The valley
Casentino
Casentino is a small Tuscan valley bordering Romagna. Crossed by the Arno, it grew in the shadow of Florence and assessed itself in the region an account of its peculiarities. It is defined as a “closed valley” due to it’s location and lie of land.
Steeped in tradition, it’s cultural vocation and interrelation with it’s surrounding nature are some of the aspects that still typify Casentino. Not by chance did it give rise to one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, the National Casentino Forest Park, inspirited by the Franciscan Sanctuary of Chiusi della Verna and Camaldoli Hermitage.
The valley consists of thirteen municipalities, whose fascination lies in their deep-rooted attachment to their old coats-of-arm with resulting traditions, culture and folklore. The eternal completion between these old turreted villages is unquestionably the charm of this colourful “closed valley”, a treasure-chest of priceless works of art and luxuriant nature.
A few hundred metres from the river Arno there is a cycle path that starts from Rassina and will allow you to visit the whole valley with your bicycle.
