Castelfranco di Sopra, one of the three Florentine “New Lands” (Terre Nuove Fiorentine) founded by the City of Florence as a military outpost in 1299, is located on the ancient road that connected Arezzo to Fiesole.
The name Castelfranco di Sopra derives from the fact that in 1299, to populate the newly founded village, the city of Florence made the village *francato*, that is, exempt from paying taxes for ten years. Having then been enclosed within a city wall, the village took the name of Castello Franco di Sopra.
Currently, Castelfranco di Sopra preserves a small portion of the city walls, two of the entrance gates to the village and some stately buildings built in the 17th century. Let’s see together which works can be visited and what are the attractions and activities that can be done in Castelfranco di Sopra.
What to see in Castelfranco di Sopra
Arnolfo di Cambio Tower or Porta Campana (Bell Gate)
In the original project of the Florentine “New Land”, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, Castelfranco di Sopra had two main roads that met in the Central Square. At the ends of these two main roads were 4 towers, which gave access to the city. Of these four towers, unfortunately, only one remains today, the so-called Arnolfo di Cambio Tower.
The Abbey of S. Salvatore a Soffena
Just outside Castelfranco you will find the famous Abbey of Soffena, an ancient church that stands solitary in a large open space, partly hidden by an olive grove. You immediately notice its quadrilateral structure, with a characteristic bell tower and a beautiful internal cloister.
The Abbey of Soffena has known times of splendour and decay since its construction, dating back to before the year 1000. The last restoration took place around the end of the 20th century and brought to light ancient 15th-century frescoes.
Ancient walls
In some parts of the village it is still possible to see the ancient city walls that surrounded the square-plan settlement. Entering from the Arnolfo tower and turning right as soon as you enter, you will find yourself in an alley with a few dozen metres of the ancient walls.
The central square
The two main roads of Castelfranco Di Sopra converge in the central square, also designed entirely by Arnolfo di Cambio. The buildings overlooking the square-plan square have been recently restored and the shop signs have been painted on the plaster to recall an older style. Here you will also find the town hall, with its facade covered with coats of arms of local podestà (chief magistrates) and priors.
Church of San Filippo Neri
Entering the village from the Bell Gate, we find on the right a religious building with a Baroque sandstone facade. This is the Church of San Filippo Neri, built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Saint, native to Castelfranco. The interior of the church is divided into three naves, with a splendidly frescoed ceiling and embellished with some works from the Florentine Workshop.
Church of San Tommaso
In a more central position there is another noteworthy church, the Church of San Tommaso. Built at the same time as the Borgo di Castelfranco, little remains of the original complex today: the church has in fact been profoundly renovated over the centuries. The single-nave structure preserves many 17th-century furnishings and an organ of rich artistic value.
What to do in Castelfranco di Sopra
Walk on the Sentiero dell’Acqua Zolfina (Sulphur Water Path)
Just outside the Arnolfo tower, begins one of the most characteristic paths of the Balze, the so-called Sentiero dell’Acqua Zolfina. The name derives from a sulphurous water spring that can be reached via a small detour from the path. This path, together with the Delle Fossate path, creates a ring of about 2 km, where you can admire beautiful views of the Balze landscape, unique and singular compared to the typical Tuscan hilly landscape.
Visit to the Wanda Capodaglio Theatre
This small theatre, built around 1930 and dedicated to the famous Italian actress Wanda Capodaglio, who lived in Castelfranco in the last years of her life, is now home to numerous shows that attract visitors from all over the Valdarno. In addition to the theatrical performances, it also hosts a music school and a review of amateur theatrical companies from the Valdarno area.
Here is a small map of the most interesting places to visit in Castelfranco di Sopra.