Valdichiana.. a land to be discovered!

An invitation to Castiglion Fiorentino

Castiglion Fiorentino is ideally located on the Tuscan/Umbrian border, situated 345 metres above sea level overlooking the Val di Chio and Valdichiana. This splendid landscape is filled with poppies in May and sunflowers in July. Autumn is just as beautiful when the olive groves turn silver and the vineyards, heavy with grape, are ready to be harvested.

Today the majestic plains surrounding Castiglion Fiorentino are fertile and home of world famous cattle, enjoyed locally as Chianina steak but in the Medieval period the Valdichiana was characterised by marshland and malaria. Attempts to drain the land began with Leonardo da Vinci and were continued by Mussolini who can be credited with its bonfification. Until then the water-logged state forced its people to build their houses in the hills.

The history of the area has been documented as far back as the Neolithic and Etruscan periods. The strategic location and connection between the Valdichiana and Valtiberina encouraged the growth of a residential complex in the Etruscan period (VI-V century B.C.) until becoming an important Medieval centre. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Torre del Cassero (Medieval tower at the very top of Castiglion Fiorentino). The tower is well worth a visit and is home to an Etruscan excavation site. Many of the artefacts found can be viewed in the adjacent museum together with a multimedia system offering explanations in English.

Exploring the many vicoli (narrow streets) in the ancient centre of Castiglion Fiorentino is to be transported back to ancient times. There are beautiful medieval churches and prestigious works of art to be discovered and distinguished buildings protected by the city’s Etruscan and Medieval walls. The main town square features an arcade displaying ancient civil coats of arms and boasts excellent views of the Val di Chio viewed through its open arches, dating back to 1513 and attributed to the famous artist Vasari. Opposite stands the Town Hall built by the Perugians around 1375. Behind this to the right stands the Palazzo Pretorio, built in 1412 and eventually used as a court house and prison but now serves the community in its original incarnation of the local library.
Just outside the ancient walls further down the road from Porta Fiorentina is the Municipal Theatre which was built in 1884. The interior decoration is exquisite for such a small theatre offering just 335 seats and is characterised by gilded stucco work and marbled plaster.

Modern needs and interests are adequately catered for by a network of local shops, bars and restaurants offering excellent food, drink and value for money. The Garden Underground is a popular bar especially on a warm summer‘s evening and is situated in the town’s main open park area which includes excellent play facilities for children. A short walk/drive away is an attractive and reasonably priced outdoor swimming pool open to the public between May and September, offering a large main pool for adults and a smaller one for children.

There is something for the whole family to enjoy in Castiglion Fiorentino and we look forward to offering you a warm welcome and the opportunity to explore and appreciate one of the most special ancient towns in Tuscany!