An important cultural attraction in Poppi is the Ecomuseo del Casentino: a museum system spread throughout the area that documents and enhances the region’s historical, artistic, natural and craft heritage. Its seasonal program includes cultural walks, tastings, educational workshops, theater performances and film screenings. Dates and individual offerings vary. If a particular event is a deciding factor in your trip, check the relevant dates in advance.
Churches, Art and Architectural History
The Abbazia di San Fedele is a Romanesque church in Poppi. It was founded in the 10th century as the Benedictine abbey of Strumi and moved within Poppi’s walls in the 12th century. Its crypt houses the remains of Blessed Torello da Poppi. The abbey also contains paintings by Jacopo Ligozzi and a 14th-century crucifix attributed to Giotto. The sequence of its founding and later relocation gives the building’s history several historical layers.
The Oratorio della Madonna del Morbo, also known as the Chiesa della Madonna del Morbo, is in the center of Poppi and was built between 1651 and 1659. The hexagonal place of worship has a dome covered in fish-scale tiles on the outside and a starry-sky motif inside. These contrasting designs also make the building interesting from an architectural perspective: the exterior and interior each make their own statement.
QR codes and an audio guide lead visitors through the old streets of the historic center. Check locally to see whether they are available. Another historical landmark is Porta a Fronzola, now also known as Porta Santi di Cascese. The gate was built in 1261 and offers views over the Casentino Valley. Its date and the views add another aspect to the history of the town alongside its religious buildings.
History and Nature in Casentino
Castello dei Conti Guidi is a medieval fortress in Casentino, Tuscany, built in the 12th century. The fortress houses the Biblioteca Rilliana, with more than 25,000 volumes, including medieval manuscripts and incunabula. A tour lasting about an hour may include the interior rooms, including the chapel, prisons, bell tower and grand halls. The municipal listing covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2026; check the dates before traveling.
The Parco Zoo della Fauna Europea di Poppi is also among the area’s attractions and covers about 50 hectares. Its size is quite different from that of individual churches and town gates. At the regional level, Casentino’s chestnut, beech, oak and fir forests are part of the natural heritage of Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi. Dishes associated with Poppi and the cuisine of Casentino include truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, potato tortelli, cheese, cured meats and prosciutto from Casentino. This regional perspective therefore encompasses nature and food as well as art and architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Badia Prataglia, Camaldoli, Bibbiena, Marciano Della Chiana, San Giovanni Valdarno, Agazzi, Sansepolcro, Centoia I.
For the broader travel overview: Arezzo.
