The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is the most visited church in the province of Arezzo: a splendid Roman construction with very particular features, splendid capitals, and a unique pulpit that derives from the ancient ruins of a Longobard church lying beneath the pavement.
Its simple sandstone ‘a flaretto’ (in thin layers) façade reflects the motif of the three naves inside. Inside the church, we find a pulpit that is considered the artistic treasure of the Pieve di S.Pietro a Gropina.
The opportunity to admire this unique and particular ancient church, a masterpiece of 8th century AD architecture, where art becomes symbolism and mystery, makes the trip worthwhile. I must add that, during my visits to Tuscany, I have seen many pulpits, but never one like this one. Indeed, there are no others so ancient and peculiarly built with knotted columns. This type of column represents the great mystery of Faith and the Holy Trinity with its three equal but distinct beings: Father and Son are represented by two knotted columns, and the Holy Spirit is symbolized by the knot.

How to reach us
Exit at ‘Valdarno’ of the Autosole A1 Milan-Rome Highway: COMING FROM EITHER MILAN OR BOLOGNA (e.g. FROM THE NORTH), TAKE THE SECOND EXIT AFTER ‘FIRENZE SUD’; COMING FROM ROME (e.g. FROM THE SOUTH), TAKE THE FIRST EXIT AFTER ‘AREZZO’. Turn right and follow the signs for Terranuova Bracciolini, then for Penna and after that for Loro Ciuffenna (about 8 km from ‘Valdarno’ exit). After having passed the village of Penna, you will find a long straight street (approx. 2 km), at the end of which is a roundabout. Turn right and enter into the village of Loro Ciuffenna: turn left in the direction of Castelfranco di Sopra and, after about 2 km, on the right you will find the sign to Villino Blu (turn right) after approximately 300 meters.