The farm holiday resort, Forte di Tregognano is situated in Tuscany, just 12 km from the Mediaeval town of Arezzo in the heart of Italy. Without a doubt, the location offers an unforgettable experience for the uninitiated,  who for the first time, set out to discover those lesser known parts of Tuscany tucked away off the beaten track - only one hour from Florence and Siena - rich in natural beauty and historical treasures capable of regenerating both body and soul. 

The panoramic position of Forte di Tregognano, with its  breath-taking views over the Tuscan valley, is the ideal place to forget  the stress of city life; where guests are captivated by the colours,  fragrance and atmosphere; a place described by our forefathers as ideal for everyday living with its rich endowment of sunshine, water and nature.

The Etruscans first inhabited Tregognano.  They were followed by the Romans and in the Mediaeval period a military fort was built to guard the road and castle (today in ruins).

 

Whilst still maintaining its original structure, the old fortification, over time, underwent changes and additions until it was transformed into a hamlet inhabited by  large families, the last of which left in 1950.  After long and tedious restoration  work, the proprietor, Maria Grazia (she herself a descendent of a family which has owned Tregognano for over 500 years) decided to realize her dream of bringing life back into the “borgo”  by  opening its doors and welcoming guests from all parts of the world.

Maria Grazia is proud to receive her guests in the spacious dwellings, each one different  but all elegantly decorated in traditional Tuscan style, combining the old with today’s modern comforts.  The sunny pool, together with the romantic garden with its aromatic Mediterranean herbs ensure guests of a period of total relaxation.

However, planning a holiday in the country definitely involves more than just choosing  comfortable accommodation in an old farm house or apartment.  Indeed, detailed consideration must be given to the opportunities the surrounding area offers in terms of outdoor activities and possible excursions.

 

It is well known that our forefathers were experts in choosing the most favourable position for their home:  Forte di Tregognano was designed and built on an old Roman road midway between northern Italy (Via Ariminensis) and Rome.  In fact the road borders Valtiberina (Anghiari, Sansepolcro, Monterchi going on to la Romagna, le Marche and Umbria), Casentino (and down to Florence) and Valdichiana (Arezzo, Cortona and eventually Siena).

 

 

For antique enthusiasts, Arezzo takes pride in its large number of art dealers  and picturesque workshops concentrated in the old city centre.  An open-air Antique Fair is held in the lanes and alleyways of the old centre on the first Sunday of the month and the preceding  Saturday.  The charming Mediaeval square, Piazza Vasari, is the venue (June and September) for  the Giostra del Saracino, an historical enactment in Mediaeval costume of a horse tournament.

Arezzo is also a flourishing centre specializing in gold and clothing.  Indeed, not far from the city centre, names like Prada, Gucci and Armani have factory outlets giving visitors the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturers.

And not to mention the culinary specialties, typical of the area!  The famous “crostini neri”, hand- made “pappardelle” (wide tagliatelle) with meat sauce, the indescribable roasts of all types of meat, the “bistecca alla Fiorentina”, thick veal steaks of the world famous Chianina breed, cooked on the open fire, salamis and homemade cakes.  All dressed with genuine, delicate first press olive oil from the Aretine hills and accompanied by Chianti and home brewed Vinsanto.

Whether watching your waist-line or a hiking enthusiast, you can discover all the secrets of the Casentino Forests National Park, with its 10,600 hectares of woodland and endless Alpine Club tracks…….enjoy your stay in Tuscany!