Municipality of Castiglion Fibocchi
Piazza Municipio, 1 - 52029 Castiglion Fibocchi (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 1686
Fax: 0575 47516
E-mail: segreteria@comune.castiglionfibocchi.ar.it
PEC: c.castiglionfibocchi@postacert.toscana.it
Tax Code and VAT 00284440518
BIG BENCH
Big Bench n.111
The town of Castiglion Fibocchi is connected to the hamlet of Gello Biscardo not only by the Strada Provinciale dei Sette Ponti (Provincial Road of the Seven Bridges), but also by a charming panoramic white gravel road. Accessible on foot as well, it winds through a wooded hillside and offers breathtaking scenic views.
About halfway along the route, heading toward Gello Biscardo, a natural terrace opens up on the left, known by locals as Lo Spiazzo. From here, the view is truly spectacular: you can overlook the village of Castiglion Fibocchi and gaze across the four great valleys of the province of Arezzo.
To the right lies the Valdarno, directly ahead is the Valdichiana, and behind, beyond the Pratomagno mountain range, stretches the Casentino. This scenic lookout, nestled in nature, is a genuine 360-degree viewpoint, where landscape, history, and sky blend in perfect harmony.
On clear days, your gaze can reach even farther: you can spot the Arno River flowing under the Ponte Buriano, the city of Arezzo with the unmistakable silhouette of its cathedral, and, in the distance, even Lake Trasimeno. At night, the panorama is enriched by another marvel — a starry sky above the soft lights of the village, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
In 2020, thanks to an initiative by the Ermini administration and the generosity of a group of citizens who formed a committee, a "Big Bench" was installed at this very spot. Made of wood and painted in a vibrant yellow, it is Big Bench No. 111 in the national network, and the third in Tuscany. This project, designed by American designer Chris Bangle, originated in the United States and quickly spread around the world as an example of functional art that enhances unique landscapes and offers new perspectives on the territory.
The Big Bench is more than just a tourist attraction: for the residents of Castiglion Fibocchi, it has become a symbol of identity — a true “place of the heart,” where one can bring friends, pause to reflect, or simply be amazed by the view. The area has been landscaped and equipped, making it a popular destination for visitors and hikers alike.
Once you reach it, the bench invites you to sit and soak in the surrounding landscape, offering a unique and relaxing experience immersed in the Tuscan countryside.
For fans of the Big Bench project, an official passport is available in which to collect stamps from each bench visited. In Castiglion Fibocchi, the stamp for Bench No. 111 can be obtained at Il Barrino café, located in Piazza delle Fiere.
