In the period between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, Pliny the Younger described the Tiber Valley or Val Tiberina as “a grand amphitheater created by Nature.” The Valtiberina has thus been able to enchant and fascinate the spirit for over two thousand years. If that were not enough to stimulate your attention, we invite you to read on and reveal some of the wonders of this land.
Sansepolcro: pearl of the Eastern Tiber Valley
Sansepolcro stands as a precious pearl in the landscape of the Eastern Tiber valley , rich in tradition and art. Its birth is believed to have occurred in 934 AD, thanks to the pilgrims Arcano and Egidio. These two wayfarers, returning from the Holy Sepulcher in the Holy Land, were inspired by a divine vision to found a new town here.
A few centuries later it was here that the illustrious Piero della Francesca saw the light of day, something that has made the town a destination for many art lovers today.
In the beating heart of Sansepolcro, the cathedral holds an important Pala del Perugino from the 9th century. Other beauties of Sansepolcro include the Palazzo Ducci, now the public library, and the Palazzo delle Laudi, the current municipal seat.
Walking through the ancient streets you will have the impression of immersing yourself in an authentic museum without walls : it will be like taking a real plunge into the past. Consider this place as a mandatory stop on yourTiberina Valley itinerary!
Anghiari: the epic battle and spectacular views of Tiber Valley
Anghiari boasts the official title of “one of the Beautifulest Villages in Italy” , an assurance of beauty for anyone who chooses to explore this enchanting place. But in addition to this title, Anghiari has many other stories to tell. In particular, the event that has decreed its notoriety stands out: the Battle of Anghiari.
This historic contest, which took place on June 29, 1440, became so famous that it was even painted by Leonardo da Vinci. To learn more about the tale of this battle, you can visit the thematic museum inside the fine Palazzo Marzocco.
Situated on high ground, Anghiari no longer offers the historic strategic-military advantage, but in return it provides a panoramic view of rare beauty. Be amazed by the“Gian Franco Vené” Belvedere and lose yourself in the narrow streets of the village, where every corner reveals truly enchanting landscapes.
Famous births in the Tiber Valley: discovering Caprese Michelangelo
Caprese Michelangelo is the birthplace of the famous master Michelangelo Buonarroti, author of the David of Michelangelo and the vault of the Sistine Chapel. In the village of Caprese Michelangelo you can explore the Michelangelo’s Birthplace Museum, housed inside the Castle of Caprese .
The museum is developed through three main areas: the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo Clusini and the Corte Alta, enhanced by a charming exhibition garden. Be sure to also visit the church where Michelangelo was baptized, located at the foot of the ancient fortress.
Monterchi and the traces of Piero della Francesca
Monterchi stands out in a remarkable way. Although it is a village of modest size, it holds within it priceless artistic treasures. In this place, there is a very famous work by Piero della Francesca, a native of the Val Tiberina.
This work is known as the “Madonna del Parto,” and can be admired in the town’s museum, specifically dedicated to the artist’s work. Also in the same museum is the “Madonna of Milk,” a fresco from the 1400s whose author unfortunately remains unknown.
The museum also offers an educational area, where children can approach the figurative arts and learn to express themselves through this art form. In Monterchi, we would like to mention, there is also the Museum of Scales.
The Hermitages of the Tiber Valley
A valley characterized by such evocative landscapes is understandably chosen as a place for hermitic reflection in medieval centuries . In Val Tiberina lie two sacred places of spiritual retreat: the hermitage of Montecasale and the hermitage of Cerbaiolo. The Montecasale hermitage, near Sansepolcro, was founded in 1213 bySt. Francis of Assisi.
The hermitage of Cerbaiolo, initially a Benedictine monastery, was instead ceded to St. Francis himself in 1216, remaining a Franciscan monastery ever since. Overlooking the Lake of Montedoglio, the hermitage of Cerbaiolo evokes, in its conformation, the Eremo della Verna in Casentino. An old Tuscan saying claims, in fact : “He who has seen La Verna and not Cerbaiolo has seen the mother and not the son.”
The Alpe della Luna and the Charm of Badia Tedalda in Tiber Valley
The Natural Reserve of the Alpe della Luna, vast over 1,500 hectares, consists of a beautiful forest with some open spaces that offer breathtaking views. One of the landmarks is the Ripa della Luna, a 200-meter-high rock that juts out on the north side of Monte dei Frati. Its shape resembles a “crescent moon,” and this is where the entire Reserve gets its name.
Here one can admire majestic centuries-old beech trees, hollies and meadows adorned with crocus, cyclamen and cervine grass.
Nearby is Badia Tedalda, whose name derives from an ancient Benedictine abbey erected by theTedaldi family. This beautiful medieval village hosts a unique event : the Palio dei Castelli.
This is an equestrian event of historical character, a traditional joust of the lance and ring. In this Palio, the Knights of the Castles compete for the Drappo and the Bicrociato Plate of Sant’Angelo Michele. This historical and sporting event takes place every year on the first weekend after Ferragosto, and offers moments of pure fascination and excitement.
Oltre i Cento Passi dal Duomo : discovering the Tiber Valley
From the heart of Arezzo, starting from the central location of the B&B Cento Passi dal Duomo, it is easy to venture all the way to Valtiberina. This region, as you may have noticed, holds treasures of Tuscanytraditional and historic that will leave an indelible mark on your memories.
The convenience lies in the fact that, starting from Arezzo, you can use the local train service, giving you the opportunity to contemplate the green countryside of Arezzo during a comfortable and relaxing journey .
So what are you waiting for? Visit us here at Hundred Steps from the Cathedral and discover all the wonders that lie hidden in the beautiful Valtiberina!