The Casentino Forests National Park offers more than 600 km of trails surrounded by unspoiled nature, ideal for trekking in Casentino Valley. Among centuries-old forests, breathtaking views and historic trails such as the Sacred Forests Trail or the Fairy Forest, each hike combines beauty and spirituality. A unique experience to discover one of Tuscany's natural treasures.
Piero della Francesca's "Maddalena," a Renaissance masterpiece, highlights a period of artistic and cultural innovation between 1459 and 1466. Reflecting Piero's creative culmination, the work explores perspective and lighting, underscoring its art-historical importance and influence on future generations. Located in the Cathedral of San Donato in Arezzo, "Magdalene" enters into dialogue with the spiritual and artistic context of the cathedral, embodying Piero's intention to harmonize it with a broader narrative and traditional context, thus succeeding in enriching the complexity of the work far beyond its aesthetic value.
The Meleto Castle has ancient origins, dating back to the 11th century, when it belonged to the Vallombrosian monks. It later became the property of the feudal Firidolfi family. Thanks to its strategic position between Florence and Siena, the castle played a crucial role in the medieval wars, without suffering serious destruction. In the 18th century, the castle was converted into a villa, retaining some original defensive features. Today, it houses a farm specialising in the production of Chianti Classico wine and offers guided tours, wine tastings and the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings of Chianti.
The Poppi Castle, located in the Casentino valley, is one of the most fascinating monuments in eastern Tuscany. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries by the Guidi family, the castle is known for its grandeur and architectural beauty, having remained intact over time. The castle hosted significant historical events such as the Battle of Campaldino and the surrender of the Guidi family to the Florentine Republic. Dante Alighieri stayed here in 1310 during his exile. Numerous restorations have preserved its magnificence, making it a symbol of Casentino history and culture.
Castiglion Fiorentino is a medieval Tuscan town with a rich artistic history, preserving masterpieces such as Bartolomeo della Gatta's The Stigmata of St. Francis and medieval works such as Margarito d'Arezzo's St. Francis. Other treasures include Luca Signorelli's Lamentation over the Dead Christ and Francesco Vanni's Risen Christ.
Vallombrosa, located in the municipality of Reggello, is a destination that combines natural beauty and spiritual history. It is home to the State Biogenetic Nature Reserve, famous for its forests and scenic trails. Vallombrosa Abbey, founded in the 11th century, is a symbol of simplicity and meditation. The 'Circuit of Chapels' and Paradisino offer paths of reflection surrounded by nature. Vallombrosa and Saltino were famous health resorts in the 19th century. In the 1960s, a tourism revival was attempted with a ski resort, but without success. The Vallombrosa Arboretum, founded in 1870, is a valuable botanical collection.
Castiglion Fiorentino is a medieval village situated on a hill 17 km southeast of Arezzo, surrounded by the fertile Valdichiana and the pre-Apennine heights. Of prehistoric origin, it flourished in Etruscan and Roman times. An important crossroads between Arezzo and Cortona, the village is rich in historic monuments, such as the Palazzo Comunale, the Cassero Tower, and the Vasarian Loggias. Today, Castiglion Fiorentino keeps traditions alive with events such as the Palio dei Rioni and local festivals, offering a unique experience of Tuscan history, culture and gastronomy.
Sarteano Castle, located between the Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia, is a majestic fortress built on a travertine rock massif. This historic structure offers spectacular panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. With a history dating back to 1038, the castle has withstood numerous sieges, including those of Cesare Borgia and the Spanish army. After being restored in 2006, the castle is now a cultural center that hosts events and happenings. Visiting it offers an immersion in centuries of history, enriched by local nature and culture.
The Basilica of San Domenico in Arezzo, founded in 1275 and completed in the 14th century, is a fascinating example of Gothic architecture. With a simple brick facade and a spacious interior illuminated by stained glass windows, the basilica is not only a place of worship but also a custodian of important works of art, including Cimabue's famous Crucifix. Cimabue, born in Florence around 1240, is considered a pioneer of Italian painting, known for his innovative style combining realism and expression. His Crucifix, made between 1268 and 1271, depicts Christ in a dynamic and suffering pose. The work underwent significant restorations in 1917 and 2005. Today, the basilica is open to visitors year-round, offering a unique artistic and spiritual experience.
Arezzo, in the heart of Tuscany, is a city with Etruscan roots and a rich history ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Through a one-day itinerary, you can discover architectural wonders such as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Donato, which houses priceless works of art such as "La Maddalena" by Piero della Francesca. The Basilica of St. Francis is famous for its frescoes of "The Legend of the True Cross," while the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art offers an artistic overview from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Significant areas also include the birthplace of Francesco Petrarca and the House Museum of Giorgio Vasari. Piazza Grande, the heart of Arezzo's social life, hosts historic events such as the Saracen Joust. Concluding with Prato Park, Arezzo offers a complete immersion in Tuscan history, art and culture.