Going to Italy used to be difficult. One either flew to Rome or one of the northern airports such as Milan. The emergence of the so-called budget airlines has changed all that as they continually look for regional centres where they can gain legal or technically illegal help. The arrival of an airline can make a big difference to a locality. Central Italian airports now include Ancona, Bologna, Florence and Piza. The province of Arezzo, in the heart of Tuscany, holds an ancient and rich history beginning with the Etruscans who put down the routes of their civilisation in cities such as Arezzo, Castiglion Florentino and Cortona. The grand masters of the Renaissance, such as Piero della Francesca, Giorgio Vasari, Masaccio, Luca Signorelli, Paolo Ucello and Michelangelo were born on this land and left extraordinary testimonies of their art.
Equally interesting are the sacred routes that can be followed in the Valle del Casentino from the Franciscan sanctuary of La Verna, where Saint Francis received the stigmata. The traveller can follow the route from Valle del Casentino to Camadoll.
The province of Arezzo is an ideal location for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature in the National Park of the Casentinesi Forest. The ”enogastronomic” delights made from natural local produce follow ancient recipes. Arezzo is strategically located for visits to central Italy: Florence, Arezzo, Siena, Perugia, Assisi, Cortona, urbino, which are all within easy reach.
Two characteristic valleys which will delight the traveller are described below: Valtiberina Toscana and Casentino.
Valtiberina Toscana
As the name indicates, the Tiber is of a turbulent nature in this stretch of the Valtiberina Toscana, described by Plinio as the natural amphitheatre surrounded by green hills. This part of Tuscany on the border with Umbria offers the visitor an enormously rich heritage in history, art and local traditions. The countryside is in perfect harmony with nature and is untouched and still imposing. One of the most important centres of the valley is Sansepolcro, birthplace of Piero della Francesca. This town houses some of the most important frescoes of the painter (la Resurrezione, la Madonna della Misericordia, il San Giuliano).
Another important centre is Anghiariri, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, where the famous battle of Anghiari took place on the plains as depicted by Leonardo da Vinci. Also very important in the area is Monterchi, city of Piero della Francesca”s mother, which today hosts one of the most famous frescoes of the artist Madonna del Parto. Caprese Michelangelo is the birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti.
There are an outstanding variety of itineraries for walking, cycling or horse riding. Such activities pass through sights of great cultural interest and history dotted in the hills and the plains of the valley. There are unpaved footpaths and asphalted roads offering opportunities to all whether one is looking for sport or relaxation. The best wines and gastronomy are on offer in this locality in the traditions of Umbria, Tuscany and Marche. These utilise wholesome ingredients and natural local products in the ”artisan” way. If you visit this valley rich in colour, fragrance and folklore, we suggest you also visit the Palio of Balestra in September, the antiques fare in May in Anghiari, and the numerous ”enogastronomic” festivities held throughout the year.
For further information you can contact the Cosorzia Valtiberina Toscana, Via del Servi 25, I-52037 Sansepolcro (Arezzo). Tel/Fax +39 (0)575 750000.
Casentino
Why Casentino? In the province of Arezzo, Casentino is known as the ”green valley”, the valley of the history of Dane, Saint Francis and Saint Romualdo. Sporting activities and comfortable hotels, agriturismo, B+B and camping are offered in Casentino. Here it is possible to enjoy tourism in the open air immersed in the natural environment, in a countryside preserved almost in its natural state. This valley is a seal of guarantee for tourists who love an uncontaminated environment as can be found in the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests. In Casentino, Dante”s story is present in the castles where the poet stayed and these are open to the public for cultural tours in search of medieval history.
This is the tome of the great plain where the historic battle of Campaldino was fought between the Guelfs and the Ghibelines. The Casentino valley also embraced one of the major religious figures, Saint Francis, who actually received the stigmata on the Mount of Verna. The monasteries, both Franciscan and Camaldolese are still inhabited by monks who are extremely hospitable to visitors. In addition, this green valley is ideal for golf lovers, mountain biking and trekking enthusiasts or whoever is looking for an ideal place to walk in the forest. Do not forget the ”enogastronomoic” tours to appreciate the delicacies of this historic valley and also the artisan work in iron, wood, stone, cloth and ceramic which continue the fine work and tradition of a bygone era.
http://www.tuscany.net