Poppi

Poppi is a small town in the province of Arezzo, set within the Casentino, a hilly area of northern Tuscany crossed by the River Arno. The town is dominated by the Castello dei Conti Guidi, an imposing medieval fortress said to have influenced the design of Florence's Palazzo Vecchio; it now houses a library with a collection of historic manuscripts. The arcaded streets of the old centre are pleasant to wander through and offer views over the surrounding valley. Nearby stands the Abbey of San Fedele, along with the forested areas of Camaldoli and La Verna, both significant sites of Franciscan and Camaldolese spirituality and popular for countryside walks. The plain of Campaldino, close by, is linked to a notable episode in medieval Tuscan history. The Casentino area lends itself to a relaxed style of tourism, combining architectural heritage, local gastronomy featuring regional specialities such as chestnuts and cured meats, and outdoor pursuits. Poppi therefore makes a worthwhile base for exploring this quieter corner of Tuscany, away from the busier tourist routes.