Banzena: Hilly Landscape and History

Holiday apartment in Banzena amid hilly landscape and history

Banzena is an agricultural settlement in a hilly landscape. Banzena is classified as a rural village centre of historic and environmental value. The southern side of Banzena is bordered by the terraces of the Corsalone stream. Banzena can be reached via the municipal road of the same name along the mid-slope. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Banzena can therefore base their choice of location on the landscape, agricultural character and distinctive hillside setting. The southern side, with the terraces of the Corsalone, brings a second landscape form alongside the hills into the appearance of the village.

Historic village centre of Banzena and ecclesiastical traces

The historic village centre of Banzena developed as a stronghold around the castle. The old Via Romea dell’Alpe di Serra ran through it. Banzena’s church stands along the road; it appears to have been completely rebuilt in the 18th century. The village centre also contains an almost completely destroyed ring wall and a watchtower.

A papal document issued by Hadrian IV on 2 May 1155 lists a church in Banzena as one of the 18 old branch churches of the Pieve di Bibbiena.

Mountains, castles and monasteries in the surrounding area

Castello dei Conti Guidi, a castle, is located near Banzena. Santuario de La Verna, a monastery, is also located there. Romena Castle is another castle in the surrounding area. Monastero di Camaldoli is a monastery there. Poggio Fognano, a mountain, is located in the immediate vicinity of Banzena. Poggio Ginestrino, Monte Penna and Poggio Magiovanna are also mountains near Banzena. Alongside the mountains, the castles and monasteries around Banzena are therefore also cultural points of interest for planning day trips.

Via Romea Germanica and stage planning

The Via Romea Germanica stage from Corezzo to Chitignano passes through Banzena and then continues to Caselle and Campi. It is 25.7 kilometres long and has 1,150 metres of descent and 970 metres of ascent.

The Via Romea Germanica stage through Banzena from Corezzo to Chitignano is 25.7 km long and has 1,150 metres of descent and 970 metres of ascent.

Those who prioritise nature and physical activity can assess the Via Romea Germanica stage differently from someone interested in the castle, church and remains of the fortifications. For a day of hiking, the 25.7 kilometres as the route length, as well as the 1,150 metres of descent and 970 metres of ascent as the route’s elevation profile, can be considered separately when planning your own stage.

Other places to discover

Other places to discover: Farneta, Poggiolo, Partina, Soci.

To the overarching travel overview: Bibbiena.