Travel To Tuscany: 5 Good Reasons To Visit Pratovecchio Stia
Central Italy region, Tuscany owes its fame to the city of Florence and other famous tourist destinations like Pisa, Siena, or San Gimignano. But it also houses lesser-known natural and cultural treasures, like Pratovecchio Stia. We have listed 5 good reasons to visit this municipality in Tuscany.
1- To admire a typical landscape
The municipality of Pratovecchio Stia, born in 2014 from the merger of the two municipalities of Pratovecchio and Stia, is nestled in a characteristic landscape of Casentino, covered with forests and dotted with churches.
Casentino refers to the high valley of the Arno, one of the four valleys of the province of Arezzo in Italy. This part of Tuscany will charm you with its varied landscapes where large forests alternate with mountainous areas and deep valleys.
2- To go hiking
Surrounded by forests, Pratovecchio Stia is an ideal destination for nature lovers, mountain enthusiasts, and hikers!
This municipality, with a population of around 5900, is located at just 420 m above sea level but offers plenty of opportunities for walking or cycling.
For example, you can take the bike path that connects the two urban centers of Stia and Pratovecchio or go hiking in the nearby Casentino Forests National Park.
3- To discover the architectural heritage.
Like many other cities in Tuscany, Pratovecchio Stia has a rich architectural and artistic heritage.
In the municipality and its surroundings, you can admire:
• the remains of the Romena Castle that dominate the entire valley. This powerful fortress is said to have been built by the Guidi counts in the 11th century.
• the Florentine Palace located in the historic center of Stia is a former residence of the Guidi counts which now houses a collection of contemporary art.
• the Porciano Castle located not far from the city.
Religious buildings also abound in the region and present remarkable architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the parish church of San Pietro (whose full name is Pieve di San Pietro di Romena) and the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie located in Stia amidst the forests.
In the region, beautiful sanctuaries are nestled in the greenery. Pieve di San Pietro di Romena offers a jewel of Romanesque architecture in the middle of the lush countryside, about 3 km from Pratovecchio. This magnificent church dates back to 1152 and, in summer, it delights photographers as its stone facade contrasts with the surrounding lavender fields.
4- To follow in the footsteps of Paolo Uccello
According to certain sources, the Renaissance painter Paolo di Dono, better known as Paolo Uccello, was born in Pratovecchio Stia.
Art and painting lovers therefore have an additional reason to visit this commune in Tuscany, which is said to have witnessed the birth of this famous artist in 1397.
This Renaissance painter is considered a master of perspective, a subject that fascinated him throughout his life to the point of obsession.
5- To discover local craftsmanship
In Pratovecchio Stia, the most remarkable artisan activity is the production of Casentino cloth, a typical wool fabric of the region.
The production of this fabric dates back to ancient times and was already practiced by the Etruscans. This "made in Italy" wool fabric is recognized for its loops and vibrant colors.
To learn more about this local craftsmanship, we recommend visiting the Wool Museum, which is located in the town's old spinning mill.
