Bibbiena: the gem of Casentino to visit if you love photography

In the evocative landscapes of Casentino, Bibbiena is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just a short distance from the historic city of Arezzo. Known as the city of photography, thanks to its famous Festival this town offers a perfect blend of art, nature, and tradition—a wonderful mix of Tuscany vibes. With an authentic atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant cultural scene, Bibbiena is a beautiful town which deserves to be visited during a vacation in Italy.

Located on a hill overlooking the picturesque Casentino area, Bibbiena offers postcard-perfect views which stretch as far as the entire Arezzo municipality. Its strategic position, since ancient times, has made it an important crossroads. Bibbiena's history is rooted in the Etruscan and Roman eras, then flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Its ancient walls and cobbled streets tell centuries of stories, following the history of the Tuscany region: from the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines to the influence of great Tuscan families.

Today, Bibbiena is a lively center that has managed to enhance its heritage, history, and geography, becoming a reference point for the visual art of photography, a must-visit place for all photo lovers and amateurs. In addition, Bibbiena is located among spiritual paths such as the Romea Germanica route, an ancient religious itinerary that connected the Germanic lands to the holy city of Rome and which it offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes. Bibbiena is also crossed by the Buonconte da Montefeltro cycle path on the section that leads from Bibbiena to Camaldoli.

Bibbiena offers some unique and beautiful places to explore located in the medieval city center, most of them worth a visit to be admired during a vacation in Tuscany.

The Casentino archaeological museum offers a panoramic view of the archaeological history of the Casentino valley from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with a focus on Etruscan sanctuaries, which are located in the region such as Pieve a Socana and Monte Falterona, housing also the small Etruscan bronze statuettes found in the Lake of the Idols, in the heart of the Casentinesi Forests National Park. Moreover, the museum also hosts some Roman archaeological pieces coming from the ancient site of Domo, sited in the municipality of Bibbiena.

Since Bibbiena is home to one of the most illustrious families of 18th-century architects and theatrical set designers: the Galli da Bibbiena, the town hosts the beautiful Dovizi theater, built in 1842 by the Accademia degli Operosi with neoclassical touches and Baroque shapes. Reopened in 1996 after decades, the restoring theater with a sky-themed decorated ceiling in Tiepolo tones, it is a true architectural gem that pays homage to the genius of the illustrious family Galli da Bibbiena.

Just outside the old city center it is sited Santa Maria del Sasso sanctuary, an architectural complex declared a national monument in 1899. Built after a Marian apparition in 1347 the structure was expanded in the 15th century but it was destroyed after a fire. The new church, consecrated in 1507, was built in Renaissance style under the supervision of Giuliano da Maiano. The interior houses numerous artworks, including glazed terracottas by Della Robbia and Buglioni, a nativity of the virgin by Jacopo Ligozzi, and two altarpieces by the Dominican friar Paolino da Pistoia.

A short distance from the medieval city center, just 5 kilometers from the city center, the castle of Gressa stands majestically, offering not only a dive into medieval history but also spectacular views of the surrounding Casentino valley. This site founded in the 11th century is an ideal place for photography enthusiasts seeking evocative glimpses and a timeless atmosphere over this corner of Tuscany.

Bibbiena is a crucial center for photography, and this vocation is best expressed with the Photography Festival, an unmissable event promoted by the Italian Center for Author Photography and created in 2005 by the Italian Federation of Photographic Associations. Thanks to this even that occurs between June and September, Bibbiena attracts every year photographers, enthusiasts, and curious visitors from all over the world, with exhibitions, workshops, meetings with authors and it represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of contemporary photography and discover new talents, in a context rich of charm. Furthermore, the Open-Air Gallery, a permanent exhibition of photographic works scattered throughout the historic center, represents Bibbiena’s strong connection to the art of photography.

Another unmissable event is the Sagra delle Sagre an event that celebrates the food and wine and artisanal traditions of Casentino. It is a wonderful opportunity to savor typical local products, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, and discover the authentic spirit of the Bibbiena community

The event Bandiere Sotto le Stelle featuring the ancient art of flag-waving by the group "Sbandieratori e Musici Città di Bibbiena 1981" and the historical Carnival with the reenactment of the Mea dating back to 1337, aim to promote the medieval heritage of the city.

Bibbiena is the ideal starting point for exploring the infinite wonders of Casentino and beyond. A few kilometers away, Arezzo stands with its artistic and cultural heritage: from Piazza Grande, the heart of the Giostra del Saracino, to Piero della Francesca's frescoes, Arezzo is a must-see for art and history lovers. The majestic castle of the Guidi counts of Poppi dominates the valley and offers spectacular views. The medieval village of Poppi, with its narrow streets and evocative corners, is a delight to discover, ideal for a relaxing stroll and admiring the sunset. Pratovecchio Stia and Serravalle - a Bibbiena's hamlet - are two evocative medieval villages which with their ancient architecture and panoramic positions offer an authentic experience and the opportunity to take unforgettable photographs.

The easiest way to reach Bibbiena by car is the A1 highway. The connection by train is more complex but also affordable: you have to arrive at Arezzo main station, then take a local train until Bibbiena station and then take a bus to arrive in the city center. If you plan to travel by plane, the closest international airport is Florence Amerigo Vespucci, whilst Rome Fiumicino international airport is 250 kilometers far from Bibbiena.