Bibbiena, the city of theater
Bibbiena is the most populous and important center of Casentino. The old town is situated on a hill overlooking the course of the Arno River at the confluence of two rivers – Archiano and Corsalone. Bibbiena has long been synonymous with theater and scenography for the quality of cultural activities developed in these areas. In this context, the Museum of Theatre and Stage Design was really a novelty.
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AREA; Casentino
TYPE; country village and holiday resort
COORDINATES; 43°41′51″N 11°48′52″E
ALTITUDE; 425 meters
SPORT; hiking, cycling, cross country skiing
LOCATION AROUND; Serravalle
BORDERS; Castel Focognano, Chiusi della Verna, Ortignano Raggiolo, Poppi (AR)
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Tourist Informations
Municipality of Bibbiena
Via Berni, 25 – 52011 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 530601
www.comunebibbiena.gov.it
WHAT TO SEE
Churches
San Lorenzo
Church of San Lorenzo
Area: Casentino
Type: Renaissance church (15th century)
Address: Viale Michelangelo
Phone: +39 0575 593079
The complex consists of three separate buildings – church, convent and cloister – connected to each other. The church, in Renaissance style, was built in 1474 on the structures of a previous oratory. Inside are glazed terracotta depicting the Nativity and the Deposition, both attributed to Andrea della Robbia. The elegant cloister was built in the first half of the seventeenth century.
Oratory of S.S. Stigmata of St. Francis
Area: Casentino
Type: church-chapel (16th century)
Address: Via Berni, 31
Phone: +39 0575 593079
It was built in 1580 by the Society of the Sacred Stigmata over a house that belonged to the Camaldolese monks. The church is simple, but full of trimmings and decorations. The wooden coffered ceiling carved by Francesco Rusca is a rare example in pure Rococo style, was completed in 1756. The decoration consists of gold stucco with leaf motifs, rosettes and scrollwork. At the center is an oval frame that contains the canvas St Francis receiving the stigmata. The frescos, scenes from the Old and New Testaments, were executed by Giuseppe Parenti around 1770. Behind the altar is placed a little coffin of gilded wood, executed in the 17th century, which was used for the Good Friday procession. The choir and the organ date back to the years 1736-1742.
Church of Saint Ippolito and Saint Donato
Area: Casentino
Type: Romanesque church (12th century)
It was originally the large chapel of Bibbiena Castle. The building, in Romanesque style with a single nave, dates back to the 12th century, but it has been remodeled several times in subsequent periods. The simple façade, is decorated with a stone portal. Inside there are numerous frescoes of great value. The three most valuable are the triptych Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints by Bicci di Lorenzo, the painting Madonna and Child with Saints Michael and Antonio Abate (dated 1600) by Jacopo Ligozzi, tempera on panel Madonna Enthroned with Child and angels by Arcangelo di Cola da Camerino. The organ built by Onofrio Zeffirini is dated 1542.
portal
Sanctuary of di Santa Maria del Sasso
Area: Casentino
Type: sanctuary (15th century)
Address: Viale Santa Maria, 1
Phone: +39 0575 593266
Email: santa.maria@inwind.it
Website: www.santamariadelsasso.it
Religious complex in Renaissance style, is one of the two most important Marian sanctuaries in the Casentino. The name indicates the origin: a large boulder on which, in 1347, Our Lady appeared to a little girl. Here initially it built a simple hospice for pilgrims but, in 1486, was undertaken the construction of the convent. This also happened with the direct involvement of Lorenzo Medici ( “The Magnificent”) who entrusted the design to Giuliano da Maiano. At the center of the main church is the artistic temple in Corinthian style, built by Bartolomeo Bozzolini da Fiesole right on top of the rock of the apparition. Inside is the fresco Madonna del Sasso, by Lorenzo di Bicci. The rock is visible in the small church where there is also the venerated wooden statue of Our Lady of Darkness (early 15th century), from the “workshop” of Donatello. The belfry contains a bell of 1362. The monastery, dating from the 15th century.
Monuments and places to visit in Bibbiena
Palace Dovizi
Area: Casentino
Type: historic home (15th century)
Address: Via Dovizi, 26
It faces via Dovizi, which follows the route of the first walls of Bibbiena Castle. Commissioned by Cardinal Bernard Dovizi, it was built in 1498 and is the most important civil building in the town and one of the best rustic architecture of the entire province of Arezzo. The building, characterized by a Renaissance architectural layout of Florentine inspiration, spread over three floors. Inside an imposing staircase to a single ramp leads into the reception hall, antechamber, graced by a fine coffered wooden ceiling and an imposing fireplace.
Theater Dovizi
Area: Casentino
Type: theater (19th century)
Address: Via Rosa Scoti Franceschi, 17
Phone: +39 0575 561856 / +39 335 1980509
Site: www.nata.it
It was built in 1842 by architect Nicholas Matasi. Recently it was completely renovated in the Baroque style “bibienesco”, typical of the Galli family, originally from the town. The Gauls, also known as the “Bibiena”, became famous, through various generations, as set designers at major European eighteenth century courts. Among their main boast it is that it has changed the scenic perspective. In the theater hosts many artistic initiatives of the theater company known NATA (New Academy of Art Theatre) with performances based on contemporary drama and classic.
Farmhouse Marena
Area: Casentino
Municipality: Bibbiena (AR) – locality Marena
Type: farm-house
Phone: +39 0575 5593655
Website: www.fattoria-marena.it
Times: tours by appointment from May to September
The buildings that are part of the complex date back to the 17th century, a period in which the family Nati became its owners. A driveway lined with centuries-old cypress trees leads to the main house. The simplicity of the building’s facade is only interrupted by a double staircase. The surrounding green area consists of formal gardens with serene stone fountains and brick.
Nature reserves
Casentinesi forest
National Parkof Casentinesi Forest, Mount Falterona, Campigna
Area: Casentino
Province of Arezzo: municipalities Bibbiena, Chiuse della Verna, Poppi, Pratovecchio Stia
Province of Firenze: municipalities Londa, San Gondenzo
Type: protect area
Website: www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it
The park is a large protected area that stretches between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions, characterized by forests among the largest and best preserved in Italy and home to an important floral heritage, consisting of 1,358 species identified, and a fauna great interest. On the Tuscan side, the park is included in the territory of seven municipalities: Bibbiena, Chiusi della Verna, Poppi, Pratovecchio Stia, all in the province of Arezzo; Londa and San Godenzo in that of Florence. The forests and numerous natural habitats are the setting of the signs of the presence of man: villages, mule tracks, and above all the two prominent shrines, Camaldoli and La Verna.
The lush forests have been for centuries sustenance and shelter for many small and large communities. They also supplied the timber since historical periods: for example the one for the scaffolding of the Duomo in Florence, or long and straight beams to build the fleet of Pisa. The park is a natural paradise, formed in turn by some members of the State Forests Casentino: the Natural Reserve of Sasso Plover, integral de La Pietra area, the Nature Reserves Biogenetics Campigna, the Bowl, Badia Prataglia-Lama, Camaldoli, the Forest Monumental de La Verna and the area of Acquacheta Falls. The park can be visited by hiking, mountain biking and horseback or, in winter, on cross country skis. The network of trails extends for about 600 km well.
The Forest Monumental de La Verna, preserved and maintained to the present day thanks to the wise work of the brothers, is made up of pine and beech, with specimens of up to 50 meters in height and diameters up to 1.80 meters. The forest is also characterized by a remarkable wealth of flora and fauna. numerous species of birds are also present, including birds of prey such as the eagle owl and the peregrine falcon. The Lama Forest, but extends largely in the Emilia Romagna region, is located in the center of the Casentenesi Forest Park, near Mount Penna, and borders the biogenetic reserve of Camaldoli. Inside there is a forest station around which you can admire exotic plants with special dimensions, as well as an unusual hawthorn old about 300 years.
Locations around Bibbiena
Serravalle
Area: Casentino
Municipality: Bibbiena (AR) – locality Serravalle
Type: medieval village (12th century)
Village with castle which originated in 1188 thanks to the dominant position and the routes to Camaldoli and Badia Prataglia. It was the subject of numerous disputes between the Benedictine congregrazione Camaldoli on one side and the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and his descendants on the other. Reinforced in 1305 with the formwork and watchtower, the castle was to be the sentinel against any enemy of the congregation. Serravalle in 1404 made an act of formal submission to Florence and the village was annexed to the Podesta of Bibbiena. The medieval period remain only a few ruins and the tower, the latter restored and can be visited. The elevated position and the lush forests have recently transformed the village in a mountain holiday resort.
ART AND MUSEUMS
Museums
Archaeological museum
Italian center of the photograph by the author
Area: Casentino
Type: Museum
Address: Via delle Monache, 2
Phone: +39 0575 51653924 / +39 349 2335011
Email: segreteria@centrofotografia.org
Website: www.centrofotografia.org
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am to 12:30am, Sunday and Monday 10.00am to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 18.30pm
The activities of the Centre pays particular attention to the study and appreciation of Italian photography from the historical period of the last war. Of crucial importance is the commitment in the field of conservation, inventorying, cataloging and restatement of its assets photo intended to present to the public through exhibitions and events photography unprofessional. The Center is a producer of activities and events with new forms of expression.
Casentino Archaeological Museum
Area: Casentino
Type: Museum
Address: Via Berni, 25
Phone: +39 0575 595486
Email: info@arcamuseocasentino.it
Website: www.arcamuseocasentino.it
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday Morning 9-12
Afternoon 15:30 to 18:30 from Friday to Sunday – Closed Monday
The museum is divided into six rooms and collects material of archaeological excavations Casentino to illustrate the history of the valley from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Each room is a different theme and Casentino places which are recognized by particular archaeological interest.
WHAT TO DO
Events
Historical re-enactment of Mea
Type: folklore
When: the Sunday before the last day of Carnival and the last day of Carnival
The event focuses on “Once upon a time Mea”, with folkloric entertainment in which it is proposed the traditional comparison between the two quarters of Bibbiena. In addition to the rite of “Bello Pomo” to seize the auspices for the year.
BiRbiena
Type: gastronomy
When: July
Three days of tasting of Italian craft beers, complemented by those produced by foreign breweries guests, combined with cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, and bread of the Casentino tradition.
Casentino Bike
Type: sport
When: third Sunday in June
Cycling race reserved for mountain bikes, accepted as proof of the world championship for amateurs, Tuscany Cup Trophy Tour Regions.
La sagra delle sagre
Type: gastronomy
When: June
It is the incorporation of many of the typical food and wine festivals dedicated to the typical products of the Casentino: truffles, bread, chestnut polenta, tortelli potatoes, mushrooms, sheep meat, homemade.
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes
Buccellato Tuscan
And ‘composed of flour, sugar, butter, yeast, eggs, milk, raisins, anise seeds and salt.
Wild boar stew
Wash the meat of wild boar, cut it and Marinate all odors in water and vinegar for 12 hours; prepared with chopped onion, carrot, celery and rosemary. Removed from the marinade, cook the meat over high heat to give her water. Drain the water, add the oil and beat and when wilt add pepper, juniper, capers and olives. Add salt and pepper. When the meat is browned evaporated with red wine, add the tomatoes, water and cook for 120 ‘: served with polenta or boiled potatoes.
Crostini
Clean and wash the chicken livers, dry them and cut, cut vegetables and fry in a pan with oil. Pour the fried chicken livers with salt, sprinkle with the Marsala and add the broth. Bake for 15 ‘to add capers and anchovies. Mix the chicken livers obtaining a homogeneous mixture, cut the Tuscan bread and heat: spalmarvi the mixture of liver and serve hot.
Typical products
CHESTNUT – chestnut flour and derivatives
TRUFFLE
CHEESE RAVIGGLIOLO
BEER FARM
CULTURE
It is established that the first settlements in the area took place certainly for about the Etruscans. Confirmations of Etruscan origins are the findings in various areas around the capital and the Etruscan-Roman necropolis near the sanctuary S. Maria del Sasso. The first mention of the village dates back to Beblena 979. Since the 16th century Bibbiena belonged to the count-bishops of Arezzo, who held control until 1289. In this year the soldiers of Florence conquered and devastated the town. In 1359, after a four-month siege, the village was permanently occupied by the militia of Florence, and the city settled its own mayor. Subsequently Bibbiena shared all the vicissitudes of Florence: from the republic to the rule of the Medici, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the unification of Italy.
In the town was born Cardinal Bernard Dovizi, said “The Bibbiena” (1470-1520), who became Pope Leo 10th. The most flourishing period, both economically and arts and culture, coincided with that of the Hapsburg family to the state leadership. Among other things, the grand dukes they launched a major land reclamation, favoring the development of agriculture and the construction of villas and palaces.
At the beginning of the 19th century Bibbiena could count on an economy already well underway: the exploitation of the forests (for timber) and wool processing (particularly in the hamlet of Shareholders, where for over a century has worked one of the most important factories of all Italy). Also reported were the Galli da Bibbiena, active family known in the arts, mainly about theatrical sets, for over 150 years before at the local level and then at European level. In fact, the Gauls were known throughout the world as the “Bibiena” for their imaginative and spectacular creation about the spectacular theatrical architecture with respectful use of the rules and principles of perspective.
TOURIST SERVICES
Where to sleep in Bibbiena
Hotels
Albergo Giardino
Piazza Palagi, 2 – località Bibbiena Stazione – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 593194
www.hotelgiardinobibbiena.com
info@hotelgiardinobibbiena.com
Hotel Borgo Antico
Via Dovizi, 18 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 536445
www.borgoantico-bibbiena.com
info@borgoantico-bibbiena.com
Hotel Brogi
Piazza S. Mazzoni, 7 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 536222
Hotel Le Greti
Via Privata Le Greti – località Soci – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 561744
www.legreti.it
info@legreti.it
Farmhouses
Agriturismo Casentino
Località Ventrina,60 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 033 8630875
www.agriturismocasentino.it
info@agriturismocasentino.it
Agriturismo La Casetta delle Erbe
Località La Casetta, 96 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 592496
www.agriturismolacasettadelleerbe.it
info@agriturismolacasettadelleerbe.it
Agriturismo Podere Sant’Angelo
Sant’Angelo – località Soci – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 561912
www.poderesantangelo.it
agriturismo@poderesantangelo.it
Agriturismo Poderi Minori
Località Marena, 24 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 569772
Agriturismo Casale Camalda
Castagnoli, 33 – località Serravalle – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 519104
www.agriturismocamalda.it
enniodallari@agriturismocamalda.it
Agriturismo Catarsena
Catarsena – località Gressa – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 593589
www.agriturismocatarsena.it
info@agriturismocatarsena.it
Agriturismo Fattoria di Marena
Via Fattoria di Marena – località Marena – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 593655
www.fattoriamarena.it
mail@fattoriamarena.it
Agriturismo I Bibbiena
Località Case Sparse Pezzilunghi, 21 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 338 8086424
www.ilbibbiena.com
info@ilbibbiena.com
Agriturismo Il Sommo di Banzena
Località Banzena, 21 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 339 4573603
Agriturismo La Collina delle Stelle
Località Casanova, 63 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 594806
www.lacollinadellestelle.it
info@lacollinadellestelle.it
Agriturismo Pian de’ Cortini
Località Pian De’ Cortini, 142 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 519202
www.piandecortini.it
info@piandecortini.it
Agriturismo Relais Il Fienile
Località Case Sparse Gressa Il Fienile, 13 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 593396
www.relaisilfienile.it
info@relaisilfienile.it
Agriturismo Resort Le Rose
Via della Verna K 5 – località Pianellone – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 536661
www.agriturismoresortlerose.it
info@agriturismoresortlerose.it
Agriturismo Torre di Marena
Torre di Marena, 19 – località Marena – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 593656
info@torredimarena.it
Bed and Breakfast
B&B La Collina
Via Centro Farneta, 12 – località Soci – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 560258
www.bblacollina.com
info@bblacollina.com
Affittacamere Molin di Gabrino
Località Case Sparse di Banzena, 95 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 536265
info@molindigabrino.it
Affittacamere Moneti Cordovani Rosa
Via Coselschi, 29 – località Serravalle – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 0575 51 9162
Residence
Casa vacanze Castello di Sarna
Località Cappucci, 12 – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 335 6115287
www.castellodisarna.it
info@castellodisarna.it
Casa vacanze Il Molino di Serravalle
Via Il Molino, 1 – località Serravalle – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 334 6245116
www.ilmolinodiserravalle.it
infi@ilmolinodiserravalle.it
Casa vacanze Scatolini Maria Cristina
La Fabbrichina – località Partina – Bibbiena (AR)
Tel. +39 335 5219355
www.lafabbrichina.it
info@lafabbrichina.it
servizi: wi-fi, TV, giardino, barbecue
