Bibbiena: Culture, Photography and Tuscan History
Accommodation in Bibbiena
Bibbiena combines a historic townscape with photography, theater, regional festivals and access to the Casentinesi Forests. If you would like to combine culture and landscape on your trip to Tuscany, the town offers a variety of experiences: you can wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, visit exhibitions, discover local dishes or choose Bibbiena as a starting point for a visit to the forests.
Photography and Theater in the Historic Center
One distinctive cultural highlight is CIFA. There, you can view photographs by renowned photographers from the FIAF archive. CIFA is located in the town’s former Casa Mandamentale, an interesting 19th-century building that was converted for new uses. In addition to exhibiting works by renowned photographers, it also includes exhibition spaces intended for temporary events of international significance.
The Festival della Fotografia uses CIFA in Bibbiena, among other venues, as well as additional exhibition locations spread throughout Casentino. The festival takes place every year between June and September and includes exhibitions, events, talks, workshops and portfolio reviews. This makes Bibbiena a suitable destination for travelers who would like to enrich their trip not only with classic sights, but also with contemporary photographic culture and discussions about photography.
The Teatro Dovizi is also part of the cultural tour. It is located in the historic center of Bibbiena on Via Rosa Scoti, between two 16th-century buildings. The theater was built in 1842 based on a design by Niccolò Matas and resumed operations on September 27, 1997, after its interior was extensively redesigned. Its location and history make it a suitable destination for anyone who would also like to take the town’s theatrical and architectural history into account while exploring the town.
Historic Buildings and Works of Art
The narrow streets of the historic center recall Bibbiena’s illustrious past and invite you to explore the town at a leisurely pace. Among the noteworthy buildings is Palazzo Dovizi, a 16th-century building associated with Cardinal Bernardo da Bibbiena. The Oratorio di San Francesco is a remarkable example of Tuscan Rococo architecture.
The Chiesa dei Santi Ippolito e Donato also offers a specific point of interest for visitors interested in culture. It was built at the beginning of the 12th century and preserves a 13th-century wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child. The 15th-century Chiesa di San Lorenzo also contains two terracottas by Andrea della Robbia: the “Deposizione” and the “Adorazione”.
Local Traditions and Nature
If regional cuisine is part of a successful trip to Tuscany for you, you can make a note of the Sagra del Raviolo. It takes place every year in Partina, a district of Bibbiena. At this festival, you can enjoy ravioli prepared according to a traditional recipe, as well as other typical dishes and local products. This adds a culinary dimension to the cultural focus, without requiring you to choose between the town’s history and regional food culture.
For another day of your trip, consider exploring nature: Bibbiena is a good starting point for visits to the Casentinesi Forests. This allows you to match your choice of accommodation with your interests. A hotel in Bibbiena may be particularly appealing if you would like to combine cultural destinations in the town with an excursion into the forest landscape; specific distances or travel times should be checked separately.
Other Destinations in the Area to Consider
For further travel planning, you can also view the town pages for Farneta, Poggiolo, Partina, Banzena and Soci. In addition, Pratieghi and Chitignano are available as options. Consider whether you would like to focus your trip primarily on historic towns, photography, regional specialties or nature experiences.
For the overarching travel overview: Arezzo.
More About the Destination
Relevant information for planning your trip:
