As you stroll through the quaint streets of Poppi, you’ll find a town rich in both ancient and modern history. Poppi Castle, one of the town’s main attractions, is said to have inspired the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. It once provided shelter to St. Francis of Assisi during his travels and even hosted the famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri. The castle now houses the Rilliana Library, a remarkable collection of manuscripts and ancient volumes.

Poppi’s deeply rooted traditions include its cuisine, with mouthwatering dishes such as “acquacotta stiana” and the region’s famous pecorino cheese. The town’s charming arcaded buildings offer a glimpse into the past, while the Oratorio della Madonna del Morbo, a hexagonal-shaped church built to ward off the plague, showcases the town’s resilience in the face of adversity.