A Vivid Description on Casentino Valley

The Casentino Valley is one of the four valleys which encompass the Province of Arezzo. It is the first highest basin of the Arno Valley. On the eastern portion of the valley, there lies the Alpe di Serra and Alpe di Catenaia which efficiently separates Casentino from the Upper Val Tiberina. A certain portion of this valley is even included in the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park.

The mere topography of the Casentino Valley is extremely diversified which consists of both the river plain and densely forested mountains. Due to its geographical location, till now very few people are aware about this valley. There hardly exists any kind of highways or railway facilities which further makes it an arduous task to pass through this valley. In addition, it also consists of some of the largest forests situated in the Italian peninsula. The mere presence of the wild animals also contributed a lot for its prolonged isolation.

However, the Casentino Valley has always attracted a large number of saints. St. Romuald took firm initiatives in regard of building hermitages at Camaldoli which was eventually followed by St. Francis of Assisi. He established the Sanctuary of La Verna which is being widely acclaimed as the headquarters of the Franciscan order.

Most of the larger towns are situated in the Arno Valley while the villages are usually located in the neighboring mountains and hills. Amongst the villages, Chitignano, Chiusi della Verna, Montemignaio, Ortignano-Raggiolo and Talla are some of the renowned ones. The Casentino Valley also proffers with a number of municipalities such as, Capolona, Castel Focognano, Poppi, Subbiano, Bibbiena, Castel San Niccolò, Stia and Pratovecchio.

Three Well-Known Castles:

Poppi is the historic capital of the Casentino Valley and has also been awarded as the “Most Beautiful Town in Italy” few years back. The renowned Guidi Castle is truly a significant feature of this area and its distinguishing square tower can be seen from all over the valley. In the evening when all the floodlights get on, this castle is just a treat t watch for the tourists. In the patio of the castle lies the Rilliana Library which caters with a variety of medieval manuscripts and incunabula.

Apart from this, there also lies the Romena Castle which endows with large grassy courtyard and tall towers. The third castle in Porciano which actively maintains the security of the Casentino Valley in ancient times.