Casentino, a flourishing green valley located only a short distance outside of the city center of Florence, offers several possibilities to delve into the old world charm and live a bit of the history of Italy
Casentino, a flourishing green valley located only a short distance outside of the city center of Florence, offers several possibilities to delve into the old world charm and live a bit of the history of Italy. The first stop on this tour will be the Castello di Romena and, though not in the best of shape after years of neglect, war and natural decay, you can still visit it in the spring and summer months for a ticket which is just about the cost of an espresso (an exceptionl bargin).
Picturesque in its own way, the kilometer long cypress driveway and the silhouette of towers set on the top of a hill are definitely what 'Kodak photo spots' are made of.
My first introduction to these truly impressive ruins was a private tour by an elderly gentleman, who besides being an outrageous flirt, seemed to be quite intimate with the history of the castle and the families that lived there. I was in awe as I walked over the authentic drawbridge... my first one ever (so of course I had to look down and see where the moat and alligators were... no such luck. Apparently not all draw bridges are duly equipped.)
As I climbed the steps of the stone stairwell, my hand trailed over the handcarved stone columns trying to image the lives of those who lived here over 1000 years ago.
Since this was one of my first touristic stops in Italy, my understanding of the Italian language was at its limit as he rattled off stories and facts – but there are some things that need no words. The reverence in his voice permeated my imagination and helped me see these massive stones as they once were: powerful and protective.
https://www.discovertuscany.com
GRATUITO
3.00 EUR
0- 5 anni: gratuito
6 - 12 anni: 2.00 EUR
minimo 20 persone: 3.00 EUR
- Cappella dei Conti Goretti de Flamini
- Bellissima vista sulla valle
Il castello è stato recentemente restaurato