For the occasion of the Jubilee in 2000, the province of Arezzo highlighted six itineraries of faith inside the National Park of Casentino Forest in Tuscany close to the Emilia Romagna border. Of course, they can still be walked today and below we highlight two we would like to try. For the record the others are the Camadolesi route, the Pieve route, the St. Francis route and the Via Romea route To know more about them, head to www.turismo.provincia.arezzo.it
The Virgin Mary itinerary
Visit the churches dedicated to Maria which are located along ancient pilgrim paths.
- Sanctuary of S.Maria delle Grazie (XV cent.), Stia. About 5 km from the village of Stia and along the road which connects Casentino to Mugello. The Church was built after the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a local woman by the nam of Giovanna in 1428. The Church represents an example of Florentine architectural style and has a some notable artworks such as 'La Vergine in Trono col Bambino' dating from the XV century. Every year on the May 20th there is a procession from Stia to the church which involves many other local hamlets.
- Oratorio di Santa Maria contro il Morbo (XVII- XVIII cent.) - Poppi
- Oratorio di Santa maria delle Calle (XV - XVII cent.) - Loc. Le Calle Montemignaio
- Santa Maria del Sasso Sanctuary (XV cent.) - Loc. Santa Maria del Sasso, Bibbiena - Lorenzo il Magnifico (the Magnificent) ordered the building of the church.
- Santa Maria in Bagno Church (XVI cent.) - Loc. Salutio, Castel Focognano
Abbeys and Monasteries
An itinerary to discover abbeys and monasteries built during the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
- Monastero di Santa Maria della Neve, Pratovecchio
- Convento Certomondo, Poppi
- Badia San Fedele, Poppi - The 12th century Badia is located in the historical centre of Poppi. Originally, it was found in the countryside to be then transferred inside town. The construction is typical of the Monastic order of Vallombrosiani which was especially popular until Napoleon suppressed the religious orders. Of interest are the two painting of the XVI century by Jacopo Ligozzi and Francesco Morandini. Inside the Badia there is also the shrine of the Beato Torello, a hermit from the XII cent who just happens to be the patron saint of Poppi.
- Abbazia di Strumi, Poppi
- Convento San Lorenzo, Bibbiena