Poppi - Casentino

Poppi (AR)

Casentino - Tuscany (Italy)

Was the main residence of the Counts Guidi who dominated the high end of the Casentino from 1100 to 1440.
The town is perched on a hilltop and has remained almost intact in the typical feudal architecture of these places.
The majestic size of the quadrilateral castle overlooks the town and dominates the plain of Campaldino scene of major battle in 1289 that saw the defeat of Arezzo and with them the Ghibellines.
This castle has a unique backyard for a very scenic flight of stairs, a challenge to the laws of statics. In the family chapel is a cycle of frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi, who was a continuation of the style of Giotto.
In large rooms decorated is a library rich in manuscripts and incunabula.
The Abbey of San Fedele, built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, contains works of art of great value including a Madonna of the Master of Magdalene. Poppi was the home of painters Mino da Fiesole and Francesco Morandini.
In the area is Camaldoli charming resort developed in the heart of the lush forest around the homonymous monastery founded by St. Romuald in 1012.
The oldest dell'Archicenobio, Convent and Hospice, the unique and powerful structures, other buildings were added later as the guest quarters and the pharmacy.
In the fifteenth century was an important cultural center and we had established an academy sponsored by Lorenzo the Magnificent.
The church, rebuilt in 500, has a baroque interior and paintings by Vasari.
Through the forest to reach the Hermitage Camaldoli where hermit monks living in solitude, observing the rule of silence.
The church from the early eleventh century, was rebuilt several times.
A few miles from Poppi is Frataglia Badia, ski resort with excellent accommodation and starting point for many hikes in the National Park of Casentino Forests.