Cennina – Village, Castle and Valdambra

Cennina combines the character of an old Tuscan village with an impressive castle history and a commanding position above the Valdambra. Those wishing to combine culture and landscape in a manageable location will find an unusual destination here in the Chianti Aretino: rustic houses, historic fortification remains and paths through vineyards, olive groves and woodlands are all found within the same described surroundings.

Village character and location

The old village is characterised above all by distinctive rustic houses in the Romanesque and Renaissance styles. These buildings have been scarcely affected by modern alterations and give Cennina its distinctive architectural character. The village lies on a graceful hill in the Chianti Aretino and offers a commanding position overlooking the Valdambra. The surrounding landscape is also expressly protected: because of its high landscape value, the hill is protected by the Soprintendenza ai Beni Culturali ed Ambientali.

The history of Castello di Cennina

Castello di Cennina was built in 1167 by the Ghibelline count Brandaglia Alberigo d’Uguccione. Cennina was subsequently occupied in turn by the Tarlati, the Ubertini and the Guidi counts. Its eventful history did not remain without consequences: the Castello was besieged, destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today, the course of the walls and a largely intact wall in the northeast remain from the fortification. In the southwest, the collapsed corner tower lies on the ground. The Cassero was once the heart of the defensive complex. These differing states of preservation shape the appearance of the fortification. The restored Castello di Cennina serves as a tourist and cultural centre. Theatre performances, conferences, concerts and exhibitions are promoted there. Thus, the historic complex represents not only the memory of medieval rule and sieges, but also a present-day cultural use.

Paths through the Valdambra landscape

The Alta-Valdambra circular route, CAI 47, passes through heather and downy oak woods, past vineyards and fields, as well as a remarkable stand of strawberry trees. Along its route, it reaches the medieval castles of Cennina and Montebenichi. For orientation in the area, the Cennina–Cimitero stage is also described: it first follows the road to Castello di Cennina and then descends along an old paved road between olive groves and vineyards to a stream. Another perspective is offered by the Castelli Incantati route. Along it lies the Chiesa di San Pietro, north of the remains of Cennina’s imposing fortification wall. This makes it possible to connect various elements when exploring the area: village architecture, castle ruins, the ecclesiastical setting and the agriculturally shaped hilly landscape.

Further destinations for your orientation

If you would like to compare further destinations on this page in addition to Cennina, you will also find Levane, Pogi, Ambra, Badia A Ruoti, San Pancrazio, Badia Agnano, Pietraviva and Solata.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bucine.