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The Territory |
We are located in a strategic position surrounded by the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, the Marches and Emilia Romagna.
The Tiber Valley is located in a corner of the Region of Tuscany that is quite interesting from an environmental standpoint and has a rich historical, artistic and religious legacy. The natural surroundings are extremely varied and include some spectacular, unspoiled areas which are dotted here and there with hermitages and traditional Tuscan farmhouses that are testimonies to the region's rural history, as well as medieval parish villages and castles.
This is a natural amphitheater that is delineated by rolling hills that surround the valley and the Tiber River runs through it for approximately 40 kilometers. Here you experience rather than simply observe the art, history and culture of the region. The hills, which are positioned partly in Tuscany and partly in Umbria, provide a backdrop for medieval towns like Sansepolcro and Anghiari; the former is probably most famous as the birthplace of the 15th century painter, Piero della Francesca, who immortalized the landscape of the Tiber Valley, while the latter is a magnificent example of medieval architecture. Other nearby towns worth mention include Pieve Santo Stefano, which is known for its diary archives of international relevance while Monterchi features the Madonna del Parto, one of Piero della Francesca's most beautiful frescoes. Caprese Michelangelo is considered to be the birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarotti and Sestino was a Roman stronghold.
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Arezzo |
A medieval city surrounded by hills with vineyards and olive groves, it rises up at the center of four valleys that are rich with history and culture, but it is also famous for high-quality agricultural and food products.
Each month, an Antiques Fair is held in the streets of the city center.
Two important museums are found here: the Museum of Archeology, which is located inside an Olivetan convent positioned near the Roman amphitheater and the medieval Pinacoteca which features a number of sculptures and paintings by Piero della Francesca, Giorgio Vasari and Andrea della Robbia to name just a few. It should also be remembered that Roberto Benigni filmed some scenes from his cinematic masterpiece Life is Beautiful in Arezzo.
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Anghiari |
Anghiari is a splendid medieval town that dominates the green lands of the Upper Tiber Valley. Historically, it was an impenetrable bastion during medieval times and the walls surrounding the town, which were constructed in the 13th century, are still standing today. It was also important for its strategic location. Proud of its Tuscan heritage, Anghiari was consecrated as a Florentine ally and was the setting for an important battle that was fought on June 29, 1440, depicted by Leonardo da Vinci in a lost masterpiece which is still the object of research and investigation today.
Since 1388, each Wednesday a market has been held in Baldaccio Square, formerly called the Mercatale, and the Ricomposti Theater, built in 1790 and featuring a Renaissance style facade, has helped to revive the town's deep-seated cultural image.
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Sansepolcro |
Inside the town, narrow streets constructed during medieval times are interrupted by hanging gardens and alternate with noble buildings that feature classical elements in pietra serena (a local sandstone) and a harmonious and traditional Tuscan color palate. The town center is a treasure trove of art. To provide an idea of the town's artistic heritage it is enough to simply mention two masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, the Resurrection of Christ and the Madonna of Mercy (at the Civic Museum), along with an ancient wooden statue of Christ's face (in the Cathedral).
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Monterchi |
Monterchi enjoys a position and a landscape that are truly enviable. However, what has made Monterchi famous the world over is the presence of an artistic masterpiece: the fresco of the Madonna del Parto, painted by Piero della Francesca in about 1459, most likely in honor of his own mother, who was a native of Monterchi. Another small gem is the Museum of Weights and Measures, which is located in the Massi building that dates to the 16th century: this is an extraordinary and extensive collection of instruments from a number of different time periods that were used to weigh all sorts of objects.
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Cittą di Castello |
Cittą di Castello, in a slightly elevated position among green, rolling hills, is the most important and largest city in the Upper Tiber Valley. It is a depository of a valuable historical, religious and artistic legacy and is still considered to be an important city for the suggestiveness of its ancient monuments, its Renaissance history and civilization and the quality of its numerous events and exhibitions, which attract thousands of visitors from throughout the nation each year. Of particular importance is a collection of works by the renowned artist Burri, which was started in 1978.
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