Loro Ciuffenna: a suggestive medieval village

The village is situated on the slopes of Pratomagno at 328 meters above sea level, the actual center is of medieval origin but Loro Ciuffenna has more ancient origins, infact in the area were found Etruscan and Roman artifacts.

During the early Roman period, the Lorese territory was crossed by the Cassia Vetus (the path is still very similar to that of the Seven Bridges Road) which connected Fiesole with Arezzo. In 123 d.C. This road was replaced by the new Cassia Adrianea passing downstream marginalizing Loro Ciuffenna.

After the Romans, the area was occupied by the Lombards, is in a document dating 939 the first mention of the name Loro, the town was later a fief of the Counts Guidi and in 1293 became part of the Florentine Republic. Already in 1462 the first statutes of the community were already written.

THE OLDEST STILL WORKING WATER MILL IN TUSCANY

Loro Ciuffenna preserves the oldest still functioning water mill in Tuscany. Very scenic is the old village built on gorges overlooking the river and where it is possible to admire a suggestive intertwining of alleys and stone-paved alleys. Worth visiting are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which preserves a triptych by Lorenzo di Bicci, the Basilica of Our Lady of Humility (XV-XVII century), and the Venturino Venturi Museum, where works by contemporary artists and sculptures are collected and designs by Venturino Venturi, who was born in this town in 1918.

Less than two kilometers from the center of the village is the beautiful Romanesque church of San Pietro or Pieve di Gropina, one of the most interesting examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, the church dates to the year one thousand.

Near Loro Ciuffenna, you can admire the Balze, one of the most beautiful and fascinating landscapes of Valdarno: the landscape that is the backdrop to the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

HOW TO GET TO LORO CIUFFENNA

Loro Ciuffenna is located in eastern Tuscany between Arezzo and Florence, along the upper Valdarno.

Car: Loro Ciuffenna is about 30 km from Arezzo and 50 Km from Florence. This charming medieval town can be reached via the Autostrada del Sole (A1), take the exit Valdarno, and then moving towards Terranuova Bracciolini. Beyond Terranuova, are another 6 km before reaching Loro Ciuffenna.

Road distances from Loro Ciuffenna: Arezzo 28 km, Florence 53 km, Siena 62 km.

Bus: Loro Ciuffenna is connected by bus services of Lazzi. 

Train: The nearest railway station is Montevarchi station which is 11 km.

Air: The nearest airport is Florence-Peretola Amerigo Vespucci, which is 70 km away.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Weekly Market: Monday Weekly market, every Monday from 8.00 to 13.30.

Tourist Information Office Piazza G. Matteotti. Tel. 055 917 0136

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• AA. VV. “Toscana” Guide Rosse Touring Club Italiano, 2007
• Don Basilio Fabbri “Loro Ciuffenna e Pratomagno” Confraternita di Misericordia di Loro Ciuffenna, 1996