What to see in Poppi: the castle, the old town and nearby

Poppi is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the Casentino, dominated by the Guidi Counts’ Castle. Here is what to see in Poppi and nearby, staying at the Parc Hotel, at the foot of the castle.

The Guidi Counts’ Castle

The castle towers over the village and was for about four centuries the seat of the Guidi family: in 1274 Count Simone Guidi da Battifolle began a major expansion that turned it into a noble residence, and in 1440, after the Battle of Anghiari, it came under Florentine control. Today it houses the town hall and a museum, with the Rilliana Library (manuscripts and incunabula) and the Counts’ Chapel, decorated with 14th-century frescoes attributed to Taddeo Gaddi, a pupil of Giotto.

Opening times change with the season: according to the official website it is usually open Friday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Please check before you go by calling +39 0575 520516.

The village of Poppi

The old town grows around the castle and is best explored on foot, between Piazza della Repubblica and the lanes of the village. From the Parc Hotel, in Ponte a Poppi, you can see the castle from the terrace of our restaurant.

The plain of Campaldino

In the countryside below Poppi, on 11 June 1289, the Battle of Campaldino was fought between Guelfs and Ghibellines; Dante Alighieri also took part. It is a favourite stop for history lovers.

Nearby: Camaldoli, La Verna, Bibbiena

• Camaldoli, about 20 minutes by car: the Benedictine community was founded by Saint Romuald and the origins of the Hermitage date back to 1025. Hermitage and monastery are surrounded by forest.
• La Verna, about 40 minutes: the mountain was given to Saint Francis in 1213 and, according to tradition, he received the stigmata here. The Chapel of the Stigmata holds a Crucifixion by Andrea della Robbia.
• Bibbiena, the largest town in the Casentino, with the Archaeological Museum in Palazzo Nicolini.

To plan more days read our 2-day Casentino itinerary and the page hotel near Camaldoli and La Verna.

Where to stay and eat in Poppi

The Parc Hotel is a family-run three-star hotel with 39 rooms, buffet breakfast included, a seasonal outdoor pool and free private parking, also for coaches. The restaurant is open to everyone: fish and Tuscan cuisine, dinner Monday to Saturday and lunch on Sunday. To book a table: +39 353 413 7272. More on where to stay in the Casentino.

Ideas for your stay: things to do in the Casentino (hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, fishing and mushrooms), the Sacred Forests Trail and, if you travel with your dog, our dog-friendly hotel.

Frequently asked questions