Toppole: Medieval Village with History and Landscapes

Toppole is a medieval village on a hill, surrounded by green forests and gentle slopes. Its unchanged urban fabric and exceptional intrinsic architectural and urban-planning value define the village; at the same time, Toppole has exceptional landscape value. For you, the appeal lies in this combination of townscape and landscape.

Townscape and History

Castello di Toppole was part of the fortified settlement system on the right side of the Sovara Valley. Later, control of the castle successively passed to the Camaldolese monks, Ranieri di Galbino, the Aretine Tarlati family and, finally, the Florentines.

San Clemente is the parish church of the Toppole hamlet. Badia San Veriano, an important Romanesque parish church, lies near Toppole. Both churches broaden the view of the sacred architecture around the village. Together with the castle, they form a cultural focal point that connects the town structure, the history of rulership and ecclesiastical buildings.

Walks and Hiking Trails

Hikers can enjoy walks through the village of Toppole on the eastern slope of Alpe di Poti. The hills and forests provide the setting for walks and routes around Toppole. Near Toppole, a short walk by Badia San Veriano offers panoramic views over the Valtiberina Valley. The range of experiences available on foot therefore extends from a tour of the village to views across the valley.

For a loop trail, the route “Anghiari: Ponte Nero - Cafaggio - Tortigliano - Badia San Veriano - Toppole - Ponte sul Cestola” passes through the countryside. It begins and ends in the vicinity of Toppole and follows paths around Monte Veriano.

Another route leads from Ca' Faggio along the ridge toward Toppole and onward to Verazzano near Anghiari. The two routes differ in form: one is a loop through the surroundings of Toppole, while the other follows a ridge between the two places.

Getting Around Between Toppole and Badia San Veriano

For your planning, you can take two unpaved roads into account. The road from Molin Nuovo via Badia San Veriano and Poti to Toppole is unpaved. Near Toppole, another unpaved road leads to Badia San Veriano.

Goat Cheese from the Valley

A distinct local touch comes from the Toppole Valley: Valle di Mezzo produces goat cheese that combines Alpine techniques with the traditions of central Italy and, in particular, the upper Tiber Valley. Valle di Mezzo is also associated with the tasting and purchase of artisanally produced goat cheese. This gives you a tangible culinary connection to the valley, encompassing production as well as tasting and purchasing.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to consider other places for your travel planning, you can also explore Le Ville, Cavriglia, Pieve Santo Stefano, Bibbiena, Falciano, Arezzo, Fratta-Santa Caterina and Pieve al Toppo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.