A trek through art, nature and foliage in the Casentino Forests towards Camaldoli

We are in Tuscany, in Casentino, for a hiking trail dedicated to lovers of nature, art and trekking. A route suitable for everyone, to be taken in this autumn season, when the foliage becomes the protagonist. Starting from the Monastery of Camaldoli, it is possible to follow a loop trail that will take you along the Casentino Forest National Park, among white firs, symbol of Camaldoli, and majestic chestnut trees. Here it will be like entering a world on the edge of magic, almost fairy-like: the atmosphere that the landscape inspires, with its most varied autumn colors, from brown to yellow to orange, declined in the most diverse shades, is indeed unique and unmissable.

The route has slight elevation differences, but it is really suitable for everyone and in three hours, walking calmly, you will complete it entirely. It starts, as mentioned, from the Monastery of Camaldoli, whose origins date back to around the year 1000: a must-see is the inner cloisters, the church where early works by Giorgio Vasari (Arezzo, 1511 - Florence, 1573) are preserved, such as the Madonna and Child of 1537, the Nativity of 1538 and three panels that made up a triptych painted in 1540. Also not to be missed in the monastery is the famous pharmacy with the ancient galenic laboratory (you can also buy the monks’ products, such as liqueurs, balsamic candies and chocolate).

From here follow path 68 to theHermitage of Camaldoli, another religious complex immersed in the forest and also an expression of the rule of St. Romuald, a monk from Ravenna who founded the Camaldolese order around the year 1025: a life in solitude in a community-type structure. In fact, the Sacred Hermitage consists of hermit cells flanked by a church for communal prayer; other communal buildings include the library, refectory, and a small guesthouse.

Trail 68 repeatedly crosses the paved road and is the ancient route that connected the monastery to the hermitage. It then passes into the forest, continues to the Prato alla Penna along trail 74, follows trail 70 to the Cotozzo refuge, and from the latter follows trail 72 back to the monastery. An excursion dedicated to the discovery of the two splendid monastic buildings, with their artistic and architectural beauty, and the incsnto landscape.

The Monastery of Camaldoli

One of the cloisters of the monastery of Camaldoli

The cells of the Hermitage of Camaldoli

The Casentino Forests

The Casentino Forests

The Casentino Forests

A trek through art, nature and foliage in the Casentino Forests towards Camaldoli

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