This phrase by Curzio Malaparte reminds us of the great poet Dante Alighieri. In a short time, it will begin to celebrate the 700th anniversary of his death (1321-2021). The project is called the “Camino di Dante in Casentino”. After Florence where the poet was born and where he spent the first years of his youth, there were gloomy years of his exile here in Casentino and the Stages of this Way remind us of it. An itinerary along a road full of history among villages, Romanesque parishes, protected areas and vineyards. Extraordinary places, landscapes and personalities of the place will animate the Way.
Fromtratra Reggello and in 20 minutes we will be in Vallombrosa which is a biogenetic forest at 950 mt s.l.m. Immediately afterwards we will pass Paradisino locality, named so because here stayed J.Milton author of the opera “The Lost Paradise”. We will then find ourselves in a fraction of an area of Mount Pratomagno that divides the municipality of Reggello from Montemignaio.
Montemignaio is one of the stages of the “Cammino di Dante in Casentino” where travelers, pilgrims, tourists or vacationers can stop to know Dante Alighieri and to enjoy beautiful scenery or activities. Montemignaio extends over a vast mountain area; in the village we find the Pieve and the Castle that date back to the 12th century.
You will know about the origins of the place and the importance that the Castle had regarding the passage in the area of the ancient Roman road. Stop to visit this ancient fortified Tuscan mountain village which is only 30 km east of Florence.
The area of Romena and Pratovecchio is one of the most fascinating and evocative places in the valley. Dante Alighieri talks about it in the Divine Comedy about coin falsifiers in canto XXX (73-78) which perhaps your guide will explain to you. Let’s think how La Pieve di Romena and the Castle were in Dante’s time when these buildings were only 150 years old. La Pieve was built in the mid-12th century on a previous construction dating back to the 8th century. You will know who was the character who wanted it, the little secrets around and the characteristic hay bales scattered neatly around in the month of August.
Museum of Wool Art
it is a museum dedicated to wool and to the history of its manufacture over the centuries. It is located where the ancient Lanificio di Stia once operated. The Museum has been recovered in an excellent way and it is beautiful not only to know its history and workmanship, to see all the material collected within the working life of the old factory. History of wool, history of the company linked to the history of the country. To be appreciated the recovery of an industrial plant for the production of fabrics. Materials and working techniques through modern illustrations. Lively and pleasant outfits. The possibility to touch fabrics and materials with your hands will make your visit engaging and realistic. The garments made with this precious wool are beautiful and pleasant to wear.
Stia is a fraction of the scattered municipality of Pratovecchio. The main nucleus of the inhabited center rises at the confluence of the Staggia torrent with the Arno river. The town square has the typical arcades of the ancient centers of Tuscany. Remember that this place suffered a lot during the war, but the most beautiful thing remained: the production of the Casentino cloth famous since ancient times.
Wanderer’s aperitif In the main square of Stia, after the welcome aperitif prepared for you and an introduction to the place and the evening, there may be the possibility of witnessing the declamation of a chant of the Divine Comedy by Riccardo Starnotti, promoter of the “Cammino di Dante in Casentino”.
Details
This guided tour can be in English, French and Spanish.
Duration: 5 hours if starting from Valdarno
pm 6 hours if leaving from Florence
Entrance to the Museo dell’Arte della Lana (€ 5.00 p.p. for 18-65 years) under 18 a. and above 65 a. (€ 3.00 p.p.)
Rate
We like to advise you
As an alternative to the Museo dell’Arte della Lana
Song of the Frog
For the months of July and August you can choose to go to a Park within 5 minutes walk on the banks of the Arno and walk on those paths to find the cool with the opportunity to swim.
