POPPI. TRAVEL GUIDE, attractions, sights, Tourism, Tourist attractions, what to see, what to visit, what to do, where to stay, climate, Cuisine, Accomodations, Hotels and Accommodation, Budget Hotels and Hostels, Airports and Flights, geographical map, HOTELS, HOSTELS, BUDGET HOTELS, ROOMS, BED AND BREAKFAST, GUEST HOUSES, APARTMENTS, ACCOMMODATIONS, history, information, maps, photos CASENTINO, AREZZO, TUSCANY, ITALY

POPPI

Poppi is found on an hill at 437 amsl. in the Casentino, in province of Arezzo from which is approximately 37 km distant. In order to reach Poppi from Arezzo must be travel along the road n° 71 that reach Bibbiena, a few km after Bibbiena, turn on the left following the road of Consuma (n° 70) and after approximately 5 km is Poppi. From Florence are approximately 55 km passing from Pontassieve and then travel along the beautiful road of the Passo della Consuma.

From far away the structure that characterizes the village of Poppi it's undoubtedly the Castle of Conti Guidi or Palazzo Pretorio), than with its imposing size it dominates the village from the top of the hill, but the village is much beautiful also for its typical arcades. The history of Poppi goes back to the 12th century when it was the main residence of Conti Guidi, a noble family, in 1440 the castle passed under the rule of Florence. The Castle was built in the 12th century, but then reconstructed in the 13th century. On the entrance gate of the Castle it's a stone lion of 1447, deserves a visit the inside of the Castle with its scenographic courtyard with on the walls the coats of arms of the Florentine vicaries and a beautiful stairs.

In the first floor are, the Rilliana Library, rich of hundred of medieval manuscripts and incunabula, and an immense hall; in the second floor it's a beautiful frescoed chapel, the Cappella dei Conti, with a cycle of frescoes (14th century) attributed to Taddeo Gaddi, pupil of Giotto; in the same floor are some more rooms. Close to the Castle is the Monastery of the Agostiniane (16th century) the conserve precious terrecotte robbiane.

Timetable of the Castle of Conti Guidi:

15 March-31 October: Open every day: 10-18;

1 July-31 August: Open every day: 10-19;

1 November-15 March: Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Open on Wednesday: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10-17

Ticket: Entire 4 Euro; Reduced 3 Euro.

Interior of the Castle of the Conti Guidi, Poppi, Arezzo

Covering on foot the village is advisable to visit the small church with a dome of the Madonna of the Morbo (1657-1705) situated in beautiful position in the center of a little square flanked by arcades that characterize the entire village. On a side of the church is the Church of San Marco and Lorenzo (17th century). Travel along the beautiful arcades of via Cavour (towards right coming from the Castle), at the end of the street we reach the Abbey of San Fedele (1185-1195) that conserve to its inside works of 13-16th centuries, between which works of Francesco Morandini (said the Poppi), of the Maestro della Maddalena and of Giotto's school. In the Crypt the bones of San Torello are conserved, this saint was born in Poppi (1202-1282).