Tuscan holiday house

"Il Castello"

Ortignano is a medieval stone village in Casentino, the upper part of the valley where the river Arno flows. It is placed on the eastern slopes of the Pratomagno, on the right bank of a brook called Teggina. A reliable historical source about Ortignano is The Geographical, Physical and Historical Dictionary  of Tuscany , written by Emanuele Refetti, a Florentine academic, in 1839. Ortignano was given to the Counts Guidi of Poppi by Emperor Frederick II in 1248. In 1356 it was given to the Commune of Arezzo by Emperor Charles IV. Its territory lay on the border between the Florentine Republic and the Commune of Arezzo, so it was fought about several times by the two powers, which were often at war with each other. The Battle of Campaldino in 1289 is the most famous battle fought between them, which also the poet Dante Alighieri took part in.

A 13^th century manor, called Il Castello - The Castle, which was once a fortress, is situated on top of the medieval stone village. An ancestor of the present owners bought it in 1901. The manor overlooks the mountains, from Pratomagno to La Verna, and most part of the valley, with its numerous castles and medieval stone villages retaining all their original historical charm. Inside the building you can come into contact with history. Its unique atmosphere brings you back to the times of Count Guidi and witnesses the cultural background of great people like Dante and Saint Francis.

The upstairs apartment is rented out in spring, summer and autumn (there is no central heating). This Tuscan holiday house has got four double bedrooms with 8/10 beds altogether and early 20^th  century furnishings. There is a spacious kitchen adjoining a dining room, a big lounge with beautiful stone portals and a magnificent Renaissance fireplace, fitted out with period furniture, and two bathrooms. In front of the house there is a large garden with a sunbathing area, a table and some chairs for eating outdoor in tranquillity since the garden is for the exclusive use of the guests. A barbecue and an old  wood burning oven are also available. Bed linen is provided too.

The guests can also make use of a natural swimming pool (2 kms far) which is part of the Caccialupis’farming estate. It is possible to rent mountain bikes and, in the proper season, to look for mushrooms and to go hiking.

Places to see

·      Sanctuaries of  Camaldoli and La Verna, famous religious centres.

·      Casentino National Forest Park

·      Medieval castles in Poppi, Strada, Stia, Porciano, Romena, Partina.

·      Historical towns and villages: Poppi, Bibbiena, Stia, Pratovecchio, Raggiolo

In the area there are lots of restaurants where you can enjoy typical Tuscan and Casentino dishes.  

In the summer festivals take place in every village with typical local food to taste.

Shops

·      Grocers’: San Piero (2 kms) and La Villa (2 kms)

·      Shopping Centre “Il Casentino”, near Bibbiena (7 kms)

For sport lovers

·      Olympic swimming pool in Bibbiena (7 kms)

·    Golf Course in Poppi (6,5 kms)

·    Riding School in Rassina ((8,5 kms)

·      Gyms  

HOW TO REACH US

From Arezzo:  Take the A1 Motorway exit at the Arezzo tollgate. Take the S.S. 71 Casentinese (A-road) for Bibbiena (Casentino) and go on for 28 kilometres. Just after passing Bibbiena Stazione,turn right at the junction near “Centro Commerciale Il Casentino” for Poppi. After 200 metres, at the junction turn left for Ortignano Alto.

From Florence: Take the A1 Motorway exit at Firenze Sud tollgate. Follow the directions to Casentino, Foreste Casentinesi, Poppi. After passing Poppi, go straight on as far as “Centro Commerciale Il Casentino”. At the junction turn right for Ortignano Alto.

From Cesena: Take the E7 Road exit at Bagno di Romagna. Take the road for Valico dei Mandrioli. After passing Soci, go straight on as far as “Centro Commerciale Il Casentino”. At the junction turn right then, after 300 metres, turn left for Ortignano Alto.

"Azienda Agrituristica Caccialupi"

Italien -  52010 Ortignano-Ragg.   (Ar)

Novella Caccialupi

Tel. / Fax  0575/594963 - cell. 340/3213409 

E-Mail . caccialupi@virgilio.it