The Structure
History of Borgo Tramonte
Agriturismo Borgo Tramonte stands in Località Alto Papiano, in the municipality of Pratovecchio Stia, in the heart of the Casentino Valley — one of the most ancient and fascinating areas of Tuscany. Its panoramic position, at about 700 meters above sea level, overlooks the valley below and offers a unique view of the Casentino Forests National Park, Monte Falterona, and Campigna.
The origins of the hamlet date back to past centuries, when the area was home to a small rural settlement devoted mainly to agriculture and livestock farming. The stone houses, built according to the traditional Tuscan style, served as dwellings for farming families and as shelters for animals and tools. The layout of the hamlet — with its houses, courtyards, and surrounding cultivated fields — reflected the traditional model of mountain self-sufficiency.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area of Papiano and its surroundings were densely inhabited. Over time, however, with the gradual depopulation of rural areas, many families moved down to the valley or to the cities, leaving the old stone buildings abandoned.
In the following decades, Borgo Tramonte became the subject of a careful and respectful architectural restoration project, aimed at preserving its historical identity and strong connection with the landscape. The original structures, made of local stone, were restored while keeping their authentic volumes, wooden beams, and typical Tuscan features intact — harmoniously combined with modern comforts for today's guests.
Historical Overview
15th–17th Centuries
The first documented traces of the hamlet date back to this period, when the Papiano area was populated by small rural communities under the sharecropping system. Families lived in stone houses with adjoining stables and barns, cultivating grains, chestnuts, and vines, and raising sheep and cattle.
19th Century
In the 1800s, the hamlet of Alto Papiano served as a reference point for the agricultural communities of the area. The local economy was based on peasant self-sufficiency: each family produced most of what they needed — from flour to cheese — maintaining a strong bond with the land.
Early 20th Century
With the modernization of agriculture and the progressive abandonment of mountain areas, many families migrated to the Casentino valley or to Tuscan cities. Like many other mountain villages in the Apennines, the hamlet entered a slow process of depopulation.
1980s–1990s
After decades of abandonment, Borgo Tramonte's buildings were rediscovered and underwent a conservation-based restoration. The aim was to safeguard the original structure of the hamlet and give it a new life — both residential and touristic.
Atmosphere
Today, Borgo Tramonte is a place where hospitality, history, and nature come together, offering guests the chance to experience the authentic beauty of Tuscany in an area of great scenic and cultural value.
Borgo Tramonte is indeed an agriturismo — but for us, it is much more than that: it is our dream come true. And the most wonderful thing of all is being able to share it with you.
The Borgo is chosen by those who seek peace and tranquility — a corner of the world where one can rest, recharge, and enjoy the gentle company of other guests.
"Silence is a universal gift that few know how to appreciate. Maybe because it can not be bought. The rich buy noise. The human soul delights in the silence of nature, which is revealed only to those who seek it."
— Charlie Chaplin
So, enjoy the silence. 🌿