Convento di Certomondo (Poppi) - Image 1
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Convento di Certomondo Poppi

4.4
·16 reviews·Poppi, Italy

A 16th-century convent steeped in history, known for its connection to the Battle of Campaldino and a beautiful Christmas nativity scene.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday evenings

Attend Holy Mass

CrowdLow
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Convento di Certomondo (Poppi) - Image 1

Convento di Certomondo Poppi

Best Time

Sunday evenings

Attend Holy Mass

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century convent steeped in history, known for its connection to the Battle of Campaldino and a beautiful Christmas nativity scene.

4.4
(16 reviews)

"An evocative place just a stone's throw from the Campaldino plain, simple and dignified."

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TIP

🙏 Attend Sunday Mass

Holy Mass is held every Sunday at 6:00 PM in the church.

🎄 Christmas Nativity

Don't miss the handcrafted, self-propelled nativity scene during the holidays!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

Convent Entrance

A stone-built church with a beautiful, albeit time-worn, rose window and a striking bell gable.

Campaldino Plain Connection

Campaldino Plain Connection

Near the Convent

Site of a famous 1289 battle, adding a layer of historical gravitas to the serene convent grounds.

Christmas Nativity Scene

Christmas Nativity Scene

Inside the Convent

A beautifully crafted, self-propelled nativity scene is a special attraction during the Christmas season.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting on a Sunday evening for Holy Mass at 6:00 PM. While the convent's historical significance is evident, some reviews suggest that upkeep could be improved, so manage expectations regarding pristine conditions.

Historical Context

This 16th-century convent is steeped in history, particularly its connection to the Battle of Campaldino. Understanding this context enhances the appreciation of the site's evocative atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Sunday evenings
Why
Attend Holy Mass
Crowd
Low
When
Christmas season
Why
See the nativity scene
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🙏 Attend Sunday Mass

Holy Mass is held every Sunday at 6:00 PM in the church.

🎄 Christmas Nativity

Don't miss the handcrafted, self-propelled nativity scene during the holidays!

⚔️ Historical Significance

Learn about its connection to the Battle of Campaldino for a richer visit.

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Tips

from all over the internet

🙏 Attend Sunday Mass

Holy Mass is held every Sunday at 6:00 PM in the church.

🎄 Christmas Nativity

Don't miss the handcrafted, self-propelled nativity scene during the holidays!

⚔️ Historical Significance

Learn about its connection to the Battle of Campaldino for a richer visit.

What Travellers Say

4.4
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Convento di Certomondo Poppi to be an evocative and historically significant site, particularly its connection to the Battle of Campaldino. The church's architecture and the Christmas nativity scene are often highlighted as positives. Some reviewers note that the site could benefit from more upkeep, but its simple dignity and suitability for group visits are appreciated.

"This former 16th-century convent houses Holy Mass in the church on Sundays at 6:00 PM.
Beautiful"

Vanessa Gianassi

"After passing the village of Ponte a Poppi along SR70x Florence, just before the Campaldino plain, the church of Santa Maria Assunta with its bell tower cannot go unnoticed. Built by order of Count Guido Novello in memory of the victory of Monteaperti in 1260 in the Siena province (today the location of Pieve al Toppo). Today the walls of the convent are those visible to passers-by, following a brief renovation of the Pietra Serena massif. Before the entrance, you pass under an arch which is the gate of the enclosure. At that point, about 200 knights of Count Guido took up position, which served as a reserve in case of need to intervene, which the count, seeing the battle lost, cowardly preferred to retreat to his well-defended castle. The facade of the church is made of stone with a beautiful rose window that has corroded over time, the bell gable shows its beauty. Note that on the six of the facade there is a plaque commemorating the death of Bishop Guglielmino degli Ubertini... the centuries pass, wear and tear and neglect remain... more could have been done."

Giuseppe Torelli

"An evocative place just a stone's throw from the Campaldino plain...(famous battle of 11 June 1289 between the Florentine Guelphs and the Arezzo Ghibellines) simple and dignified. Unmissable if you are in the area."

ODISSEO 1955

What People Like

Evocative historical atmosphere
Connection to Campaldino battle
Beautiful Christmas nativity

What People Dislike

Potential for more upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The convent is located near the village of Ponte a Poppi, along SR70x Florence, just before the Campaldino plain. It's accessible by car and is a notable landmark visible from the road.

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's generally accessible by road, suggesting nearby parking options are likely available, especially for visitors arriving by car.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information on ticket requirements is not readily available, but it's often free to visit historical churches and convents. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire if specific access is restricted.

The church holds Holy Mass on Sundays at 6:00 PM. Specific visiting hours for the convent grounds or church outside of mass times are not detailed, suggesting a more informal access.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can see the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its rose window and bell gable, the convent walls, and an archway entrance. The site is evocative and historically significant, especially its link to the Battle of Campaldino.

Yes, the convent is described as a suitable place for holidays with L/C groups, indicating it can accommodate organized tours or larger gatherings.

It's a former 16th-century convent with ties to the Battle of Campaldino in 1289. A plaque commemorates the death of Bishop Guglielmino degli Ubertini, adding to its historical depth.

📸 📸 Photography

The stone facade of the church with its rose window and the bell gable are notable features. The archway entrance and the surrounding historical landscape also offer picturesque views.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While not a typical theme park, families can find historical interest at Convento di Certomondo Poppi. The connection to the Battle of Campaldino might spark curiosity in older children interested in history and knights. The Christmas nativity scene is a definite draw for younger ones during the holiday season, offering a visually engaging experience. The open space around the convent can also provide room for children to explore under supervision.

⛪ Religious & Spiritual Travelers

For those seeking a spiritual experience, attending Holy Mass on Sundays at 6:00 PM in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a primary draw. The convent's history as a religious site adds to the contemplative atmosphere. It's a place to connect with the past and experience a moment of peace in a historically significant setting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Convento di Certomondo Poppi, a former 16th-century convent, stands as a testament to centuries of history in the Tuscan landscape. Its most prominent connection is to the Battle of Campaldino in 1289, a pivotal conflict between the Florentine Guelphs and the Arezzo Ghibellines. The convent's location near the Campaldino plain imbues the site with a palpable sense of historical gravitas. Visitors can observe the convent walls, which have been renovated with Pietra Serena massif, and pass under an archway that once served as a defensive enclosure.

The church of Santa Maria Assunta, part of the convent complex, features a stone facade adorned with a beautiful, though weathered, rose window. The bell gable adds to its architectural character. A plaque on the facade commemorates the death of Bishop Guglielmino degli Ubertini, further anchoring the site in historical events. While some reviews mention that more could be done for its upkeep, the convent remains an evocative and dignified place, particularly for those interested in medieval Italian history and military engagements.

Seasonal Charm and Community

Beyond its historical significance, Convento di Certomondo Poppi offers a unique charm, especially during festive periods. A highlight for many visitors during the Christmas season is the beautiful self-propelled handcrafted nativity scene housed within the convent. This intricate display transforms the historical space into a festive wonderland, drawing visitors with its artistry and tradition.

The convent also serves as a community gathering point. It hosts Holy Mass in its church every Sunday at 6:00 PM, providing a spiritual anchor for locals and visitors alike. Reviews indicate that the convent is considered a suitable place for group holidays, suggesting it can accommodate and welcome larger gatherings. This blend of historical depth, seasonal beauty, and community engagement makes Convento di Certomondo Poppi a multifaceted destination.

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