The town of Castiglion Fiorentino is located 342m above sea level in Tuscany, Italy. To the east are the Pre-Apennine Mountains and to the north and south are fertile valleys historically used for farming. The landscape is typical of Tuscany, with vineyards, olive trees, and stone farmhouses. The town is surrounded by beautiful valleys known for agriculture, including olive trees introduced by ancient Romans, and cattle breeding. The mild climate and scenic countryside make it a pleasant place to live.

1. The Medieval town of Castiglion Fiorentino, is situated on a hill at an altitude of
342m above the sea level and it is 17km from Arezzo, Tuscany. To the east, the town
is flanked by the Pre-apennines Mountains. To the north east, its territory includes
the little Valdichio, called “Valley of God” for its beauty, and part of Valdichiana to
the south-west. Maestro della Chiana Canal, a tributary of the River Arno, flows
through the fertile Valdichiana which had been a swamp before it was drained by
the Lorena Family in the XVIII century. The climate is mild and the landscape is
typically Tuscan with its vineyards, olive trees, cypresses and stone farmhouses.
THIS IS US

2. LANDSCAPE
Montecchio Vesponi Castle
In the XIV century John Hawkwood, an
English mercenary captain lived here for
twelve years. He fought and won this
territory for the Florentine Republic. His
portrait is in a famous Renaissance
fresco by Paolo Uccello in the Cathedral
of Florence.
Our town is surrounded by beautiful Valleys - Val di Chiana
and Val di Chio. Farming is a traditional activity.
Ancient Romans imported olive tree cultivation. Vineyards,
orchards, wheet and sunflowers fields give the territory its
typical Tuscan flavour. Our area is also well known for
Chianina Cows breeding.

3. SCOLOPI BUILDING , at 11 Via Dante, is the
main seat of ISTITUTO COMPRENSIVO
DANTE ALIGHIERI. It was once a Monastery
which hosted the Scolopi Friars, a monastic
order whose main activity had always been
teaching. The history of this structure dates
back to 1654 when it was donated to the
Scolopi and it has used as a school since
then.
DANTE ALIGHIERI
SECONDARY SCHOOL
This is a photo of our
gym, which was the
Scolopi’s Church in the
past. Today this
deconsacrated Church
is also used as an area
for exhibitions, school
activities, and extra-
curricular activities
which involve both the
students and the local
Community.

4. SCHOOL PROJECTS - CROSS-CULTURAL EDUCATION AND WORLD
CITIZENSHIP
PARTNERSHIP WITH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY and “SANTA CHIARA STUDY CENTER” in
Castiglion Fiorentino. Since 2007 we have had cultural and linguistic exchanges with
pre-service teachers from A&M Texas University who teach curricular and extra-
curricular activities in our school in the Spring semester. It is a meaningful full
immersion experience which enrich both Italian and American students from the
human point of view.
Big Castiglion
Fiorentino
tapestries created
by middle school
students for Texas
A&M pre-service
teachers as a gift
for their help in
school activities,
Trinity tutoring and
bilingual theatre
producitons.

5. SCHOOL PROJECTS - CITIZENSHIP AND CHARITY EVENTS
Pigotte dolls made by students,
their grandmothers and their
parents to raise funds for UNICEF
Every year in December students
go to Florence to take part to an
International Meeting about
Human Rights. This year the theme
has been the “Right to work”, a
very important topic in this period
of economical depression,
especially for young people, who
particularly suffer from this social
crisis.
WE BELIEVE IN ZERO! Together
with UNICEF students learn about
the CONVENTION OF THE RIGHTS
OF THE CHILD. Through class
activities they prepare shows of
their works and create charity
events together with families to
help reach the ambitious, but
possible, target of ZERO DEATH
AMONG CHILDREN FROM
PREVENTABLE CAUSES AND
TREATABLE DISEASES.
Face to Faith With this project we believe that it is possible
to encourage dialogue and exchange ideas between
students coming from different cultures and religions, in
order to educate to world peace, but also to use new
technologies and improve the English language.
“Chi sono io per la legge”, Who I am face to
the Law - Thanks to this project students
understand what their Rights and Duties are
and they learn the difference between right
and wrong behaviours in our society.

6. RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS AND FOOD
Religious celebrations and festivals are part of our culture. Among
the most popular there are the Holy Week Processions and the
Passion Play at Easter, Saint Michael’s Day and the Medieval Festival
in May, the Palio Horse Race in June, the Nativity Play at Christmas.
Typical dishes and local products are eaten on special occasions and
they are often connected to religious tradtions.

7. OUR HERITAGE
Precious works of art,
monuments and views in
Castiglion Fiorentino