarters being filled with flags and banners, musicians, knights, soldiers fighting each other, archers, jesters and nobles. A great excuse for a celebration, folklore entertainment and cultural activities.

Stia is at the head of the Casentino valley and there you can see the stream which becomes the mighty Arno river. This rises in a spring on Mount Falterona (as mentioned in Dante’s Inferno)
The town has ancient origins dating back to the 11th century. Since the Middle Ages, the town has been famous for the production of wool and other fabrics and in the early 19th century this became industrialised and the wool production of modern Stia was born. The town now houses a museum of wool.
Much loved by the great Italian fashion designers, Casentino cloth is known all over the world.
Stia also fascinates with so much art and it also has the most beautiful square in Casentino – Piazza Tanucci with its huge 19th century fountain.
Every two years, the town is transformed with the EUROPEAN FESTIVAL OF BLACKSMITH ART where many thousands of visitors from all over the world descend on the town to enjoy the exhibition.

Founded more than 1000 years ago, the sacred Hermitage and Monastery of Camaldoli represent a thousand years of history famous throughout Italy. Camaldoli is located deep in the beautiful Casentino forest and brings and great feeling of peace. History, art, nature many wonderful experiences. Fascinating and worthwhile excursions are available.

Sanctuary de la Verna is a very important and sacred place and is devoted to the history and faith of St Francis (he spent most of his life here even though he was born and raised in Assisi). He lived in this rugged situation, doing penance and praying and it was here in September 1224 that he received his stigmata.
Since then, La Verna has become a place of deep faith, spirituality and is so atmospheric, having a mystic fascination created by the Franciscan Friars who now live and work there.
Couple this with extreme natural beauty and you will understand why every year, La Verna is visited by many thousands of people from all over the world.