The drive through Tuscany to Poppi is delightful, especially in spring when everything is fresh and newly green.
We parked at the bottom of the hill, near a temple, and walked up to the town.
Poppi looks out over the Castentino Valley through a turreted palazzo architecturally similar to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The Castello dei Conti Guidi is magnificently preserved and a delight to wander through.
The castle was built by Count Guidi, a family that dates back to the 10th century in the Tuscan area. Historians attribute the construction, or possible reconstruction to Conte di Battifolle in 1274.
The large tower, which was renovated in 1817, dominates the building. Towards the top of the tower there still remains traces of another structure which is thought to have originally supported the bells, which date from 1423 and 1722.
Once you enter the large door there is an open courtyard.
The castle opens into a large space with a long staircase from the 15th century leading to the upper floors.
On the second floor are frescoed walls and a beautifully decorated ceiling. There are more frescoes in the private chapel.
The views from the tower are most impressive, even through the netting.
Stern faced Dante makes a appearance in the grounds of the castle.
He had a few friends gathered around the day we were there.
The centre of Poppi is lovely, but practically deserted. The main street has some interesting houses, mostly shut up. I spoke to the woman in the newsagent, one of the very few open shops, and she told me most houses have been inherited and the owners live far away and only return for a week each year…what a waste!
We had lunch in a little deli in the main piazza…cheerfully prepared by the couple who owned it. We did see a couple of cafes open as we drove out, but there was not a lot of activity in Poppi.
Poppi is definitely worth a visit. The castle alone makes it interesting, but there would not be much to do in an overnight stay…we went on to Arezzo, which is fascinating…more on that later.
Fancy having such a gem all to yourselves… Another treasure revealed. I think I’ve seen the turn off to Poppi. Next time I’ll take it!
By: janinevasta on July 13, 2015
at 12:18 pm
Poppi is really worth a visit. Wouldn’t it be great to see some of those houses lived in and more life in this lovely place?
By: Debra Kolkka on July 13, 2015
at 12:40 pm
Awesome, thanks for sharing! I love Umbria, will definitely have to check this out.
By: tstaffaroni on July 13, 2015
at 1:14 pm
I made a mistake, which I have now corrected. Poppi is in Tuscany.The whole area is lovely and Poppi is well worth a visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:49 am
Lovely photographs.
By: ranu802 on July 13, 2015
at 1:37 pm
Thank you. The castle is amazing.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:49 am
Yes. Poppi looks delightful and the views are glorious
By: Lyn on July 13, 2015
at 1:38 pm
It is a lovely little village, and the castle is amazing.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:51 am
I love that great hall with the frescoes and the arcades. Thank you for sharing, Deb! Umbria has some great towns and treasures.
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 13, 2015
at 1:43 pm
The castle is very well preserved and our visit was fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:52 am
Usually old castles disappoint once you step inside but this one has maintained much of its elegance
By: Mallee Stanley on July 13, 2015
at 3:33 pm
This one definitely doesn’t disappoint.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:52 am
Yes we loved the castle there!
By: Francis on July 13, 2015
at 5:20 pm
It is excellent isn’t it?
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:53 am
Dante certainly doesn’t look amused. 🙂 Having viewed your wonderful photo gallery, I would love to pop into Poppi. Love those old frescoes.
By: anotherday2paradise on July 13, 2015
at 6:58 pm
Dante always looks serious. I have never seen a statue of him any other way.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:53 am
I really don’t know if I like more Tuscany or Umbria, yet they are so very different. Your posts make my heart bleeding for Italy, but than brousing through your images I feel like I am right there. Thank you for sharing
By: corneliaweberphotography on July 14, 2015
at 3:35 am
I find it difficult to tell the difference between most of Umbria and Tuscany. I think Umbria is a little less developed, but both are beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:54 am
What a fascinating castle to explore!!
By: timelessitaly on July 14, 2015
at 4:21 am
It has been very well preserved and presented.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 14, 2015
at 6:55 am
Very impressive castle…shame to see the village is not well populated.
By: Kerry & Jim on July 14, 2015
at 11:25 pm
How lovely! I was supposed to go there on a school trip a few years ago (language classes) and the trip was cancelled. Now I will have to make plans to spend a day In Poppi.
By: paninigirl on July 14, 2015
at 11:33 pm
Good to know that it’s nice for a stop but there is somewhere else to stay overnight! 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on July 15, 2015
at 3:17 am
Its sad that the village isn’t populated enough and people come just once a year. Poppi is again one of the gems I got to know through you. Thanks 🙂
By: ishitasood on July 15, 2015
at 11:18 am
The castle looks amazing!
By: sheilasunshine on July 16, 2015
at 8:48 am
[…] visited Poppi, Castiglion Fiorentino , Cortona and Arezzo, a firm favourite. I don’t know why more tourists […]
By: A year of travel | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 26, 2015
at 1:18 pm