The best walks and hikes around Ortignano Raggiolo

Varco ai Gioghi is a high-altitude pass that marks a natural passage along an exposed mountain ridge. The landscape is characterized by wide summit meadows alternating with dense beech forests, offering open and airy views of the surrounding valleys.

Nestled in the woods of Pratomagno, Raggiolo is a medieval stone village, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and renowned for its ancient chestnut tradition. Strolling through its steep, quiet alleys, accompanied by the sound of rushing streams, offers an authentic experience in one of the wildest and most evocative corners of Casentino.

With a tunnel under a hiking trail 😉

Easy route along the ridge. Be careful though, with some steep and bumpy descents and climbs. Recommended if done after dinner, a light jacket or k-way.

Stairway that leads directly up to the medieval fortress from where you have a splendid view of the valley and the Croce del Pratomagno

It is a structure of medieval origin with an arch resting on large rocks on the banks of the Teggina stream. (Source: https://www.ilbelcasentino.it/raggiolo-seq.php?pag=4)

Founded around the 7th century by the Lombards, in 967 Raggiolo was granted as a fief by Emperor Otto I to Goffredo di Ildebrando. ... the castle of Raggiolo, mentioned in 1164 in a diploma of Frederick I of Swabia, was under the dominion of the Guidi Counts from the middle of the century. XIII, giving rise to one of the branches of the family. One of them, Guido Novello II ...placed his court there from 1301 to 1322, making it a strong and populous castle. ... Raggiolo suffered a harsh reprisal for having rebelled in 1391, but the final blow to the castle was given in 1440 by Piccinino's troops, who destroyed it and killed most of the inhabitants. The castle was never rebuilt and Raggiolo was added to the Vicariate of Poppi. During the 16th century the town was populated by a colony of Corsicans who arrived here from the Maremma following the flocks of transhumant sheep. They formed a real enclave: the Corsi di Raggiolo, ancestors of the current inhabitants. The tradition of the town still refers to them today. ... (Source: https://raggiolo.it/raggiolo-il-paese-dei-corsi)

Quota di Poppi is a small but delightful medieval village located on the slopes of the Pratomagno pre-Apennine massif at approximately 437 meters above sea level. This village is the last bastion that you come across when climbing the panoramic road of Pratomagno from the town of Poppi, of which it is a hamlet. The village is truly a gem: in summer the alleys are decorated with many varieties of flowers and plants in a mix of colors that bring joy... Quota, originally called Coita, was built as a castle by the Guidi Counts in the 13th century and remained under their dominion for about two hundred years, governing much of the Casentino territory. The strategic position of Quota was ideal for the control of the two important cities of Castel Focognano and Bibbiena, which in that period were under the influence of Arezzo. The Quota Castle represented an important military garrison in the Casentino and was a fundamental control point on the communication routes between Florence and Arezzo. Its location on the top of a hill allowed a complete view of the surrounding area, making it a fortress that was difficult to attack. (Source: https://borghi.toscana.it/cosa-vedere/quota-di-poppi/ )