Chitignano
Chitignano is a small municipality in the province of Arezzo, nestled in the heart of the Casentino valley at the foot of the Alpe...
Updated 19 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Chitignano now
The story
The story of Chitignano
Introduction and location
Chitignano lies in the eastern part of the province of Arezzo, within the Casentino valley, the hilly and mountainous area crossed by the upper course of the Arno river. The village sits at the foot of the Alpe di Catenaia, the wooded ridge separating Casentino from the Valtiberina valley, in a quiet position away from major tourist routes. This secluded location has allowed the village to keep an authentic character, made of stone houses, small squares and a pace of life still tied to the seasons and to work in the surrounding woods and fields.
History and origins
The origins of Chitignano date back to the Middle Ages, when the village was long a fief of the Ubertini family, lords who held influence over several settlements in Casentino and the Arezzo area. The village still preserves traces of this noble past in the old castle overlooking the settlement, evidence of the site's strategic importance along the routes linking the Arno valley to the Tiber valley. In later centuries Chitignano followed the administrative fate of the Arezzo territory, while keeping its own identity tied to a small rural community and a mountain economy based on farming, grazing and woodland resources.
Nature and landscape
The countryside around Chitignano is dominated by chestnut and beech woods covering the slopes of the Alpe di Catenaia, forming the green, rolling landscape typical of Casentino. Numerous trails wind through centuries-old chestnut groves, once tied to the traditional cultivation of chestnuts for food, a key resource for mountain communities. Higher ground offers wide views over the Arno valley and the surrounding Apennine ridges, while in autumn the woods turn to intense colours. It is an ideal setting for walking, hiking and mountain biking, away from traffic and crowds.
Things to do and see
The historic centre of Chitignano is perfect for a quiet walk among paved lanes, stone houses and glimpses of the castle standing on the highest point of the village. From its natural terraces, views open onto the valley below and the wooded ridges of the Alpe di Catenaia. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the surrounding area offers hiking trails of varying difficulty, suitable for families and more experienced walkers alike, revealing chestnut groves, small streams and rural hamlets scattered across the still largely unspoiled countryside.
Flavours and traditions
The cuisine of Chitignano reflects the rural tradition of Casentino, with chestnuts as the undisputed star: chestnut flour, castagnaccio and marron-based sweets are still prepared following recipes passed down within families. Porcini mushrooms gathered in the nearby woods, mountain honey, cured meats and pecorino cheeses from small local farms complete the picture. Extra virgin olive oil, though less common here than in the lower parts of Tuscany, is also produced on a small artisanal scale. Village festivals tied to the autumn season and the chestnut harvest remain an important occasion to experience the village's food traditions.
Not to be missed
- The historic centre of Chitignano, with its stone lanes and valley views
- The village's old castle, a reminder of its feudal past under the Ubertini family
- The hiking trails climbing towards the Alpe di Catenaia
- The centuries-old chestnut woods, especially striking in autumn
- Local festivals and specialities built around chestnuts and mountain flavours
To see
What to see in Chitignano
Routes · Trovido Route
