Romena: Dante’s Medieval Sanctuary of Legends in Tuscany’s Casentino Valley

1. Region: Tuscany

2. Province / Nearest City: Province of Arezzo / Pratovecchio Stia (AR)

3. Attraction Name: Pieve di San Pietro a Romena & Castello di Romena

4. Address: Località Romena, 52015 Pratovecchio Stia (AR)

5. Distance from Major City: About 50 km from Arezzo (1 hour by car)

6. How to Get There:

   • By car: From Arezzo, follow SS71 through the Casentino valley to Pratovecchio Stia, then follow the signs for Romena.

   • By public transport: Train from Arezzo to Pratovecchio-Stia, then taxi or a pleasant walk through the countryside.

7. What Makes It Unique in the World:
   Romena is a place where history, spirituality, and poetry meet. The Pieve di San Pietro, dating back to the 12th century, is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Tuscany. Its austere stone columns, sculpted capitals, and peaceful setting among fields and cypresses create a sense of timeless spirituality.
   Just uphill, the Castle of Romena rises with its imposing ruins, once the most important stronghold of the Guidi Counts. Its towers and walls, partly restored, offer sweeping views over the Casentino valley. Together, the church and castle embody the dual soul of the Middle Ages: faith and defense.

8. Local Story / Fun Fact:
   Romena is deeply tied to culture and legend. The poet Dante Alighieri visited the castle and mentioned the Counts Guidi in his Divine Comedy. The Pieve, meanwhile, was a refuge for pilgrims on the Via Maior (a branch of the pilgrimage roads to Rome). Today, the area hosts the Fraternity of Romena, a spiritual community that welcomes visitors in search of peace and inspiration.

9. Best Time to Visit:
   Spring and autumn are ideal for combining history with walks in the Casentino National Park. Summer evenings often feature concerts and cultural events at the castle.

10. Nearby Food & Stay:
    Enjoy Casentino specialties like tortelli di patate, pecorino cheese, and honey. Agriturismi and country houses in the surrounding hills offer stays immersed in nature, while the nearby villages of Stia and Pratovecchio provide additional options.

Conclusion:
The Pieve and the Castle of Romena together form one of the most evocative corners of the Casentino. Between the silence of Romanesque stones and the proud ruins of the fortress, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Tuscany’s medieval past, still alive in landscapes of rare beauty.