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
PONTE BURIANO AND PENNA REGIONAL NATURE RESERVE
The Ponte Buriano and Penna Regional Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. Established in 1995, it spans approximately 668 hectares along a 7-kilometer stretch of the Arno River, from the Romanesque bridge of Ponte Buriano to the power station downstream from the ENEL dam at La Penna.
A Landscape of Rare Beauty
The reserve features a diverse landscape, with gentle hills formed from fluvio-lacustrine sediments of varying ages, oak woods, cultivated fields, and a vast wetland area. From the Ponte a Buriano paper mill to the village of Rondine, the Arno flows through a narrow rocky gorge, while from Rondine to the Penna dam, it widens to form a reservoir.
A Biodiversity Paradise
The reserve’s varied habitats support rich biodiversity. Wetlands and reed beds provide ideal conditions for many species of waterbirds, making the area a prime location for birdwatching. Among the many species that can be observed are herons, egrets, grebes, and numerous others.
Activities and Trails
Nature and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities in the reserve. Several trails start from the Visitor Center in Ponte a Buriano, leading to reed beds and birdwatching hides. These trails are suitable for hiking and cycling, offering an immersive experience through the reserve’s diverse natural environments.
Ponte Buriano: A Bridge Between History, Art, and Nature
Among the historic bridges spanning the Arno in the province of Arezzo, Ponte Buriano is undoubtedly the most famous. Its origins are linked to an ancient village—now vanished—that stood further from the river than today’s hamlet of Buriano. Traces remain of the medieval settlement that later developed around both ends of the bridge, especially on the right bank.
From Etruscan Origins to the Roman Era
In Etruscan times, the area could be forded in summer months, and a wooden bridge—slightly further downstream—likely already existed. The Romans later constructed a sturdier bridge with masonry pillars and a wooden superstructure. This bridge was part of the Via Cassia Vetus, an important route that connected Rome to Arezzo, then continued through the Valdarno to Fiesole and the early settlement of Florentia, now Florence.
The Middle Ages and the Construction of the Present Bridge
In the Middle Ages, the route remained a vital artery. A new bridge was built in the 13th century, partly following the Roman layout. An inscription on one of its arches bears the date 1240, likely marking the beginning of the works, promoted by the noble Accolti and Chimenti families. Construction was completed in 1277, as also documented in the Annali Aretini.
These same families also funded the construction of the Oratory of Saint Francis in 1328, which was entirely rebuilt in the 17th century. The church was reconsecrated in 1695, and the Chimenti family coat of arms remains visible on the façade.
A Masterpiece of Medieval Engineering
Built from sandstone, Ponte Buriano stands out for the strength of its cutwaters, which nearly reach the level of the walkway. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several restorations, mainly to reinforce the piers damaged by river floods or the passage of fodere—rafts of timber floated down from the Casentino to Florence and Pisa. This river transport system, active since the 14th century, was essential to the regional economy.
From Famous Travelers to War-time Survival
Until 1778, an inn stood near the bridge where, according to tradition, the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne stayed on May 1, 1581. He praised the beauty of the location in his travel journal. A commemorative plaque now marks his visit.
During World War II, on July 16, 1944, retreating German forces attempted to destroy the bridge by placing explosives at its foundations. A British unit of the Lothians and Border Horse intervened in time to save the monument—a commemorative plaque honors their action.
The Bridge in the Mona Lisa?
In 1992, Ponte Buriano gained international attention thanks to Carlo Starnazzi, who theorized that the famous background in Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa depicts this very bridge.
The hypothesis, later supported by leading Leonardo scholars such as Carlo Pedretti, brought renewed fame to the site.
Today, the former local school hosts the Leonardo and the Aretine Museum, a permanent multimedia center dedicated to Professor Starnazzi’s research and to the connection between Leonardo and the Arezzo area.
A Gateway to Nature
Beyond its immense historical and cultural value, Ponte Buriano also serves as one of the main gateways to the Ponte Buriano and Penna Regional Nature Reserve—a protected area of outstanding environmental and scenic interest, perfect for hikes, birdwatching, and moments of relaxation immersed in nature.
