Holiday apartment in Borgo alla Collina: the Middle Ages, art and routes in Casentino

Borgo alla Collina lies on the crest of a hill between the Arno Valley and the Solano Valley. Medieval lanes, a castle, the church of San Donato and Porta Orgi form part of the village’s character. Its hillside location connects the historic center with the Casentino landscape. From here, the view extends across the whole of Casentino, with its fortresses, parish churches, mountains and forests.

Borgo alla Collina between the Arno Valley, Solano Valley and Casentino

After the Passo della Consuma, Borgo alla Collina can be reached after approximately 20 km by road. From there to the village, the distance remains an approximation and does not specify a particular driving time. This means that the journey from the pass to the village can be planned as a separate section.

Approach from the Passo della Consuma by road

In the historic village of Borgo alla Collina, the medieval structure has been preserved, with interconnecting lanes and adjoining houses. The castle dates from the 11th or 12th century. Towards the end of the 15th century, it was given to the humanist Cristoforo Landino, secretary of the Republic of Florence.

Medieval village with castle, San Donato and art

The church of San Donato in Borgo alla Collina preserves the mortal remains of Cristoforo Landino. The church also contains the triptych Sposalizio Mistico di Santa Caterina by Maestro del Borgo.

Porta Orgi and the path to the Oratorio di Sant’Agata

Porta Orgi is the only one of the village’s former four historic gates that still stands. A path begins at Porta Orgi and leads to the Oratorio di Sant’Agata di Orgi. The oratory dates from the 10th century and was remodeled in later centuries. The Cristo di Orgi was carried in processions during agricultural emergencies. Porta Orgi marks the transition from the village to the path toward Orgi.

The Ciclovia dell’Arno between Ponte a Poppi and Stia

The Ciclovia dell’Arno includes an approximately 4 km section from Ponte a Poppi to Borgo alla Collina, which runs along the Arno River and the Torrente Solano to the village. For day planning, this section can be treated as a separate stage; however, its approximate length does not imply a specific duration or pace. In the other direction, the section from Borgo alla Collina to Pratovecchio Stia can be cycled entirely on a safe shared cycling and pedestrian path along the Arno to the center of Stia. Those planning the cycling route can therefore distinguish between the section starting at Ponte a Poppi and the connection to the center of Stia.

Fiera del Bestiame on the first Monday in August

The Fiera del Bestiame takes place every year on the first Monday in August in Borgo alla Collina.

Further destinations: Cortina, Caiano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Castel San Niccolò.