Discover the Subbiano Castle in Tuscany: the ancient fortress that watched over the Arno River

The ancient core of the village of Subbiano lies along the left bank of the Arno River, and it is precisely here that one of its most important monuments welcomes visitors. This is the Castle of Subbiano, an ancient fortress built a short distance from the riverbank, because in the past it was used to control the bridge that crossed it.

Today that bridge no longer exists, and much of the castle is also gone, but with its ten centuries of history the building remains an unmissable testimony to a long past full of events. Together with the nearby church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, the Castle of Subbiano recalls the central role the village has played over the centuries as the main link between Arezzo and the Casentino.

Throughout its thousand-year history, the Castle of Subbiano has been the most visible landmark of the village, but also a place of great importance mainly for its military function.

Today, although it has lost its role, it still offers a striking sight that makes the village unmistakable thanks to its tall tower, visible from a distance. The building standing out in the surrounding landscape is in fact a strong distinctive feature tied to the identity of Subbiano.

This is certainly enhanced by its privileged position, on a small rocky ridge almost overhanging the river. The trees separating it from the riverbank seem almost placed there to add a fairytale atmosphere, while the lowering water level of the river makes it appear even taller and more slender.

It is also worth noting that its ancient church still exists today as the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes inside the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione, which is also worth a visit.

The earliest records regarding the Castle of Subbiano trace its construction to a few years before the year 1000. It was commissioned by the bishops of Arezzo, and for this reason its fate remained linked for several centuries to that of the church of Arezzo.

When Subbiano came under the control of the Republic of Florence in 1384, its castle became the seat of the noble families who alternated in control of the territory, such as the Ubertini of Chitignano, the Counts Guidi, and the Tarlati of Pietramala, gradually losing its role as a defensive fortress.

Despite this, its appearance remained more or less unchanged until the 18th century, as shown by some old photographs depicting it surrounded by other buildings attached directly to the tower.

In that period, the part of the castle facing the Arno still existed, but it unfortunately collapsed in the following years.

What can still be seen today of the Castle of Subbiano is the result of a 20th-century restoration that restored the ancient defensive tower rising above the village with its battlements. These battlements are part of the early 1900s reconstruction, but the main structure is still the original one.

Nineteen meters high, with three floors inside, the tower is practically all that remains of the ancient medieval castle. It surely was difficult to conquer, also because it is accessible only by a ladder, and its defensive function is also evidenced by the clearly visible arrow slits, although the tower once also served as the entrance to the castle.

From it, you can still reach the surrounding paved walkway that ends at another pointed arch gateway. From here, some of the structures that operated the large main gate can still be distinguished.

There is also a surrounding wall and a small courtyard beneath which the river flows. The buildings visible today around the castle were originally part of the complex, but have since been converted into residential homes.

Today the Castle of Subbiano is still part of village life, as it is used as a venue for exhibitions and summer events.

The Castle of Subbiano is clearly visible thanks to its tower, which also serves as a guide for visitors who are not yet familiar with the area.

The easiest way is to arrive by car along the SR71 road connecting Arezzo and the Casentino. Along the way, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Arno River, its valley, and the green hills.

There are several parking areas around the center of Subbiano, separated from the castle by just a few minutes’ walk.

The same applies to the train station: from here you can take a pleasant walk to the castle, simply following the course of the river.