Casentino.
A land of never-ending woods and spiritual monuments, profound silence and transformation of the soul

This valley speaks the language of meditation and silence. Here you are overwhelmed by the colours, the atmosphere. The sacred forests speak to you and embrace you. You cannot resist them.
Spirituality touches you deep down, in a natural, heart-felt way. You will feel emotions without understanding where they come from, you will communicate without speaking a word, you will feel richer than you ever could have imagined.
The monks understood this and took care of the woods and in the Middle Ages established the fundamental rule that whoever cut down a plant would be punished. Enveloped in the forest are spiritual places such as the Hermitage of Camaldoli and the Santuario della Verna where Francis received his stigmata. From here you can admire the wonderful view with the Arno flowing through the valley.

There is so much of Tuscany in Casentino. Dante dedicates many verses to it, the Arno rises here and licks its towns and villages with her waters. This area was the site of the battle of Campaldino between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, the medieval castles with lords and peasants working in the fields, the wood-cutters in the forest.
It is not difficult to imagine this past, helped by the untouched landscape, ongoing popular traditions and gastronomic specialities such as scottiglia and potato tortelli. You can taste characteristic flavours, listen to ancient tales and share all this with the ever welcoming and friendly locals.