Loro Ciuffenna, the village between streams and Tuscan hills

Loro Ciuffenna, a village set in the charming countryside between the Arno River and the Pratomagno hills, takes its name from the laurel (Loro) and the nearby Ciuffenna stream, mentioned as early as 1037 and perhaps derived from the Roman Clufennius or the Etruscan cefa. The area shows traces of Etruscan and Roman presence, such as the Via Clodia and late-Roman settlements beneath the parish church of Gropina.

Between the 12th and 13th centuries, parishes gathered around the churches of Gropina and San Giustino, while in the 13th–14th centuries the territory came under the Counts Guidi and was gradually subdued by Florence.

In 1462, Loro became an autonomous municipality and grew economically under the Medici. In 1646 it became the fief of Senator Piero Capponi, but returned to the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1665. After the Restoration of 1815, the village’s coat of arms was updated with three laurel trees, symbolizing administrative unity.

Attractions to see in Loro Ciuffenna

The medieval village develops along a single road axis, with stone houses perched over the Ciuffenna River, winding alleys, and the old bridge—witnesses of its medieval past.

Among the religious attractions are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with a polyptych by Bicci di Lorenzo, the parish churches of San Giustino and Gropina—an example of Romanesque style with frescoes and Lombard pulpits—and the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Umiltà. Also noteworthy are the churches of Santa Maria a Faeto and San Biagio al Borro, rich in works ranging from Gothic to Baroque.

The artistic path intertwines with the natural one along the Arno Valley. Finally, the village hosts the Venturino Venturi Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady, with biblical frescoes and Carlo Portelli’s Pietà, completing an itinerary of art, history, and nature.

Events in Loro Ciuffenna

The atmosphere of Loro Ciuffenna is enlivened by numerous events. On April 25, the Trout Festival (Sagra della Trota) takes place, while on May 1 the Marathon of the Four Parishes is held. In the summer months, a cycle of shows, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives takes place under the name Estate Lorese.

The typical product par excellence is the chestnut, the basis of many local dishes, celebrated in November during the Castagnata Lorese.

What to see around Loro Ciuffenna

Thanks to its unique landscape, Loro Ciuffenna offers many opportunities for nature excursions, both on foot and by bike.

The Via dei Sette Ponti offers views of the Balze, clay and sand formations up to one hundred meters high, while Pratomagno is ideal for mountain biking and hikes up to the Cross at 1,600 meters above sea level. In summer, the Ciuffenna stream offers refreshing dips beneath small waterfalls.

In every season, the territory surprises: snow, autumn colors, spring blooms, and the scent of heather. Among the villages worth visiting are Anciolina, at 921 meters above sea level, with restored stone houses, and Rocca Ricciarda, at nearly 1,000 meters, a suggestive “eagle’s nest” tied to legends, accessible through a medieval gate and a staircase of one hundred steps.

Loro Ciuffenna, in conclusion, is a village that offers experiences for every type of traveler. Come and discover it!

photo credits Tatiana Bralnina