Casentino villages revived: sound paths, green theaters and restored

Casentino villages: Raggiolo and Chiusi della Verna regain new life

In the Casentino valley, amid woods, streams and medieval hamlets, concrete actions are underway to fight depopulation and enhance local heritage. The municipalities of Raggiolo and Chiusi della Verna launched a regeneration plan inspired by the Laudato Si’ encyclical, supported by PNRR funds, focusing on slow tourism, environmental protection and the reuse of historic spaces.

The interventions follow three main lines:

• Historic centre rehabilitation: restoring older buildings and improving accessibility and public space usability;
• Community life: creating libraries, hostels and meeting centers to encourage encounters between residents and visitors and to support return migration;
• Promotion of sustainable slow tourism: nature trails, Franciscan pilgrim routes and digital storytelling tools to make the area accessible to a wider audience.

On-the-ground experiences

In Raggiolo the Parco Fluviale della Mercatella was created along the Barbozzaia stream and features four sound stations that reproduce forest sounds — from a thunder machine to a wind xylophone. The route is designed for pauses, reflection and a deeper perception of the human–nature relationship through site-sensitive installations.

Chiusi della Verna, famous for its Franciscan sanctuary, has integrated spiritual paths with natural itineraries such as the route along the Corsalone stream, aimed at extending visits beyond the summer months.

What to see and do

• Stroll through cobbled streets and admire stone architecture;
• Experience the sound trail at the Parco Fluviale della Mercatella and enjoy picnic and relaxation areas;
• Follow sections of the Franciscan walks and river routes to explore nature and historical mills;
• Join local events and craft fairs to meet the community and learn local traditions.

Why visit: the project enhances local identity while preserving authenticity, promoting conscious tourism that combines heritage protection, cultural innovation and support for local production.

Recommended period: spring and autumn to enjoy trails and blooms; local initiatives help animate the villages throughout the year.