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Discover the Casentino
What to See in Stia and the Surrounding Area: A Complete Guide to the Casentino Region
Nestled between the ridge of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines and the gentle slopes of the Pratomagno hills lies the Casentino—one of Tuscany’s most intimate and history-rich valleys. Home to UNESCO-listed forests, sanctuaries where time seems to stand still, and medieval strongholds, this region offers an authentic journey through enchanting landscapes, spirituality, and rich culture.
Stia is the perfect starting point to discover the essence of this valley: a village of timeless charm, strategically located for reaching the area’s many treasures, and the first town along the Arno River, which rises at nearby Mount Falterona.
Upon your return, Boutique Hotel Via Roma 33 awaits as your charming home base in the heart of Stia. At our 4-star superior hotel—situated in the heart of the Casentino, in the province of Arezzo—hospitality, wellness, and local authenticity come together. With 21 contemporary-design rooms, a full-service spa, a fitness area, the *Trentatré Tuscan Bistrò & Bar*, and a wide range of experiences spanning nature, food and wine, and wellness, we offer everything needed for a stay dedicated to personal well-being. What sets us apart is our attentive, personal approach to hospitality: we offer not merely services, but experiences tailored to each guest’s needs—characterized by attention to detail, a celebration of the local area, and a concept of wellness that is authentic, elegant, and never standardized.
Here is our exclusive guide to exploring the wonders of Stia and the Casentino.
What to see in Stia and the immediate vicinity
Piazza Tanucci: the picturesque heart of the village (and the set of the film *Il Ciclone*)
Piazza Tanucci is the heart of civic life in Stia. It is characterized by an elongated, irregular shape and is surrounded by arcades lined with shops and establishments. The square is also home to the majestic Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Its distinctive architecture brought it fame in the 1990s, when director Leonardo Pieraccioni chose it as the main filming location for the movie *Il Ciclone*.
Wool Art Museum and the History of Casentino Cloth
Housed within the restored 19th-century wool mill in Stia, the Museum of the Art of Wool celebrates the valley’s strong textile heritage. The museum guides visitors through antique machinery, vintage tools, and historical artifacts, illustrating the production processes behind the renowned *Panno Casentino*. This iconic wool fabric represents a world-famous example of artisanal excellence; it is easily recognizable by its traditional colors—bright orange and forest green—and the distinctive surface “curls” created during the manufacturing process.
The source of the Arno on Mount Falterona
As you ascend from Stia towards Monte Falterona, you reach Capo d’Arno—at an altitude of approximately 1,358 meters—the exact spot where the Arno River rises before flowing through Florence and Pisa. A hike through the dense woods leads to the discovery of this famous spring, also mentioned in Canto XIV of *Purgatorio* in the *Divine Comedy*:
“A little stream winds through the heart of Tuscany,
rising on Falterona,
and a hundred-mile course does not sate it...”
Religious tourism: sites of spirituality in the Casentino region
The Pieve di San Pietro a Romena: a Romanesque masterpiece in Pratovecchio
Located near Pratovecchio, not far from Stia, the Pieve di San Pietro a Romena stands as one of the finest and most evocative examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany. Built in the 12th century over an earlier Early Christian structure, the church is distinguished by the simplicity of its stone lines and the richness of its carved capitals, which depict biblical scenes, human figures, and vegetal motifs. The underground crypt is also open to visitors.
The Sanctuary of La Verna, where Saint Francis received the stigmata
Perched atop an imposing limestone cliff on Mount Penna and surrounded by an ancient forest of beech and fir trees, the Sanctuary of La Verna is a pivotal site in the veneration of Saint Francis. It was here that Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata in September 1224. The complex includes the Chapel of the Stigmata, the *Sasso Spicco* (a projecting rock formation), and the Corridor of the Stigmata, which is adorned with a cycle of frescoes depicting the Saint’s life. Also of great artistic value are the altars within the basilica and chapels, which house glazed terracotta masterpieces created by Andrea della Robbia.
The Hermitage and Monastery of Camaldoli, with the historic Old Pharmacy.
Founded by Saint Romuald in the early 11th century, the Camaldoli complex comprises two structures nestled within the woods of the National Park: the Hermitage—situated at a higher elevation and consisting of the Benedictine monks’ solitary cells and the Church of San Salvatore—and the Monastery, located further down the valley. Within the Monastery, visitors can explore the Ancient Pharmacy (or *Spezieria*), which has been in operation since the Middle Ages; it still houses the period alembics and vessels once used by the monks to prepare natural remedies, ointments, liqueurs, and cosmetics based on essential herbs and resins.
The medieval villages and castles of the Casentino
Poppi and the Castle of the Counts Guidi
Recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Poppi is a walled medieval town that retains its historic charm intact. A landmark of the Casentino landscape is the Counts Guidi Castle; dating back to the 13th century, it is considered by art historians to be a prototype for the design of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. A visit to the castle allows one to see the great hall, the inner courtyard with its staircase, the Counts Guidi Chapel—adorned with frescoes attributed to Taddeo Gaddi (a pupil of Giotto)—as well as the library and various exhibition rooms.
Romena Castle and Dante's Visit
A short distance from the Pieve di Romena stands the Castle of Romena, a majestic fortified complex featuring watchtowers and perimeter walls that dominates the surrounding hills. Also built by the Guidi Counts in the 10th century—and widely considered the oldest castle in the Casentino—it became one of the most powerful military strongholds in the entire valley during the Middle Ages. Famous historical figures, including Dante Alighieri himself, found refuge within its walls.
Bibbiena and Palazzo Dovizi
Considered the valley’s main commercial hub, Bibbiena boasts a historic center that grew up around its medieval squares and alleyways. A standout among its finest buildings is Palazzo Dovizi, an imposing Renaissance residence commissioned by Cardinal Bernardo Dovizi (known as “Il Bibbiena”)—secretary to Pope Leo X and a prominent figure of Tuscan Humanism. The town is also home to the Casentino Archaeological Museum, which houses significant artifacts documenting human presence in the valley from prehistory through the Roman and Etruscan eras, as well as the Italian Center for Fine Art Photography.
Nature and hiking in the Casentinesi Forests National Park
Lake of the Idols and traces of the Etruscans
Situated at an altitude of 1,380 meters on the slopes of Mount Falterona, not far from the source of the Arno River, Lake Idoli is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the mountainous region of Etruria. Excavations begun in the 19th century and continued in later years have yielded thousands of artifacts from its waters—including small bronze figures, coins, and anatomical votive offerings—dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The Etruscans regarded this body of water as a sacred site dedicated to the gods and to healing. Today, the site has been ecologically restored and integrated into the hiking trails of the Casentinesi Forests National Park.
Autumn foliage and hiking trails
The Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park protects one of Europe’s most extensive ancient forests, a portion of which—the Sasso Fratino Strict Nature Reserve—is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In autumn, between October and November, the Park becomes an ideal destination for viewing fall foliage in Tuscany, as the canopies of beech, maple, fir, and chestnut trees take on hues ranging from ochre yellow to deep red. The network of hiking trails offers routes suitable for all skill levels, such as the walk to the Acquacheta Waterfalls or the path connecting Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia.
Where to stay in Stia: the ideal starting point for exploring the Casentino
Staying at Boutique Hotel Via Roma 33: elegance and comfort in the heart of Stia
To fully experience the magic of the Casentino without sacrificing comfort and style, the choice of accommodation plays a pivotal role. Located in the historic center of Stia, our Boutique Hotel Via Roma 33 offers a refined stay within a property where every detail has been carefully curated. The interiors blend elegant Tuscan architecture with modern amenities, spacious rooms, and attentive service, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a day spent exploring the area’s hiking trails, museums, and religious sites.
Why choose Stia as a strategic base for itineraries blending faith, history, and nature?
Planning an itinerary in the Casentino region starting from Stia offers a significant logistical advantage. Its location—situated in the northern part of the valley at the foot of Mount Falterona—makes it an ideal base for quickly reaching all the key local attractions mentioned in this article. Choosing Boutique Hotel Via Roma 33 for your stay allows you to easily explore the entire valley while returning each evening to a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, where you can also enjoy a relaxing moment in the spa before dining at our bistro.
Practical tips for planning the trip
How many days are needed to visit the Casentino?
To fully appreciate the cultural and natural diversity of the Casentino region, it is advisable to plan a stay of at least 3 or 4 days, organized as follows:
Day 1: Visit the village of Stia, Piazza Tanucci, the Wool Art Museum, and Porciano Castle.
Day 2: A spiritual and medieval itinerary featuring the Pieve di Romena, Romena Castle, and the villages of Poppi and Bibbiena.
Day 3: An immersion in nature and faith, visiting the Hermitage of Camaldoli, the Sanctuary of La Verna, and the park’s trails.
Day 4 (optional): Excursion to Monte Falco and Monte Falterona (the source of the Arno River and the Lake of Idols).
How to get around the Casentino and the best time to visit
The most convenient way to travel between the various stops in the Casentino area is by car, as it allows you to reach every location—including the most remote sanctuaries and mountain trailheads. Alternatively, a local railway line connects Arezzo to Stia via Bibbiena and Poppi, making it a convenient option for traveling between the towns in the valley.
The best time to visit depends on the type of experience you are looking for: spring and summer are perfect for hiking and escaping the city heat, while autumn offers the unique spectacle of the changing foliage in the forests. Winter provides an intimate and evocative atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a trip centered on contemplation and tranquility.
If you are ready to discover the wonderful Casentino Valley, check the availability of our rooms right away: we look forward to welcoming you to our Boutique Hotel Via Roma 33 in the heart of Stia.