Discover Strada: Stonework, History and Holiday Apartments

Strada Between Stone and History

Strada in Casentino reveals its distinctive character where market history, stonework and striking buildings come together. The village originated as a marketplace for the Solano Valley near the bridge to Castel San Niccolò. Strada in Casentino is dominated by the ancient Castello dei Guidi. Together with the ancient Torre dell’Orologio, it forms part of the historic silhouette above Strada in Casentino. When choosing a holiday apartment in Strada, this combination of local history and cultural discoveries is a natural starting point for planning your personal trip.

Buildings, Squares and Art

The five-aisled Logge del Grano shape the townscape of Piazza Matteotti. Their round arches are made of pietra serena, complemented by a historic tent-roof structure. Sacred art can also be experienced in concentrated form in Strada in Casentino: the Cappella della Visitazione houses a panel depicting the Immacolata Incoronata by Santi di Tito, dating from 1580. It also contains the painting Vergine con bambino e Santi by Giovan Francesco Guerrieri, dating from around 1600.

The two chapels of San Niccolò and del Crocifisso belong to the complex of the ancient Castello dei Guidi. The Chapel of the Crucifix contains a 14th-century crucifixion fresco from the Florentine school. Thus, different periods and forms of expression stand side by side in one place, from medieval architecture to Italian painting of the early modern period.

The Stonework Tradition in the Museum

The Museo della Pietra Lavorata is located in the former Salesian college in Strada in Casentino. It conveys the history, techniques and tools of the stonecutters of Strada, which are still used today. The town is known for its centuries-old stonecutting tradition, linked to local pietra serena quarries and the work of numerous stonecutters from the region. In summer, the museum offers workshops for children on working with stone. The museum has seasonal opening hours in July and August; visits are possible by reservation. For families, this focus can provide an engaging complement to the town’s buildings and squares.

Churches and Castles in the Surrounding Area

The Pieve di San Martino a Vado is located near the former ford of the Torrente Solano. It is the only parish church in Casentino to have preserved its original façade, and at the same time one of the most important Romanesque churches in Casentino. The Castello di Romena is located in the immediate vicinity of Strada in Casentino. The Castello dei Conti Guidi and the Castello di Porciano are also situated around Strada in Casentino.

The wider surrounding area also includes Poggio Ginestrino, the Monastero di Camaldoli, Monte Pianellaccio, Croce di Pratomagno and Poggio Stefanieri. These varied destinations offer a choice between historic buildings and prominent landscape features. The Mostra della Pietra Lavorata takes place every two years towards the end of August in Strada in Casentino and showcases works by artists and masters of stonework. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore decide whether your trip should focus primarily on local history, a museum visit, an event or the surrounding area.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Tregozzano, Castelfranco Di Sopra, Penna, Subbiano, Anghiari, Arezzo, Pierle and Manzi

To the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.