Raggiolo
Raggiolo is a charming village renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and traditional way of life. The village is located atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Brief history
Founded around the 7th century by the Lombards, Raggiolo gained significance when Emperor Otto I granted it as a fief to Goffredo di Ildebrando in 967. Strategically located between the dioceses of Arezzo and Fiesole, it became a stronghold under the Guidi Counts in the 13th century. Guido Novello II, a prominent figure, fortified Raggiolo during his rule from 1301 to 1322, fostering trade and culture.
However, Raggiolo faced turmoil in the 14th century, rebelling against Florence in 1391 and suffering destruction by Piccinino's troops in 1440. Despite efforts to rebuild, the castle was never restored, and Raggiolo was absorbed into the Vicariate of Poppi. In the 1500s, the village was populated by a colony of Corsicans who arrived here from Maremma following herds of transhumant sheep.
They formed a true enclave: the Corsicans of Raggiolo, ancestors of the current inhabitants. Today, the tradition of the village still recalls them. For centuries, Raggiolo was the capital of the community during the Grand Duchy era and a municipality during the Napoleonic occupation. In 1873, it was merged with Ortignano, giving rise to the current Municipality of Ortignano-Raggiolo.
