Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo) is a town with Roman origins on a hill overlooking the Valdichiana valley on one side and the Val di Chio valley on the other. The fortress of Cassero, perched on the hilltop, is the symbol of the town, whereas the historic centre is characterised by panoramic narrow streets, elegant buildings and impressive monuments.

Monuments

Among the main points of interest of Castiglion Fiorentino we find the Gothic Church of San Francesco, the Church of Collegiata and the Church of Gesù, all rich with precious works of art. A visit to the Loggiato Vasariano on piazza del Municipio, is not to be missed as from here one can enjoy a breathtaking view onto the Val di Chio valley; and also the esplanade of the Cassero is interesting as here one can admire some parts of Etruscan city walls dating back to the 4th century B.C. and visit the marvelous Archaeological Museum and the art gallery.

Thanks to its central location, tourists visiting Castiglion Fiorentino may easily travel around Tuscany and reach quickly the most beautiful medieval villages and art towns of Tuscany and Umbria.

Events

During spring and summer the calendar of events in Castiglion Fiorentino presents interesting events. The renowned “Maggio castiglionese” offers a calendar full of cultural events and food festivals, fairs, exhibitions, concerts, amusement parks and much more. San Michele, the patron saint, is celebrated on May 7th with religious, cultural and food events, which end with an amazing firework show.

June is awaited by all the inhabitants because the “Palio dei Rioni” takes place in this month: a horse race inspired by the more famous Palio di Siena, where the three quarters (Rione Cassero, Porta Fiorentina and Porta Romana) compete on a horse race accompanied by medieval costumed parades and flag throwers performances. The day before the race every quarter organizes a propitiatory dinner to invoke victory by singing and drinking.

August and September are devoted to good food and wine and the Tuscan cuisine with the T-bone Steak Festival, the Ostrich Festival, Ferrambuger, a 1950s American-style food festival and I giorni di Bacco to taste the best local wines.