Poppi, Medieval castle in Tuscany, Italy
Poppi is a small town in Tuscany's Province of Arezzo, known for its medieval castle perched on a hilltop. The fortress contains multiple floors with decorated rooms, inner courtyards, and stone passages, while houses cascade down the slopes around it.
The castle was built by the powerful Guidi family and served as their seat in the region for centuries. The fortress lost its independence when the Guidi were defeated in 1440, bringing the area under control of the Florentine Republic.
The town takes its name from the Poppi family and is defined by a medieval fortress that commands the valley below. Locals and visitors experience the place through its connection to the Guidi clan, whose power shaped the entire region.
The castle is reachable by foot from the town and features multiple levels to explore with decorated rooms and inner passages. The paths are uneven with some steep stairs, so sturdy footwear and a moderate level of fitness are helpful.
Inside the fortress is the Rilli-Vettori Library, home to around 25,000 manuscripts and books from various centuries. This collection preserves rare documents that reflect centuries of intellectual life and regional history.
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