Discover Bibbiena

Yesterday I was in Bibbiena for the Renault Rally Event and had some time to visit this lovely town in Casentino.

It’s probably the largest town of the area and is located about 60 km from Florence and 30km from Arezzo and about 20km from La Verna Sanctuary. It was an important Etruscan city and then became a large medieval castle. It then became the property of the Florentines after the bloody battle of Campaldino between Guelph and Ghibelline. You can see the famous battlefield just a few km far from the center.

What to see

Bibbiena is not a very tourist place, but still, you can enjoy beautiful sights and feel its history through out its monuments, buildings and churches. For example, in the Propositura of Santi Ipoolito and Donato there are several important artworks such as the beautiful polyptych by Bicci di Lorenzo depicting the enthroned Madonna with Child and Saints, a precious wooden Crucifix dating back to 13th century.

Just a few steps from the Propositura you can see Tarlati Tower and the Fabbri Gates, ancient parts of the medieval castle that was destroyed by Florentines. Then visit the Church of San Lorenzo, where you can admire some glazed terracotta reliefs by Della Robbia.

I recommend you walk around the streets of Bibbiena, where you can see some important buildings, as Palazzo Martellini, Palazzo Dovizi and others, as well as beautiful ancient doors and windows.

For more information about what to see in Bibbiena have a look at the official page.