Skip to content
View of Subbiano
Photo © LigaDue
Photo © LigaDue

Subbiano

A corner of authentic Casentino along the shining banks of the river Arno

The history of Subbiano, an important communication route since Roman times, is closely linked to that of the Arno, the town not surprisingly being the first to be encountered on the left bank of the river as one travels up the Casentino valley. The oldest part of the town overlooks the river and, as evidence of the strong link between the town and the Arno, several watermills built along the banks of the watercourse still remain. 

 

What to see in Subbiano

Arriving in Subbiano from the south, one can see the crenellated tower of the Castle, which overlooks the banks of the Arno and is reflected in it. 

Included in the network of Ecomuseums is the Centro di Documentazione della Cultura Archeologica (Documentation Center of Archaeological Culture), which brings together and preserves archaeological materials found in the area. The finds cover a time span going from the 7th century B.C. to the 14th century; in the two exhibition halls, aspects concerning Etruscan burial rites, the form and uses of terracotta, and the history of ancient churches in the area that have now disappeared are reconstructed. 

Arriving in Subbiano from the south, one can see the crenellated tower of the Castle, which overlooks the banks of the Arno and is reflected in it. 

Included in the network of Ecomuseums is the Centro di Documentazione della Cultura Archeologica (Documentation Center of Archaeological Culture), which brings together and preserves archaeological materials found in the area. The finds cover a time span going from the 7th century B.C. to the 14th century; in the two exhibition halls, aspects concerning Etruscan burial rites, the form and uses of terracotta, and the history of ancient churches in the area that have now disappeared are reconstructed. 

In the surroundings

From the village of Subbiano, also known as the gateway to the Casentino, passes the Via Romea Germanica, the route followed by pilgrims from the Scandinavian peninsula and central and eastern Europe on their way to Rome. 

Subbiano lies downstream from the Alpe di Catenaia, a mountain range that separates the Casentino from the Valtiberina, with breathtaking views from the summit. Along its slopes the ancient tribes lived on livestock and agriculture; today it is a place suitable for more or less experienced hikers. The main characteristic of the Alpe di Catenaia is the considerable presence of water, an element that makes its flora particularly varied and lush; oak, chestnut and beech forests dominate the area. 

On the slopes, in Falciano, there are two ancient water mills that are still functioning. Not far away is located the Castle of Valenzano, now a historical residence.

From the village of Subbiano, also known as the gateway to the Casentino, passes the Via Romea Germanica, the route followed by pilgrims from the Scandinavian peninsula and central and eastern Europe on their way to Rome. 

Subbiano lies downstream from the Alpe di Catenaia, a mountain range that separates the Casentino from the Valtiberina, with breathtaking views from the summit. Along its slopes the ancient tribes lived on livestock and agriculture; today it is a place suitable for more or less experienced hikers. The main characteristic of the Alpe di Catenaia is the considerable presence of water, an element that makes its flora particularly varied and lush; oak, chestnut and beech forests dominate the area. 

On the slopes, in Falciano, there are two ancient water mills that are still functioning. Not far away is located the Castle of Valenzano, now a historical residence.

Events

A good time to visit Subbiano is September, when the typical Festa dell'Uva (Grape Festival) is celebrated: not a simple festival, but a chance to taste the best of local products, getting into contact with the village's most authentic traditions. 

To relive the fourteenth-century atmosphere, instead, there is the Cena Medievale nel Borgo (Medieval Dinner in the Village), held in July: jesters, musicians, dancers and typical dishes of the Casentino. 

A good time to visit Subbiano is September, when the typical Festa dell'Uva (Grape Festival) is celebrated: not a simple festival, but a chance to taste the best of local products, getting into contact with the village's most authentic traditions. 

To relive the fourteenth-century atmosphere, instead, there is the Cena Medievale nel Borgo (Medieval Dinner in the Village), held in July: jesters, musicians, dancers and typical dishes of the Casentino. 

Typical products

The vine known as Moscato or Moscatello di Subbiano is grown in the area, introduced in the Casentino in the early 1900s, then abandoned and almost disappeared, now treasured again; it has morphological and productive characteristics similar to Moscato and an excellent dessert wine is made from it. 

 

The vine known as Moscato or Moscatello di Subbiano is grown in the area, introduced in the Casentino in the early 1900s, then abandoned and almost disappeared, now treasured again; it has morphological and productive characteristics similar to Moscato and an excellent dessert wine is made from it. 

 

Casentino