Borgo alla Collina: Medieval Village in Casentino

Between Two Valleys and Above Casentino

Anyone looking for a hotel in Borgo alla Collina will encounter a place whose special appeal lies in the combination of its hilltop setting, medieval layout and cultural history. Borgo alla Collina lies on the ridge of a hill between the Arno Valley and the Solano Valley. From here, there are views across the whole of Casentino: fortresses, parish churches, mountains and forests shape the panorama. If you want to place a historic destination with clear ties to the surrounding landscape within your Italy travel plans, orientation begins with this interplay between the village and its surroundings.

Lanes, a Castle and a Preserved Gate

The historic village of Borgo alla Collina has preserved its medieval layout. Interconnecting lanes and houses built directly alongside one another define the character of the place. The Castle of Borgo alla Collina dates from the 11th or 12th century. Toward the end of the 15th century, it was given to the humanist Cristoforo Landino, who served as secretary to the Republic of Florence. Porta Orgi also points to the village’s earlier structure: it is the only one of the former four historic gates that still stands.

Cristoforo Landino is also associated with the Church of San Donato. It preserves his mortal remains; the church also houses the triptych Sposalizio Mistico di Santa Caterina by Maestro del Borgo. The Oratorio di Sant’Agata di Orgi dates from the 10th century and was remodeled in later centuries. A path leading to this oratory begins at Porta Orgi. The Cristo di Orgi was carried in processions during times of agricultural hardship. In Borgo alla Collina, you will therefore encounter different traces of faith, art and local history, without losing sight of the medieval structure of the village.

The Ciclovia dell’Arno as Another Travel Connection

For planning your day, the Ciclovia dell’Arno offers its own way of exploring the surrounding area. The approximately 4 km section from Ponte a Poppi to Borgo alla Collina follows the Arno River and the Torrente Solano to the village. This approximate distance provides a useful framework when you want to compare different activities.

In the other direction, the section of the Ciclovia dell’Arno from Borgo alla Collina to Pratovecchio Stia runs entirely along the Arno on a safe shared cycle and pedestrian path as far as the center of Stia, and is suitable for cycling there. From the village’s cultural and historical structure to the riverside route, this creates different points of connection for a trip in which you can take in the landscape and history at your own pace.

Travel Access and Annual Event

After Passo della Consuma, you can reach Borgo alla Collina by road after approximately 20 km. This approximate road distance is just as relevant to understanding the village’s location as its position between the Arno Valley and the Solano Valley. An annual event adds another element to the picture: the Fiera del Bestiame takes place every year on the first Monday in August in Borgo alla Collina. If you are planning your trip around cultural history, a ride along the Arno or this August event, Borgo alla Collina offers clearly distinct themes within a single destination.

More Destinations

More destinations: Cortina, Caiano.

Back to the main travel overview: Castel San Niccolò.