Sestino
Welcome to Sestino, the easternmost municipality in Tuscany!
Sestino is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Arezzo, in Tuscany, with a population of just 1,210 inhabitants. However, its historical and cultural value and its geographical location make it a place worth visiting. In fact, Sestino is located in the valley of the Foglia river, between Marche and Emilia Romagna, and is the easternmost municipality in Tuscany, located on the slopes of the Apennines.
Physical geography: between Tuscany, Marche and Emilia Romagna
Sestino is located at an altitude of 496 meters and is the easternmost municipality in Tuscany. Despite being mainly part of Marche, Sestino is administratively part of Tuscany. It is located on the slopes of the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines, in the center of important connection routes between the Adriatic lands and the Valtiberina, from which it is possible to reach the rest of Northern and Southern Italy.
History: from Roman origins to the construction of the fortress city
Sestino has ancient origins dating back to Roman times, but the area was already inhabited by shepherds, hunters and farmers of different peoples. The Romans built a large city with the Municipium, the Forum, the Curia, and the Roman Baths, on the road that led to Marche, Tuscany and Romagna. In the Middle Ages, Sestino passed under the diocese of Città di Castello and then to the Malatesta of Rimini. In 1520, Pope Leo X assigned it to the Republic of Florence and, in 1566, Cosimo I de 'Medici built the fortress city on Sasso di Simone, a nature reserve on the top of the mountain, to defend the borders of the Grand Duchy against the attacks of the dukes of Urbino.
Monuments and places of interest: the national Antiquarium of Sestino and the Ranco Spinoso fauna park
Sestino is full of historical sites and natural beauties. The national Antiquarium of Sestino encloses the Roman history and the most renowned families of Sestino. The Church of San Michele in Casale, the Church of San Gianni in Vecchio and the Pieve di San Pancrazio (Sestino) are places of worship of great historical importance. The Sasso di Simone Reserve offers naturalistic routes and breathtaking panoramas. The Casa del Re Refuge is an excellent base for excursions in the surroundings. The Ranco Spinoso fauna park, finally, is an ideal attraction for the whole family.
Popular traditions: the "Sagra della Bistecca Chianina"
On the last weekend of June, Sestino celebrates the "Sagra della Bistecca Chianina," a culinary celebration where you can taste typical Tuscan dishes and enjoy historical reenactments, games, and entertainment.
Society: a municipality with a small foreign community
The community of Sestino is very small, with just 1,210 inhabitants. According to ISTAT data as of December 31, 2009, there were 170 foreigners living in the area.
In summary, Sestino is a welcoming and hospitable municipality, rich in history and culture, immersed in the beauty of nature and the landscape, ideal for those seeking the tranquility and hospitality of the Tuscan countryside.
