Casentino

Casentino is a historical and geographical region in eastern Tuscany, centered on the Casentino Valley in the province of Arezzo. It lies along the upper Arno River, bounded to the west by the Pratomagno ridge and to the east by the Apennines. The valley includes several municipalities, among them Bibbiena, Poppi, Pratovecchio-Stia, Castel Focognano, and Ortignano-Raggiolo, and forms a large part of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona e Campigna National Park. The park protects extensive beech and fir forests and contains the headwaters of the Arno; Monte Falterona is traditionally linked to the river’s source.

Historically, Casentino developed around feudal centers and religious establishments in the Middle Ages and later came under Florentine influence. The region preserves a landscape of medieval towns, castles, and sacred sites. Notable heritage includes the town of Poppi with its well-preserved fortress and the Sanctuary of La Verna, an important Franciscan pilgrimage site located on the slopes of Monte Falterona.

Economy and culture in Casentino have long depended on forestry, pastoral farming, and chestnut cultivation. The valley has also been associated with traditional crafts, including Casentino wool cloth, a historic textile linked to the region. Local cuisine reflects Tuscan agricultural products, with emphasis on olive oil, mushrooms, and game.

Tourism in Casentino focuses on nature, hiking, and cultural heritage. Visitors explore forested landscapes, historic castles, and sacred sites, often seeking a quieter counterpart to more crowded Tuscan destinations while engaging with the region’s historical towns and scenery.