Tour Alta Valtellina
Monterchi, Citerna and Anghiari among the most beautiful villages in Italy
Alta Tiberina
Maximum duration 8 hours
Difficulty: easy route
Tour description
The upper Valtiberina, an extraordinary territory in the province of Arezzo, bordering the region of Umbria, rich in history, art, surrounded by mountains and hills. The valley takes its name from the Tiber river that runs through it from north to south.
A precious valley, to be discovered!
The visit of Anghiari starts from the upper part of the city, to reach through alleys and panoramic views the Abbey of San Bartolomeo of ancient origin and the Piazzola, today Piazza del Popolo where the Palazzo Pretorio is located, in the facade there are many coats of arms of vicars and podestà. The heart of the village was called the Borghetto, where in addition to the tower houses, transformed into palaces, including Palazzo Taglieschi and Palazzo del Marzocco, there were artisan shops and lively markets in medieval times.
Through an arched passage, we will reach the ancient Via di Ronda, once used by soldiers, a route of the well-preserved city walls that passes under the ancient apse of the Church of Sant’Agostino, from here an extraordinary panorama will open towards the Furthermore, the Tiber Valley, not far from the village of Anghiari, on 29 June 1440 the Battle of Anghiari was fought.
Citerna among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
In every corner, enchanting scenarios open towards the Valtiberina and the mountains. Citerna, a small jewel in the Umbrian land. It was formed by two twin and close hillocks: Poggio Sant’Angelo where the Rocca and Torrione are located and Poggio di San Giacomo. Its walls, still visible and well preserved, had two city gates: Porta Fiorentina and Porta Romana.
From the characteristic Piazza Scipione Scipioni and the Civic Tower you reach a small arch that will lead you into the path of the Medieval walkway, where a series of arcades open up that offer a truly suggestive spectacle. It is possible to visit the Church of San Francesco, which houses in addition to works by Raffaellino del Colle and Nicolo ‘Circignani known as Pomarancio, also the Madonna and Child by Donatello in polychrome terracotta from the early fifteenth century which contributes to enrich the artistic heritage of Citerna.
(Church of San Francesco has a ticket and reservation, optional visit)
From Citerna you will reach the Borgo di Monterchi (province of Arezzo) where the Civic Museum is located with the famous Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca, which he built for the Chapel of Santa Maria di Momentana between the Borgo di Monterchi and Citerna.
Short walk through the pretty village, to reach, through the gate and civic tower, the remains of the ancient Rocca, where there is a beautiful panoramic point towards the Valley.
Highlights of the tour
Anghiari
- Piazza del Popolo with Palazzo Pretorio
- Badia di San Bartolomeo
- Il Borghetto with Palazzo Taglieschi and Palazzo del Marzocco
- Street of Ronda
- Church of Sant’Agostino
Citerna
- Fortress and Tower Pieve di San Michele Arcangelo Medieval Walkway
- Church Museum of San Francesco (on reservation with ticket)
Monterchi
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Civic Museum of the Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca (ticket and reservation)