Capolona between the Arno and Pratomagno

Capolona between the Arno and Pratomagno

Capolona stretches along the southern slopes of Pratomagno and the right bank of the Arno. Short streams cross the area and flow down from the southernmost watershed of Pratomagno. This brings together river landscapes, slopes, and small waterways in a confined area. There is also a clear point of reference for planning your day: Capolona station is on the Stia–Arezzo railway line, where you can buy Smart Tickets.

Parish churches, frescoes, and medieval traces

A particularly vivid cultural site is the Pieve Santa Maria Maddalena a Sietina. It was built at the beginning of the 11th century along an ancient Roman road. Inside, three naves end in three apses; Gothic and Renaissance frescoes can be seen on the walls. The old [Pieve San Giovanni](Pieve San Giovanni) was probably founded in the 5th century and preserves a beautiful wooden crucifix from the 14th century.

Outside these two parish churches, you will also encounter various historical testimonies. Despite later alterations, Bibbiano has preserved a large part of its medieval defensive wall. The Pieve San Martino Sopr'Arno is a religious building documented since 1017. The Church of Santa Lucia in Cenina houses an oil painting from the Tuscan school, dated to the period between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. In Castelluccio, a single-nave church preserves a wooden depiction of the Madonna and Child. It is surrounded by 15 painted panels depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary, from the circle around Vasari and dating from the second half of the 16th century.

The site of Belfiore Castle adds to this historical picture: a tower, a section of wall, and a small corner tower were visible there as ruins. The different sites therefore vary considerably in date and character, from early medieval religious buildings to defensive remains.

Three routes through the landscape

Several routes with different layouts are available for walks and hikes. The Sentiero dei Longobardi is a circular trail in the northern part of the municipality of Capolona, between Il Santo and Lorenzano. It offers viewpoints over the lower Casentino and the Arno Valley and reaches Castello di Belfiore via a short detour.

The Sentiero dei Sulpici begins in Pieve San Giovanni and ends at Capolona station. It passes through Bibbiano, where the remains of a castle can be seen. Along the route, there are viewpoints over Arezzo and the surrounding hills, the valley of the Salutio stream, and the slopes of Pratomagno. This route therefore combines historical sites with several clearly identified landscape views, without its course being limited to a single viewpoint.

The Sentiero di Sagresto connects Capolona-Subbiano station with Capolona station. Its route passes through Il Santo, Ponina, Castello di Belfiore, and Bibbiano. Those who would prefer to travel by bicycle rather than hike will find the “La Valle” Bike Park on the hill pass between the town center of Capolona and the plain of Castelluccio. It offers uphill and downhill rides on very well-maintained trails.

Regional cuisine and an event in March

Raviggiolo, a soft cheese typical of this area, is part of the local character. In Capolona, you can also enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes such as crostini with black cabbage and black liver crostini. The Marzuolo Truffle Fair takes place in Capolona in March. These culinary references complement the churches, trails, and landscapes with specific regional specialties.

Other places

[Strada](Strada), [Stia](Stia), [Santa Barbara](Santa Barbara), [Pratantico](Pratantico), [Monte San Savino](Monte San Savino), [Pieve Vecchia](Pieve Vecchia), [Falcigiano](Falcigiano)

For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.