Bibbiena between Historic Centre and Landscape

Bibbiena between Historic Centre and Landscape

Bibbiena combines historic architecture, photographic culture, local festival traditions and visits to the Casentinesi Forests. The town is therefore suited to a trip in which you can choose between concentrated cultural experiences, regional cuisine and encounters with nature. This thematic mix is a helpful guide when choosing your hotel: the decisive factor is whether you want to devote your days primarily to the buildings and alleyways, events or the forest.

Photography and Events at CIFA

CIFA displays photographs by important authors from the FIAF archive. It is housed in the town's former Casa Mandamentale, an interesting 19th-century building that was converted for new uses. In addition to exhibitions by important authors, CIFA includes exhibition spaces for temporary events of international importance.

The Festival della Fotografia uses CIFA in Bibbiena as well as other exhibition venues spread throughout Casentino. It takes place every year between June and September and includes exhibitions, events, talks, workshops and portfolio reviews. The festival is therefore aimed at visitors who want not only to view photography, but also to explore it further through discussions and practical formats.

Historic Centre and Teatro Dovizi

In Bibbiena's historic centre, Teatro Dovizi is located on Via Rosa Scoti between two 16th-century buildings. Teatro Dovizi was built in 1842 according to a design by Niccolò Matas. On 27 September 1997, it resumed operations after extensive renovation of its interior.

Bibbiena's historic centre can be explored through its alleyways, which recall the town's illustrious past. Your walk therefore provides an immediate impression of the connection between the urban space and the historic buildings.

Architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

The Oratorio di San Francesco is a remarkable example of Tuscan Rococo architecture. The Chiesa dei Santi Ippolito e Donato was built at the beginning of the 12th century and preserves a 13th-century wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child. Palazzo Dovizi is a 16th-century building associated with Cardinal Bernardo da Bibbiena.

The four-hundred-year-old Chiesa di San Lorenzo, dating from the 15th century, is also one of Bibbiena's defining cultural attractions. It houses two terracotta works by Andrea della Robbia: the “Deposizione” and the “Adorazione”.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

In Partina, a district of Bibbiena, the Sagra del Raviolo takes place every year. There you can enjoy ravioli prepared according to a traditional recipe, as well as other typical dishes and local products.

The Storico Carnevale takes place in Bibbiena every year. The festival has medieval origins and brings the town to life with costumed figures. Those interested in culture can combine historical themes here with an event that makes the character of the town visible.

Starting Point for the Casentinesi Forests

Bibbiena is a good starting point for visits to the Casentinesi Forests. This connection with nature expands the cultural offering with a landscape perspective and can be just as important when planning your trip as the historic buildings, photography or local festivals.

For further orientation, you can also visit Farneta, Poggiolo, Banzena and Soci.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.

More about the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Pilgrimage site of Bibbiena.

Other Destinations

Other places in the same destination:

Montevarchi, Sestino.