Be a traveler not a tourist

You’ve done Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and all the famous splendors of Tuscany. Or you simply like to take the road less traveled. Then read on for suggestions on exploring the wonderful region of Tuscany beyond the usual itineraries and destinations.

Don’t go to Chianti – go to Casentino Valley.
Stay with us at Villa DeiMori  LaMassa

                                         

Casentino is the valley below Mount Falterona, between Emilia and Tuscany, along the course of the river Arno. Inhabited since Paleolithic times, it belonged to the Etruscans and the Conti Guidi who built several castles, from which they dominated the area in the Medio-Evo . Unlike Chianti and its rolling, soothing, picture-perfect hills, Casentino is fresh and green; it’s a secluded valley where locals have been living isolated through the centuries. This is reflected for example in a pure fully colored Italian or in the robust yet simple cuisine, based on wheat and cornmeal flour, olive oil, pasta and pecorino, leek, onions, farro and barley.

Don’t miss

- Bibbiena and its Museo Archeologico, beautiful Romanesque churches and cosy medio-evo-feel village;
                                           
- Poppi, an ancient town in a strategic position whose importance grew during the Medio-evo
when after the Campaldino battle it became the headquarter of Florence governor. Visit the Castello dei Conti Guidi, which overlooks the whole valley, and the beautiful walled village.
                                           
- Strada in Casentino , an ancient hamlet ideal for a climb up to the Castello San Niccolo. Not to be missed the beatiful inner square with the loggia for the covered village market.

- Stia and its unique square with central fountain and lateral shops under the arches.Inside the town of Stia, whose origins date back to the Roman age, we can admire the Porciano Castle, the Church of St. Mary delle Grazie and the Florentine Palagio
                                                                  
- Casentino Forests National Park -  At the heart of one of Europe’s largest woodsy areas  Parco naturale delle foreste casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna  One of the largest forested areas in Europe, the Casentinesi Forest National Park is located between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna and it has a surface area that extends from Monte Falterona to the Mandrioli Pass. On foot, on horseback or by bike, visitors can enjoy an excursion network that stretches for over 650 kilometers.