Della Robbia Itinerary in Tuscany: the Tiber Valley
A Della Robbia itinerary in Tuscany: glazed terracotta and Renaissance art in the Tiber Valley
The Tiber Valley holds an artistic heritage that speaks the language of glazed terracotta. Village after village, the works of the Della Robbia family and the Buglioni workshop tell a story spanning more than a century of Italian art. Following this Della Robbia itinerary in Tuscany, therefore, means discovering the valley through one of its most precious and least known treasures.
For over a hundred years, from the early 1400s to the late 1500s, the Della Robbia left a lasting mark on Western culture. It was Luca della Robbia who first raised ceramics from a minor craft to an art on a par with sculpture and painting. Even today, his glazed terracottas remain a model of technical refinement, later perfected by his descendants.
Thanks to the business skills of his nephew Andrea, Della Robbia works gained more and more admirers. Over the years, the family workshop in Via Guelfa, Florence, also welcomed Andrea’s son Giovanni, followed by Francesco, Marco, Girolamo and Luca the Younger. Each of them, in turn, left a personal mark on Tuscan and Italian art.
Anghiari, the first stop
In the medieval village of Anghiari, the itinerary opens with the altarpiece of the Madonna della Misericordia, kept in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Nearby, the Museum of Palazzo Taglieschi houses a lunette by Benedetto Buglioni depicting Christ and the Samaritan woman at the well.
Sansepolcro, between Della Robbia and Piero della Francesca
In Sansepolcro, the art of the Della Robbia comes to life in the Civic Museum. Here the Nativity from Andrea’s workshop stands out for its naturalistic setting.
However, glazed terracotta is not the only voice in town. Sansepolcro is also the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, whose art still guides visitors today. In fact, many of the landscapes in his paintings can be recognised in the surrounding countryside. This second path ends in Monterchi, in front of his extraordinary fresco, the Madonna del Parto.
Towards the borderlands: Badia Tedalda and Sestino
Works by the Della Robbia and the Buglioni family also appear in the mountain areas that once marked the crossroads towards other regions, such as Badia Tedalda.
These places evoke the past in different ways. Some, for example, recall the Second World War, like the Gothic Line Historical Park. Others tell older stories, like the Sasso di Simone near Sestino, the rocky plateau where Cosimo de’ Medici dreamt of building a fortress city.
Pieve Santo Stefano, a Della Robbia town
Pieve Santo Stefano keeps some of the finest gems of this Della Robbia itinerary in Tuscany.
In the hamlet of Valsavignone, the church of Saints Peter and Paul holds a Madonna and Child with Saints Peter and Pope Clement, from the workshop of Andrea della Robbia. Likewise, the Collegiate Church of Santo Stefano houses two works from the same workshop. The first is the Assumption of Mary with Saint Francis, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Jerome and Saint Anthony the Abbot. The second is Saint Sebastian at the column.
Inside the Council Hall of the Town Hall, visitors can admire The Samaritan woman at the well by Girolamo della Robbia (1510–1511). Thanks to the delicacy of its scene, it is one of the most moving works in the town.
Outside, meanwhile, the façade of the Town Hall displays the Della Robbia coats of arms of the families who governed the town over the centuries. Among them are the Pucci, Medici, Castellani, Antinori, Particini and Gualterotti families. Together, they form a terracotta mosaic that tells the civic history of the town as much as its artistic one.
A one-day Della Robbia itinerary in Tuscany The whole route can be explored in a single day. Simply move from village to village across the Tiber Valley, and let the delicate thread of glazed terracotta guide you.
Where to stay to discover the Tiber Valley
Discovering the Tiber Valley means taking your time. Walking, observing and listening to the landscape all follow a natural rhythm. Trails, hills and woods, in turn, invite you to slow down and experience the land with care.
Staying in the countryside lets you tune into a valley where nature, seasons and silence shape everyday life. Here the landscape is not just a backdrop; on the contrary, it changes with the light and the time of day.
At Le Ceregne Bio, our organic farm stay in Tuscany, you can alternate walks in nature and quiet moments with cultural visits. It’s a way of experiencing the valley through slow travel and attentive observation.
So, would you like a stay that combines art, culture and countryside? Take a look at our rooms and the farm experiences we offer.
What Our Guests Are Saying:
“Our two bedroom, two bathroom apartment was comfortable, clean, spacious and the perfect size for a family of 4. It even includes a full kitchen with fridge.
The location is off the beaten path, super quiet and serene, but still close enough to beautiful small towns like Anghiari and Sansepolcro which have shops and restaurants and lots of must see sights.” – Joseph
“We had a smashing week in March staying in the cosy villa style apartments. When we arrived we were met by her, her wonderful mum, the lovely dogs and cats and a chorus of frogs singing in the lake! The experience is entirely non intrusive with no pushiness or overt touristy feel. Saying that I had to run a work meeting from my iPad on the excellent wifi!” – Conrad
“The specific advantage is the attitude of the hosts and the opportunity to talk to them. Besides the place is uniquely beautiful, the owners are incredibly hospitable and kind, speak English and are ready to offer a full tourist service with all the details. This is an experience away from the crowds of people, here you are close to the nature and authenticity of Italy. The food is homemade, the products are grown on the farm and everything is incredibly delicious! I am really impressed!” – Kamelia
