STIA: il paese dove nasce l'Arno

Stia is one of the most suggestive town in the Casentino Valley, land of castles and parish churches.

It has about 3.000 inhabitants. The town centre has medieval origins and it is small and very peaceful.

The streets in the town centre are small and narrow, they're so peculiar.

Piazza Tanucci is surely the most important square in Stia and one of the most fascinating in the Casentino Valley. It has a beautiful irregular structure completely encircled by arcades. Worthy of mention are the fountain made of stone and the parish church of "Santa Maria Assunta".

But there's not only art in piazza Tanucci !

In february here you find the Carnival with masked processions and balls, on the 15th August you can dance all night long with live music and sometimes there are shows with dancers and singers.

The Palagio Fiorentino is another masterpiece that I suggest you to visit.

It was the castle of the Guidi family , destroyed in 1440 and rebuilt at the beginning of the twentieth century by Carlo Beni

Now it houses a contemporary art gallery and is also used for many important exhibitions and meetings.

The Porciano castle is a rare example of palace-tower. It is also known for the connection with Dante: it is said that the poet was kept prisoner there after the battle of Campaldino.

Close to the historical centre, the municipal park called ‘Canto alla Rana’ (The song of the frogs) stretches out along the banks of the river Arno.

It is a nature area with two tennis courts and a football pitch. It offers a fine opportunity for those who simply want to go on walks or for those who are fond of trekking in the shady and un-contaminated surroundings

Stia is also famous for the "Casentino cloth ", pecular wollen fabrics. It was used also in the XIV century. Now it is used by many stylists and exported not only in Europe, but also in the USA and in Japain.

Don't forget the European Biannual Blacksmiths show which takes place every 2 years the first week in September. This event has now reached a level of international importance and serves to compare the best masters in this difficult and ancient art. The participants come from all over the world.

Stia is that and not only!

In the Villa you will find many information about Stia and the Casentino Valley.

However, you can ask to me for the shows and the events which take place in Casentino!