One of the best parts of living in Italy is having access to all the lesser-known places. Loro Ciuffenna is a small town Italy full of colorful buildings perched on top of cliffs. The buildings stand high above the riverbank creating a dramatic view to the waterfall below. The orange, yellow, blue, green, and beige houses all stand connected. They seem to be a protective barrier for the river from the outside world.
Loro Ciuffenna, doesn’t look like much on first approach. The road leads to a parking lot well below the town that is quite unassuming. As with many Italian towns and villages a stairway leads up to the historic center of town. Reaching the top of the stairs Loro Ciuffenna begins to unveil itself as the picturesque town it is. Old Etruscan stone houses, small lanes with ancient cobblestones, and a bright orange clock tower standing proudly in the center of town reward you for your climb up the stairs.
The historic center of Loro Ciuffenna is very small. It is easy and quick to reach the main Piazza. From there a small, flower covered bridge leads to another part of the village and shows off what the town is famous for-the waterfall and the river. The deep dramatic gorges hold up the old stone homes. It is a stunning site with the gray and black stone buildings. They were mixed with colorfully painted plaster homes, and the ancient stone bridge. Below, there is the serene sound of water, as it flows through the village, surrounded by history, greenery and deep stone gorges.
It is obvious standing on the bridge overlooking the town that this is an Etruscan village with Roman influence. In fact, it is believed that the curved bridge was a major crossway for the Romans on their way to Florence. Initially the town was known as Loro (meaning bay tree in English) due to the Laurel trees surrounding the village. Over time the Ciuffenna, the name of the river that cuts the town in two, was added to the town's name. Loro Ciuffenna, as it has been called since 1863, has been named one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
Earlier the Ciuffenna river was used to power the local mill to make chestnut flour. There is a quaint museum in the historic mill that is open to the public so visitors can learn more about the history of milling in the area and the importance of chestnut flour in this region, especially during WWII.
Another point of interest in the town is the home of the artist Venturino Venturi. His home is open to the public, but it is best to check times and dates before you travel to Loro Ciuffenna.
One of the best restaurants in the region is located in Loro Ciuffenna. Ristorante La Torre is run by a young man dedicated to cooking with the best Tuscan ingredients he can find. The food is exceptional, the quaint dining rooms offer a beautiful view of the river and the other side of town. It is a romantic place to have lunch or dinner, or both.
For a more casual dining experience nestled at the end of the most modern bridge in town, there is a tiny little building, with a scalloped back, sitting at the end of the bend, overlooking the river. An adorable wooden sign of a woman advertises the Pizza da asporto “Pizza for takeaway”. There are a few small tables out front to eat and enjoy the view of the town, or grab your takeaway pizza and a few drinks and make your way to a town bench for an impromptu picnic.
At night Loro Ciuffenna, like many Italian villages, feels different. Locals come out for a walk together. They socialize, sit in the two bars in the town for an aperitivo, and watch the stunning sunset. To catch a sunset in Loro Ciuffenna is an exceptional treat. The sun transforms the homes into deeper and more intense colors than during the day, the windows of the homes reflect the Tuscan sky as it transitions from blue to black. At night Loro Ciuffenna changes in a way few other towns in the world do. It is a marvelous experience as a visitor to feel the culture and to understand the beauty of the small towns of Italy. While the big cities have a certain wow factor because of the famous buildings, the history and the art, the small towns and villages are where you find the true Italy. It is subtle and unassuming but equally as memorable, if not more so. In the quieter streets it is possible to experience things in a different way, to observe and become a momentary part of everyday life in Italy.
Getting to Loro Ciuffenna requires a car, or a lot of patience for trains and buses. It is easy and rather quick, under an hour and a half drive, from Arezzo and Florence.
Along the way it is worth stopping to see the stunning Le Balze lava rock formations. Also, allow some time to stop at the local vineyards along the road who offer wine, and olive oil tastings. Many times it is possible to find places that sell amazing local cheese, meats and other local specialties.
Since you have a car- stay in one of these luxury accomodations close by for an incredible experience during your trip:
The Il Borro Toscano is an exceptional luxury experience in Tuscany.
Villa Assolini provides stunning views, amazing spa experiences and an unforgettable luxurious stay.
Travel chic with these great bags and jewelry:
Leda City Italian Leather Bag-perfect to carry all of your essential as you travel.
Fortezza Leather Crossbody Bag-ideal unisex messenger style bag for your daily journeys
Otello Cellphone Bag- perfect for keeping your passport, cellphone and documents easy to find while you travel, or on your daily journeys to keep your phone handy for photos
Pearl and Lemon Quartz Gold Ring- a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear on your evenings out while you travel.
Andromeda Crystal Bracelet-show off your Italian style while you travel the country with this bracelet.
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