Poppi is located at the center of the Casentino, one of the most beautiful valleys in Tuscany. The medieval village is a rare walled town, with the Castello dei Conti Guidi at its highest point, dominating over all.

The Castle was designed by the celebrated Di Cambio family of architects, and was a “prototype” for Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

Built in the 12th century, its façade has two-mullioned windows, with a high tower rising above it at the center. It is surrounded by a defense wall with Guelf embattlements and a broad moat.

Thanks to frequent restorations over the centuries, the castle is in excellent condition. It houses a library, the Biblioteca Rilliana, which has hundreds of medieval manuscripts and precious incunabula.

Another important element is the Conti Chapel, with a cycle of 14th-century frescoes attributed to Taddeo Gaddi, a pupil of Giotto.

Going down from the castle one comes to the Rectory of Santi Marco e Lorenzo (18th cent.), which holds works by Ligozzi and Morandini.

Across from it, on the main square, there is a rare example of Tuscan Late Baroque architecture, the Oratory of the Madonna del Morbo (17th cent.), a hexagonal building with a tiled dome ringed by an exquisite arcade.

Inside there is a fine Madonna and Child by Filippino Lippi.

Continuing down the main street flanked by porticos – a rare architectural element in Tuscany – one comes to the Badia di San Fedele (11th cent.), with many paintings hanging on the bare stone walls, including a Giottesque crucifix, the magnificent 13th-century panel of the Madonna and Child, and paintings by Jacopo Ligozzi, Portelli, Davanzati, Francesco Morandini and Solosmeo.

Last is the monastery of the Augustinians (16th cent.), which has splendid Della Robbia terracottas. A pleasant conclusion to the visit is a walk along the circuit of medieval walls, from which there are lovely views of the Tuscany countryside.

Photogallery for a relaxing holiday in the Tuscan countryside

Relaxing holidays on a agritourism and country hotel with spa in Bibbiena, Arezzo, Tuscany

Poppi