Although many travelers in Tuscany tend to stick to the major sites in cities like Florence and Siena, there are also numerous small towns that dot the picturesque countryside which are well worth a visit.
One of these is Poppi, which is located in the Province of Arezzo, located only a few miles to the east of Florence. This makes it an easy day trip when you have tired of the larger city. The name is thought to come from the word "poplo" which means mound or hill, and it is set on top of a hill affording wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
When you visit this town, there are many sights that you will want to take in during your visit to get a feel for the history and culture here.
One of these is Poppi, which is located in the Province of Arezzo, located only a few miles to the east of Florence. This makes it an easy day trip when you have tired of the larger city. The name is thought to come from the word "poplo" which means mound or hill, and it is set on top of a hill affording wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
When you visit this town, there are many sights that you will want to take in during your visit to get a feel for the history and culture here.
To begin with, visitors will want to visit the Poppi Castle, which is the main building in the Casentino. It was built in 1191 and was owned by the Counts Guidi, featuring a variety of improvements over the years such as a courtyard, chapel illuminated with colorful frescoes, and a library holding rare manuscripts from the past few centuries.
Another fascinating site to visit in this town is the Hermitage of Camaldoli, which was the ancestral seat of the Camaldolese order of monks.
If you are a fan of Renaissance art, you won't want to miss a quick trip to the Church of the Madonna del Morbo located in the town center, which has a painting of the Virgin Mary that is attributed to the famous artist Filippo Lippi.
Another fascinating site to visit in this town is the Hermitage of Camaldoli, which was the ancestral seat of the Camaldolese order of monks.
If you are a fan of Renaissance art, you won't want to miss a quick trip to the Church of the Madonna del Morbo located in the town center, which has a painting of the Virgin Mary that is attributed to the famous artist Filippo Lippi.
Another location to see a variety of artworks is within the Museo e Arboreto Carlo Siemoni, a historic villa located in Poppi. Although the mild climate makes this a popular destination throughout the year, the town really comes alive during their annual festival at the end of June. There is a religious procession and feast to mark this day. From touring palaces to strolling the narrow medieval streets and taking in all of the art and history of Poppi, there is much to see and do on a day here.
It's helpful to have a place to stay in the Tuscan countryside that allows you to visit smaller towns like this as well as the major metropolitan art centers such as Florence.
You can browse our huge selection of villas in Poppi to see what's out there, or contact us through Skype, phone, or email for guidance. Our villas specialists can help point you in the right direction, to ensure that you have your choice of holiday rentals in Tuscany at an affordable price.
It's helpful to have a place to stay in the Tuscan countryside that allows you to visit smaller towns like this as well as the major metropolitan art centers such as Florence.
You can browse our huge selection of villas in Poppi to see what's out there, or contact us through Skype, phone, or email for guidance. Our villas specialists can help point you in the right direction, to ensure that you have your choice of holiday rentals in Tuscany at an affordable price.
