The Casentino Valley in Tuscany, which is a couple of hours by car from Florence, celebrates its traditions and authenticity.
Made famous by St. Francis of Assisi
The Casentino is famous for its beautiful forests and for the Sanctuary of La Verna, the Franciscan monastery and pilgrimage site where Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have received the stigmata in 1224. Two villages in the valley, Raggiolo and Chiusi della Verna, are planning events of interest to visitors, the first to celebrate the ancient tradition of transhumance, and the launch of an interesting and innovative project of sustainable consumption.
An artisans’ market and local foods
In Raggiolo on Sunday 15 June 2025, the traditional Transhumance Festival will evoke the ancient practice of transhumance, which saw the traditional seasonal migration of flocks. The little village will come alive with markets, workshops, shows, animals, music and typical local flavours. The day will begin with the “La Mercatella” artisans’ market, and continue with the arrival of the transhumant horsemen and the “Lunch of the Shepherd” which consists of local cheeses, grilled meats and traditional dishes such as “acqua cotta”, literally cooked water, which is a vegetable soup and “ciamparine”, small aniseed or citrus-flavoured biscuits. The day will continue with parades, games, handicrafts and clownery for all ages. 
The practice of transhumance
Down the centuries in Raggiolo transhumance was not only an economic necessity, but also a moment of social cohesion and the transmission of knowledge between generations. Shepherds, families and animals travelled along ancient paths, establishing relations with the territories they passed through and contributing to the development of a strong local identity.
Automated pick-up points for local products
An innovative sustainable consumption project has recently been introduced to another Casentino municipality, Chiusi della Verna, a small town with around 2,000 inhabitants about 20 miles east of Raggiolo. Called Zero Km Refrigerated Lockers, and promoted by Meet Appennino, these lockers are automated pick-up points installed at local businesses that make it possible to order typical products via app. This innovative project enhances the short supply chain, supporting healthy and conscious eating and boosting the link between producers and local Casentino communities.
