Things to do in Castiglion Fiorentino in one day
Our tour to discover Castiglion Fiorentino starts from the Porta Fiorentina, old North access to the historical centre of this town in the Val di Chiana. Near this city gate, in Piazza Garibaldi, there is the largest city parking.
Just beyond turn left to reach the Chiesa di San Francesco. An interesting romanesque building, with some gothic elements, dating back to the second half of 13th century. A special feature of this church is the large mullioned window between the portal and the rose window. Inside there are some remnants of medieval frescoes ad a Crocifissione (crucifixion) made by Il Poppi.
Now, we can go back on our steps and take Corso Italia until we get to the main square of the town: Piazza del Municipio.
Piazza del Municipio
Beautiful Renaissance square in which they make a fine show the Logge del Vasari, a porch with nine arches adorned by the coats of arms of podestà and Commissioners. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view on the surrounding area.
Exactly in front of the porch stands the Palazzo Comunale. Built in 16th century in place of the previous Palazzo dei Priori, it was extensively refurbished in 1935. To the right of the Palazzo Comunale, a road leads us behind the palace to the Castle.
The Castle
The castle of Castiglion Fiorentino dates back to the twelfth century even if subsequently had various modifications and upgrades, such as the raising of the tower during the fourteenth century.
Near the tower, on the large square of the castle, we find the Palazzo Pretorio and the Chiesa di Sant’Angelo. These two buildings host the Pinacoteca and the Museo Civico Archeologico.
The museums of Castiglion Fiorentino
Pinacoteca
Located inside the Chiesa di Sant’Angelo, the Pinacoteca (art gallery) hosts sacred art works coming from various ecclesiastical entities from Castiglion Fiorentino and its area. Inside the museum there are many medieval artworks including woodworks as the statue of San Michele Arcangelo and precious works of jewellery-making as the Bust of Sant’Orsola (a 14th century reliquary). Also remarkable the painting section that presents works of the Tuscan school including a Taddeo Gaddi‘s Maestà and some works made by Bartolomeo della Gatta.
Museo Civico Archeologico
The Civic Archaeological Museum is inside the Palazzo Pretorio and was inaugurated in 2001. In the Museum there are artifacts from the excavations undertaken in the 1980s in Castiglion Fiorentino and in its territory. Organized in five halls, the museum rebuild the history of this land from the etruscan domination to the end of the Middle Ages. The exhibition is enriched by a series of information panels and multimedia.
Address: Via del Tribunale 8, Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo)
Opening hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10.30-13.00 and 15.30-18.00
Wednesday: 10.30-13.00
Thursday-Sudany: 10.30-13.00 and 15.30-19.00
Tisckets: free
Collegiata di San Giuliano
From the main square take via San Michele and turn in via Repente to get to the square where are three interesting churches: Chiesa del Gesù (Church of Jesus), the Pieve Vecchia (Old Parish church) and the Collegiata di San Giuliano (Collegiate church of San Giuliano). The collegiate church, rebuilt in neoclassical forms during the 19th century, has inside some important paintings. Among these: Bartolomeo della Gatta‘s Madonna col Bambino in trono e santi and Segna di Bonaventura‘s Madonna col Bambino in trono, angeli, santi e devoti (Madonna and Child enthroned, Angels, Saints and devotees).
What to do around Castiglion Fiorentino
On the road to Cortona, close to Castiglion Fiorentino, we meet the elegant octagonal Chiesa della Madonna della Consolazione.
Continuing towards Cortona, after 9 kilometres, we get to the village of Montecchio. Just outside the village, stands atop a hill the Castle of Montecchio Vesponi of which remain the turreted walls, some elements of the mansion and a high tower which stands in the middle of the complex.
How to get to Castiglion Fiorentino
By car:
From Arezzo (19km) Strada Regionale 71.
From florence (98km) highway A1 till the exit for Monte San Savino, then Strada Provinciale 25.
By train: Castiglion Fiorentino has a train station reached by regional trains coming from Firenze, Arezzo and from the other main towns.
