Castelfranco di Sopra

Castelfranco di Sopra, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is only a few minutes away from our estate. This historic walled settlement is perched on the hills of the Valdarno, at the foot of Mount Pratomagno, and is located along the Roman road Cassia Vetus, the ancient path that connected Arezzo to Fiesole.

The geometry of the Roman castrum meets the softness of the colors and lines drawn by natural elements of the Tuscan countryside, such as olive groves, vineyards, woods, typical agricultural terraces, and the characteristic Balze (of which we have spoken here), which were, according to some studies, a source of inspiration for Leonardo Da Vinci in the creation of the stunning landscape behind the famous Mona Lisa.

According to Vasari, an Italian architect and art historian who lived in 1500, Castelfranco was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, an Italian artist, architect, and urban planner who worked mostly in Rome and Florence. His are the magnificent tower of 1300, Torre d’Arnolfo, the town’s symbol, the walls, and all the architecture.

After a stroll around the streets of the town, we recommend paying a visit to two architectural gems in the surrounding area: the Gothic-style Badia di San Salvatore (1394) in Soffena, and the Romanesque-style Pieve di Santa Maria in Pian di Scò (1008), most likely Etruscan in origin.

A visit to the La Torre winery at Via Arnolfo, 4 in Castelfranco di Sopra is a must for a good glass of wine