The Valdarno, one of the four valleys of arezzo located between Arezzo and Florence, is a Tuscan jewel full of surprises. Positioned between the Pratomagno and the beautiful hills of the Chianti, it offers historic villages and spectacular landscapes. Read on to reveal what Valdarno has to offer!
The Castle of Sammezzano
A short distance from Florence, about thirty kilometers, lies the lesser known but fascinating Castle of Sammezzano. It is our pleasure to introduce you to this hidden gem in the green Tuscany, distinctive for its, to say the least, unique Moorish-Oriental style architecture. The interior is adorned with brilliant frescoes that recall the settings of the Thousand and One Nights. Externally, the castle is surrounded by a vast park of about 60 hectares. Originally erected in 1605, it took on its present appearance through the interventions of the Panciatichi Ximes d’Aragona family between 1843 and 1889.
When to visit the Castle
Although it is a private estate, the castle is only shown to the public on FAI Days of Spring, but its grounds can always be visited. It is considered by the community as a treasure to be enhanced, recognizing its uniqueness in the entire Tuscan territory. The urgency to safeguard and promote this cultural and architectural asset is strongly felt by those who recognize its inestimable value.
Vallombrosa and the Benedictine Monastery
Even the name Vallombrosa lets us know what kind of place we are talking about . It is the perfect choice, in fact, for those who want to venture out into nature and seek coolness under the forest cover, especially in the summer months. The trees of Vallombrosa seem painted on canvas or immortalized in an art film. In the center of this scenery the Abbey of San Giovanni Gualberto stands like a fairy-tale castle. A place of passage for many pilgrims and travelers, the abbey conveys magical feelings. Inside, in a peaceful atmosphere, it houses a museum with exhibits ranging from medieval to contemporary times.
In Vallombrosa you will then find a path will lead you among several chapels surrounded by greenery, offering both a physical and spiritual journey. Walking in these places you could almost expect to cross paths with fairies or elves behind every tree, the beauty of this forest will know how to give you truly magical and unforgettable moments.
The Bandella Nature Reserve: the beauty of Valdarno
In the list of Valdarno’s natural beauties The Bandella Nature Reserve definitely deserves a special mention. This area, a veritable treasure chest of biodiversity, stretches along a fascinating segment of the Arno River. It offers a variety of picturesque routes that can be explored on foot, by bicycle, and ,for lovers of horseback riding, even on horseback. And, during the warm season, there is the possibility of sailing a beard on the Arno River through the Reserve, for a truly memorable outing.
San Giovanni Valdarno
Once you’ve admired the natural wonders of Valdarno, you move on to the magic of its historic villages.San Giovanni Valdarno, in particular, stands as the brightest gem of the Upper Valdarno. This town boasts a unique urban plan, carefully designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, and still faithfully respecting his initial vision. At the center of it all the Palazzo d’Arnolfo stands imposingly, a symbol of dedication to the prominent architect. A key stop is theBasilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie with its valuable adjoining museum. But there is still much to discover. Walking along Corso Italia and arriving at number 83, for example, you will find yourself in front of the historic birthplace of the great Tuscan artist, Masaccio.
Loro Ciuffenna
Loro Ciuffenna deservedly figures among the Beautifulest Villages in Italy. Its stone dwellings, nestled along the course of the Ciuffenna stream and at the foot of Pratomagno, compose themselves in a dreamlike panorama. In the village you will find a watermill, precisely the oldest in Tuscany, which still works and produces flour of excellent quality . Then you cannot overlook a visit to the museum Venturino Venturi, an authentic cultural jewel of the place.
The Borro: a jewel in Valdarno
Until 1993, the medieval village of Il Borro was in a state of total decay and abandonment. Now this historic village is a pillar of tourism in Tuscany. This is because the Ferragamo family decided to buy the old borgo en bloc and renovate it. Thanks to this decision, today Il Borro is home to three top restaurants and a wine cellar, where visitors can enjoy tastings of fine wines from the area.
The Tower of Galatrona
Rising some 500 meters in the municipality of Bucine, the Torre di Galatrona dominates with an exceptional view, embracing the Chianti and the wide Valdarno. On a clear day, the silhouette of Mount Abetone stands out on the horizon. Although the tower opens its doors to the public on weekends from April through October, it is possible outside these months to arrange guided tours for groups by prior arrangement.
Montevarchi and its hidden gems
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The borough of Montevarchi, though small in size, holds priceless riches . Among the main attractions is the Palazzo del Podestà, now the seat of the municipal administration. This historic building, overlooking the bustling Piazza Varchi, was once the official residence of the area’s podestà. Also of note is the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, which stands in the same square, representing the religious hub of the city. Visiting its interior is like stepping back in time, thanks to the naves adorned with frescoes depicting episodes from the life of St. Lawrence. The high altar, created in 1706, features a majestic marble group: angels holding a Madonna and Child. It is an original creation of Giovanni Baratta, and the altar has undergone several rearrangements and refinements over time.
The Paleontological Museum of Montevarchi: a plunge into Valdarno’s past
Let’s enter the heart of one of the area’s most fascinating destinations: the Montevarchi Paleontological Museum, located in the former structure of the Franciscan convent ofSt. Lodovico. Reopened to the public following a painstaking seven-year renovation, this place surprises every visitor. The interior holds a wealth of more than 3,000 paleontological finds. Most of these treasures, namely fossils of plants and creatures now extinct, were found in the territory of the Upper Valdarno. Among the most impressive specimens is the Elephas Meridionalis, an ancient elephant that disappeared about a million years ago, reaching four meters and weighing more than 200 quintals. Also of note is a specimen of Sabretooth Tiger, identified as Machairodus Meganteron.
The museum institution opens its doors Thursday through Sunday, during the hours between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and then from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
And let’s not forget another beautiful museum in Montevarchi: the Museum of Sacred Art. Near the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, its interior displays a fine temple by Andrea della Robbia, made of glazed terracotta.
Figline Valdarno: the Florentine Valdarno
Figline Valdarno, a charming municipality, ranks as the second most visited place in the province of Florence, after the capital city itself. This place hides several gems to discover .On the podium of attractions stands out the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, which overlooksSquare Marsilio Ficino. Here eyes can admire a striking Madonna and Child surrounded by Angels and Saints, a masterpiece by Maestro Da Figline. Also inside you will find a fresco from 1539 showing St. Romulus paying homage to the Madonna with a tray with the Castle of Figline itself on it.
In Piazza Marsilio Ficino itself, there are the historic Logge Serristori, remnants of an old hospital commissioned by the Serristori family in 1399. And before you leave, be sure to visit thePalazzo Pretorio, the Garibaldi Theater and the imposing Medieval Walls-a discovery that will remain in your heart!
From the center of Arezzo, we will take you to discover the beauties of Valdarno and many other surprises!
Valdarno is a treasure trove of attractions, and limiting them to a single entry would not do justice. We invite you to consult our guides to learn more and plan your route! At “Cento Passi dal Duomo,” in the beating heart of Arezzo, we are ready to welcome you and become your reference point during this adventure.