Pratovecchio – classic Italian town hidden among the national parks and reserves
Pratovecchio is the classic Italian town, popular for its tranquillity situated in the north part of Tuscany – historically very rich and diverse Italian region. Pratovecchio is one of the towns set in Casentino valley, located in the upper part of the Arbo river valley. This valley, located in the heart of the National Park of Foreste Casantinesi, is surrounded by beautiful mountain forests.
Pratovecchio is one of the most beautiful towns in the valley. The rich and diverse vegetation, favourable climate and its location makes this area interesting and attractive in every season. Natural beauty can be found within national park while it has also lots to offer from cultural and historical perspective.
Pieve di San Pietro a Romena, Prattovecchio, Tuscany, Italy by Vignaccia76
The centre and the surrounding area of Pratovecchio shows faith of local people. There are two monasteries – Camaldolese monastery and Dominican monastery. There is also the parish church of San Pietro a Romena, one of the most important examples of Roman architecture in Casentino, which lies close to the town. Romena Castle is the symbol of administrative power. It was a fort of Counts Guidi di Romena.
Every two years Pratovecchio hosts an event known as “Le forme del legno” (shapes of wood), which is an event that combines art, craft and culture associated with wood. In some local stores you can find a “Panno casentino” a woolen material that weavers produced for more than five centuries with the use of green and orange colors.
If you want to visit some of the other pearls of Tuscany, head to splendid Italian city of Florence (50km), or to the city of Arezzo (45km). Countryside around Arezzo is dotted with other interesting small towns and villages, which have their own charm and individuality. Cortona, Castiglion Fiorentino, Sansepolcro, Monte San Savino, San Giovanni Valdarno and tiny Cennina are among the best known.