During World War II, many priceless works of art were moved to Castello di Poppi for protection. The castle’s history dates back to 1191 when it was owned by the powerful Conti Guidi family of Casentino. It’s believed that the castle’s foundations are even older, though the exact date is unclear.
Theorys
The renowned architect Arnolfo di Cambio, who later designed Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio, is thought to have been responsible for building Castello di Poppi. The castle itself was a prototype for his later architectural work. In the 19th century, the castle underwent major renovations, including the conversion of its original square tower into a bell tower after it was struck by lightning.
Outside the castle stands a bronze bust of the famous poet Dante Alighieri, commemorating his time there during his exile from Florence. It’s believed that Dante wrote the XXXIII canto of his Inferno while staying at the castle, adding a literary dimension to its historical significance.
Stolen Art
When World War II began in 1940, Italy’s art collections were moved to safer locations away from the cities. On December 29, 1942, major collections from Florence were relocated to Castello di Poppi. Including the Bargello Museum’s sculptures and works from the Uffizi Gallery.
As the Allies advanced through Italy in 1944, the castle became a target for the German forces. On August 18, 1944, a German officer arrived at the castle, claiming to be checking for hidden weapons. Four days later, other German officers arrived under the pretext of investigating a “nest of spies and rebels.” They demanded keys to the rooms, threatening to break down doors if they weren’t provided.
Later that night, German soldiers informed the local residents to stay in their cellars. They were planning to blow up the town’s medieval gate. This was a tactic to ensure that no one would witness their looting. While the villagers were confined to their homes, the German 305th Infantry Division began stealing crates of valuable art from the castle. Shots were fired into the air to keep people away, and by morning, the trucks had left.
After the raid, an inspection revealed extensive damage: broken walls, destroyed doors, and debris everywhere. As promised, the Germans detonated the mines, destroying the medieval gate, several homes, and the only road into Poppi.
Frederick Hartt, a Monument’s Man, managed to reach the castle on September 25, after weeks of difficulty. A detailed inspection two days later revealed that many masterpieces had been stolen, including works by Rembrandt, Ingres, Lippi, Raphael, and Rubens. The loss of these artworks was a devastating blow to Italy’s cultural heritage and to the town of Poppi.
