Casentino – Tuscany: Romanesque churches, sacred forests and stone villages in the heart of the Arezzo Apennines. The Casentino is an enchanted valley in the upper course of the Arno, nestled between Pratomagno and the forests of the Casentino Forests National Park. Here you can breathe a deep and authentic atmosphere, made up of silence, Romanesque art, unspoiled nature and spirituality. It is a mountainous, green and intimate Tuscany, where each village tells a thousand-year story. 🌲 Forests and spirituality: The Casentino is home to one of the largest green lungs in Italy: the National Park of the Casentino Forests. Among centuries-old beech trees, silver firs and high-altitude paths, there are places of deep spirituality such as the Sanctuary of La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata, and the Hermitage of Camaldoli, immersed in timeless peace. 👉 Tip: Walk a stretch of the Way of St. Francis: nature, history and spirituality come together in a unique experience. 🏘️ Stone villages and medieval castles: The Casentino is dotted with fortified villages and medieval castles such as those of Poppi, Raggiolo and Castel San Niccolò. The stone houses, the Romanesque churches and the well-kept old towns convey the charm of a slow and harmonious time. 👉 Tip: Visit the Castle of the Counts Guidi in Poppi and climb the tower to admire the view of the entire valley. 🚶 Trekking and nature at high altitude: The area is ideal for hiking, e-biking or horseback riding. Well-marked paths cross forests, scenic ridges, pastures and small villages. In every season, the landscape changes color: from the bright green of summer to the warm tones of autumn. 👉 Tip: Try the ring of Monte Falterona, source of the Arno, between wild nature and breathtaking views. 🍷 Taste traditions: The cuisine of Casentino is rustic and sincere: tortelli with potatoes, mushrooms and chestnuts, alpine cheeses, artisanal cured meats and desserts such as schiacciata with grapes. The products are often zero km and enhanced in the markets, festivals and typical restaurants of the valley. 👉 Tip: Enjoy a snack on a farm with cheese, honey and red wine from the Arezzo hills. 🛏️ Where to stay: The Casentino offers authentic hospitality: farmhouses in the countryside, B&Bs in medieval villages, period residences and refuges in the park. Many facilities offer themed experiences: excursions, craft workshops, tastings or spiritual paths. 👉 Tip: Stay in a property near Camaldoli or La Verna to experience the deepest heart of Casentino. In Casentino, time passes more slowly, among thousand-year-old trees, ancient prayers and stones that tell the silent beauty of the Tuscan Apennines.