Ortignano Raggiolo: Chestnut Forests and Village History

At the foot of Pratomagno lies Raggiolo, whose slopes are rich in chestnut and beech forests.

In addition to the landscape, the village has a history that dates back to the mention of the castle in 1225.

Castle History and Traces in the Village

Raggiolo Castle is mentioned in 1225 and came under the rule of the Guidi counts from the mid-13th century. The old castle was destroyed in the 15th century. Centuries ago, a Corsican colony settled in Raggiolo to repopulate the old castle. A wall of the former Raggiolo Castle has survived and is still known locally as “la bastia”.

In Raggiolo, information boards at strategically located points along the streets convey the history and stories of the place. As you walk through the village, these signs can be found at several points along the streets and read one after another.

San Michele and Mulino di Morino

Those interested in local history can explore different historical themes in Raggiolo, including the castle wall, San Michele, the Madonna and Child, the water mill and the information boards.

The Church of San Michele was established in the former palace of Count Guido Novello Guidi. It also houses a 15th-century Madonna and Child attributed to Donatello’s workshop.

The ancient Mulino di Morino water mill is located on the Barbozzaia stream in Raggiolo. On the visitor route of the Ecomuseo della Castagna di Ortignano Raggiolo, the mill comes after the forest and the drying shed, before the route continues to the museum.

Chestnuts, Festivals and Culture

Chestnuts are present in Raggiolo not only on the wooded slopes of Pratomagno. A special chestnut variety called “raggiolana” is highly valued. The Ecomuseo della Castagna di Ortignano Raggiolo focuses on the collection and culinary use of chestnuts.

The Festa della Castagnatura in autumn is Raggiolo’s most important festival. The Colloqui di Raggiolo take place every year in September and are dedicated to a particular aspect of local culture each time.

Ecomuseum Visitor Route

Anyone wishing to follow the village’s connection with chestnuts can plan the visitor route from the forest through the drying shed and the mill to the museum as a continuous path. The Ecomuseum also includes a workshop where children can handle and work with the materials presented along the route.

Getting There and Village Structure

The route to Ortignano-Raggiolo leads via the Arezzo exit of the A1 and the S.S. 71 Umbro-Casentinese towards Casentino and Bibbiena, followed by the road to Ortignano-Raggiolo. In the village of Raggiolo, the streets are accessible only on foot. Upon arrival, it is therefore important to distinguish between the described drive to Ortignano-Raggiolo and movement within the village of Raggiolo.

Further Places to Help You Find Your Bearings

For further regional orientation, you can also find Giovi-Ponte Alla Chiassa, Castelfranco Di Sopra, Loro Ciuffenna, Pieve Vecchia, Duddova, Lonnano, Marciano Della Chiana and Tregozzano.

For the broader travel overview: Arezzo.