Giada Poggini

La Festa della Castagna DOP di Caprese Michelangelo

Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival in Tuscany

The Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival: autumn flavours in the Tiber Valley The Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival is one of the most authentic and heartfelt events in the Tiber Valley. It takes place on the last two weekends of October in a mountain village where, for centuries, the chestnut tree was a vital resource for the community.Here, in fact, the chestnut is not just a product. It’s history, memory and identity. The Marrone di Caprese, the “bread” of the mountains The Marrone di Caprese Michelangelo is a PDO chestnut (Protected Designation of Origin), famous throughout Tuscany for its sweetness and quality. For generations, it was the basis of the local diet.In a land of mountains, woods and soils that are hard to farm, chestnuts fed farming families through the winter. That’s why people called them “the bread of Caprese“. Chestnut flour was used to prepare simple, nourishing dishes such as: – sweet chestnut polenta– castagnaccio, a traditional cake made with chestnut flour, rosemary and pine nuts– caldarroste, chestnuts roasted over an open fire These were often served with country dishes, like pan-fried pork, or with local cheeses. Drying huts, water mills and farming memory The smaller chestnuts were dried in seccatoi, small stone huts with slab roofs. Inside, a slow fire allowed the chestnuts to dry naturally.Once dry, they were ground in water mills. Caprese Michelangelo once had more than ten, which shows how important this crop was for the village. Even today, this ancient knowledge is part of the landscape. Walking through the chestnut groves, for instance, you’ll come across restored drying huts, well-kept woods and centuries-old chestnut trees. A festival of food, culture and community During the Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival, the village comes alive with: – food stalls serving chestnut dishes– local produce stands with honey, cheeses and farm-brewed beers– workshops for children– re-enactments of traditional crafts– folk songs and dances by the Caprese Michelangelo folk group Above all, the festival is a meeting point between locals and visitors. Here, tradition is lived, not staged. Autumn in Caprese Michelangelo, between nature and tradition The festival falls in one of the most beautiful times of the year. In autumn, the woods turn into a mosaic of colours. As a result, Caprese Michelangelo becomes an ideal destination for slow travel, trekking and time in nature. Meanwhile, small producers continue to look after the chestnut groves. Their care keeps the land alive, accessible and truly authentic. Enjoying the Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival at a slow pace Visiting the festival means taking time to listen to stories, taste seasonal produce and experience the Tuscan mountains at their most genuine.For this reason, it’s best enjoyed as part of a longer stay. In this way, you can discover the Tiber Valley following the rhythm of the seasons. 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. Would you like to visit the Caprese Michelangelo Chestnut Festival and enjoy autumn in the Tiber Valley? Take a look at our rooms and the farm experiences we offer. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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L'arte dei Della Robbia in Valtiberina Toscana (2)

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. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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L’Intrepida Anghiari

L’Intrepida Anghiari: Vintage Cycling in Tuscany

L’Intrepida Anghiari: cycling through history in Tuscany L’Intrepida Anghiari is much more than a cycling event: it’s a vintage bike ride that invites you to rediscover the pleasure of slowness, landscape and memory, riding across the hills of the Tiber Valley in Tuscany. L’Intrepida is not a race. It’s an event for those who see the bicycle as a way to discover places, not as a challenge. The atmosphere is relaxed and genuine, deeply rooted in the spirit of slow cycling tourism.Over the years, the enthusiasm of organisers and riders has made it a fixed date for cycling lovers from all over Italy and beyond, drawn by the chance to combine sport, landscape and local traditions. To take part, there is one essential rule. Riders must use a vintage road bike built before 1987 and, in addition, wear period clothing. The style is inspired by Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, the legendary Italian champions of the 1940s and 1950s.Thanks to this detail, a timeless atmosphere fills the roads. In short, the whole event becomes a cultural re-enactment on two wheels. A vintage bike ride through history and landscape L’Intrepida Anghiari follows three routes of different length and difficulty, combining asphalt and white gravel roads, ideally retracing the places of the famous Battle of Anghiari and the most authentic Tuscan countryside. Riding these routes means crossing open views, gentle hills, medieval villages  and farmhouses, experiencing Tuscany from a different perspective: far from competition, close to the journey itself. Vintage food stops and Tuscan tradition What makes the ride truly unique is its sense of conviviality.Along the routes, vintage-style refreshment points welcome the riders. Each stop, moreover, serves traditional Tuscan dishes made with local produce.Food thus becomes part of the experience. It’s a moment to meet, share and discover the farming culture of the Tiber Valley. When does L’Intrepida Anghiari take place? L’Intrepida Anghiari takes place every year in mid-October. At this time the valley shows its richest colours, while the weather is ideal for cycling among hills and gravel roads. Whether you join the ride or simply watch it, you’ll experience the area in a sustainable and authentic way. After all, it’s a chance to slow down, look around and rediscover the pleasure of slow travel. Where to stay for L’Intrepida Anghiari Discovering the Tiber Valley means taking your time. Riding, walking, observing and listening to the landscape all follow a natural rhythm. Staying in the countryside, therefore, 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 family farm overlooks Lake Montedoglio. During your stay, cycling and walks in nature alternate with quiet moments and cultural visits. No bike of your own? Don’t worry: we offer bike hire, with road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes to explore the valley at your own pace. If you’d like to experience L’Intrepida Anghiari and discover the Tiber Valley by bike, between history and nature, take a look at our rooms and the outdoor and cycling experiences we offer on the farm. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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I Centogusti dell’Appennino di Anghiari

I Centogusti dell’Appennino di Anghiari

I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari: Authentic Flavors of the Land The Mostra Mercato “I Centogusti dell’Appennino” in Anghiari is a celebration of local flavors and rural tourism, held every year between late October and early November in the heart of this medieval village. For a few days, the historic center of Anghiari turns into a great trail of taste, where farmers and producers from across the central Apennines present the fruits of their work. A Journey Through Agriculture, Territory, and Memory I Centogusti dell’Appennino is more than a food fair — it’s a sensory and cultural journey into products that tell the story of the land and its seasons. Cheeses, cured meats, flours, legumes, honey, chestnuts, oil, and wine are the result of an agriculture carried forward with dedication, sacrifice, and respect for the land, often passed down from generation to generation. Visitors can taste, learn, and speak directly with the producers, rediscovering the human and cultural value of food. Workshops, Talks, and Rural Tourism During the event, visitors can take part in bread-making workshops led by local farmers and bakers, along with talks dedicated to rural tourism and agriturismo hospitality. These moments of insight explore the opportunities and challenges of mountain farming, placing quality, sustainability, and local identity at the center. The Village Shops and the Centogusti Osteria The event takes place between late October and early November, one of the most evocative times to visit Valtiberina Toscana, when autumn colors and seasonal produce reveal the region’s agricultural soul. The shops of the historic center host exhibitions and tastings, with the opportunity to buy products directly. Alongside the market, the open-air Osteria dei Centogusti serves traditional Tuscan dishes made with local ingredients — a chance to experience Anghiari conviviality amid authentic flavors and autumn atmosphere. I Centogusti dell’Appennino invites visitors to slow down, listen to the stories of those who work the land, and rediscover food as a cultural expression. It’s an experience best enjoyed as part of a multi-day stay, to explore Anghiari and the Valtiberina at a relaxed pace. Where to Stay to Discover Valtiberina Toscana Discovering the nature of Valtiberina Toscana means taking the time to walk, observe, and listen to the landscape. Trails, hills, and woods accompany the journey at a natural rhythm, inviting you to slow down and experience the environment mindfully. A countryside stay in Tuscany lets you connect with a valley where nature, the seasons, and silence are part of everyday life. Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living element that shifts with the light and the weather. At Le Ceregne Bio, direct contact with the environment shapes a way of traveling built around walks, nature trails, and quiet moments, alternated with cultural visits. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina through slow walking and observation. If you’d like to visit I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari and discover the agricultural, rural side of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our organic agriturismo in Tuscany. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano

Palio dei Lumi Pieve Santo Stefano

Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano: History, Tournament, and the Magic of Illuminations The Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano is one of the most captivating traditions of Valtiberina Toscana, a traditional Tuscan football tournament played in historic costume every year among the village’s four historic districts — Centro Paese, Ponte Nuovo, Ponte Vecchio, and Rialto — as part of the Festa della Madonna dei Lumi. When It Takes Place and How It Unfolds The event runs from late August through September 8th, with the two semifinals held on the Sunday before the 8th and the final match taking place on the 8th itself, the day of the Festa della Madonna dei Lumi. This popular celebration, deeply felt by the local community, is tied to Marian devotion and a religious tradition observed in the village for centuries. The Magic of the Illuminations and the Bonfires on the River The eve of the celebration, September 7th, is one of the most striking moments of the entire event: as evening falls, the village is quite literally lit up. Each district sets up illuminated decorations along the streets of the historic center and at the village’s most distinctive spots, turning the town into a glowing, participatory trail of light. As the procession of the Madonna dei Lumi passes by — accompanied by local bands and the community — two large bonfires, known as pagliai, are lit along the Tiber, near the main bridges, symbolizing light, faith, and shared devotion. This festive illumination is more than decoration; it’s an integral part of the celebration, a collective ritual that brings the whole village together for a night of lights, symbolism, and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Historic Tournament and Local Identity The Palio dei Lumi follows rules reminiscent of calcio storico fiorentino, an ancient full-contact game played in traditional costume, held on a field next to the Santuario della Madonna dei Lumi. The competition culminates in the September 8th final, when the winning team claims the title and is celebrated by the entire community. An Event That Blends History and Culture The event goes well beyond sport and competition — it’s a cultural celebration that recalls old local stories tied to the Marian festival and the village’s history of resilience. In the days leading up to the final, the districts come alive with processions, preparations for the illuminations, and shared moments of festivity, while the village fills with visitors and Where to Stay to Experience the Events of Valtiberina Toscana Experiencing Valtiberina’s events means connecting with the region’s most authentic side — one made of shared traditions, seasonal rituals, and moments of genuine encounter. Festivals, historical reenactments, and local celebrations tell the story of a valley that continues to recognize itself in its own history. A countryside stay allows you to take part in these events at a slower pace, away from the rush and crowds of mass tourism. In this way, every celebration becomes a chance to observe both the land and the community that lives it. At Le Ceregne Bio, hospitality follows the natural rhythm of the seasons, offering a peaceful base from which to reach nearby villages and local events. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina built on anticipation, participation, and a return to silence, where every experience finds its own space and time. If you’d like to experience the Palio dei Lumi di Pieve Santo Stefano and immerse yourself in the light, history, and traditions of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our agriturismo — for a stay that brings together cultural events, nature, and slow time. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro

Palio della Balestra Sansepolcro

The Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro, a Centuries-Old Tradition of Valtiberina “Si Balestri il Palio, con virtù ed onestà, e che la vittoria arrida a lo migliore in campo!” The Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro is one of the most heartfelt historic traditions in Valtiberina Toscana. Held every year on the second Sunday of September, the competition pits crossbowmen from Sansepolcro and Gubbio against one another, reviving an ancient rivalry rooted in the Renaissance. The rivalry between the two towns has been documented consistently since 1594, though the tradition runs even deeper: as early as the 15th century, crossbow shooting was reportedly practiced as both a civic and military discipline. Local tradition even holds that Piero della Francesca defended Sansepolcro’s colors in 1453, a detail that shows just how deeply this practice was woven into the town’s everyday life. The Historic Procession and Entrance into the Square The Palio begins in the afternoon, when the historic processions of Sansepolcro and Gubbio wind through the streets of the old town. Ladies, armed guards, musicians, and trumpeters accompany the crowd, creating a striking atmosphere full of color, sound, and Renaissance flair. The entrance into Piazza Torre di Berta is one of the day’s most exciting moments. Here, flag-wavers perform intricate routines and choreographed displays, paying tribute to the city’s districts before the competition officially begins. The Crossbow Challenge: Balestra all’Italiana The competition takes place at the shooting range, roughly 50 meters from the central target, known as the corniolo. Crossbowmen from both towns take turns firing their bolts in an atmosphere of total silence and concentration. Every shot counts. Victory often comes down to mere millimeters, carefully measured by the judges. Once the match ends, the winning crossbowman is proclaimed alongside his historic procession, which parades once more through the streets, greeted by townspeople and visitors who have gathered from across Valtiberina. An Event Lived by the Community The Palio della Balestra is far more than a historical reenactment — it’s an event deeply felt by the people of Sansepolcro. It marks the high point of Settembre Biturgense, a month packed with cultural events and side activities that involve the entire town. Attending the Palio means connecting with the truest identity of Sansepolcro and Valtiberina, where tradition, historical memory, and community participation continue to coexist naturally. Where to Find Information About the Palio della Balestra To learn more about the event’s history, explore the full Settembre Biturgense program, and discover related activities, visitors can check the official website of the Balestrieri di Sansepolcro, which gathers documents, historical accounts, and updates on the tradition. Where to Stay to Discover Valtiberina Toscana Discovering the nature of Valtiberina Toscana means taking the time to walk, observe, and listen to the landscape. Trails, hills, and woods accompany the journey at a natural rhythm, inviting you to slow down and experience the environment mindfully. A countryside stay in Tuscany lets you connect with a valley where nature, the seasons, and silence are part of everyday life. Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living element that shifts with the light and the weather. At Le Ceregne Bio, direct contact with the environment shapes a way of traveling built around walks, nature trails, and quiet moments, alternated with cultural visits. It’s a way of experiencing Valtiberina through slow walking and observation. If you’d like to experience the Palio della Balestra di Sansepolcro at a relaxed pace, immersed in the traditions of Valtiberina, explore our rooms and the farm life activities we offer at our agriturismo — for a stay that brings together culture, countryside, and slow time. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Foreste Casentinesi Arezzo

Casentinesi Forests Near Arezzo

The Casentinesi Forests, Between Silence and Spirituality Just minutes from the agriturismo, a world of ancient woods, hermitages, and sanctuaries immersed in nature Only thirty minutes by car from our agriturismo lies one of Europe’s most precious natural areas: the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi near Arezzo. Here, time seems to slow down. The rustle of wind through the beech trees replaces every trace of city noise, while the stillness of these ancient woods meets two places of deep spiritual significance: the Santuario della Verna near Arezzo and the Eremo di Camaldoli, destinations for quiet reflection as much as for hiking. What to See in the Casentinesi Forests: Untouched Nature and Human History At the heart of the park lie the Foreste Demaniali Casentinesi, home to the Riserva Naturale Integrale di Sasso Fratino. Established in 1959, it’s now recognized as one of the most untouched forest areas in Europe — a place where human hands haven’t intervened for decades, allowing trees to grow, age, and die entirely on their own natural cycle. It’s a landscape where flora and fauna thrive undisturbed. The park is home to the largest wolf population in the northern Apennines, and it’s not unusual to come across signs of their passage while walking the more remote trails at dawn. Wild boar, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, and mouflon share this same territory, creating a natural balance that makes the park one of Italy’s most beloved destinations for birdwatching and nature photography. However, the Casentinesi Forests aren’t just about untouched nature. Small villages and hamlets here hold centuries of history and artistic heritage, often surrounded by ruins and abandoned settlements left behind after the great postwar exodus, when the resident population dropped to around 1,500 people. Walking through these places means tracing two parallel stories: one of nature reclaiming its space, and one of communities that lived here for generations. Today, the area can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, or, in winter, on cross-country skis, along a dense network of roughly 600 kilometers of marked trails, suited both to those seeking a quiet walk and to more adventurous hikers. Santuario della Verna, Where Silence Becomes Prayer La Verna is one of the most powerful sites of Franciscan spirituality. According to tradition, this is where Saint Francis received the stigmata, an event that has made the sanctuary an uninterrupted pilgrimage destination for eight centuries. Built entirely of stone and surrounded by a forest of ancient beech and fir trees, the convent conveys a sense of stillness felt from the very first steps. Even visitors who arrive out of simple curiosity often find themselves lowering their voices and slowing their pace almost without noticing — the atmosphere of the place calls for silence more effectively than any sign ever could. The most striking moment of the visit remains the Sasso Spicco, a rocky outcrop suspended over the mountainside where the Saint would retreat to pray, isolated from the rest of the convent. Looking out over that drop, with the forest opening up below, is an experience that stays with visitors long after, believers and non-believers alike. Eremo di Camaldoli, A Thousand Years of Contemplative Life At around 1,100 meters of altitude, near the town of the same name in the province of Arezzo, stands the Eremo di Camaldoli, founded by Saint Romuald in the early 11th century and the mother house of the Camaldolese Benedictine Congregation. It was Saint Romuald himself who, arriving between Pratomagno and Monte Falterona after founding numerous hermit communities throughout his life, chose this clearing — once known as Campo di Maldolo — to build the first five cells and a small oratory, the original nucleus of the hermitage. The Bishop of Arezzo, Tedaldo, under whose jurisdiction the area fell, supported the initiative, and the site was formally consecrated in 1027. A thousand years later, the monastic community still lives divided between two distinct yet complementary poles: the monastery, devoted to communal life, and the hermitage itself, reserved for personal contemplation, where eighteen monks currently reside. Passing through the gate set into the stone perimeter wall, the inner courtyard leads to the guesthouse, where guests and pilgrims have been welcomed for centuries; to Saint Romuald’s ancient cell, now incorporated into the library building, which still preserves its distinctive spiral layout — a corridor winding along three sides, holding a bedroom, study, and chapel, designed not only to shield against the winter cold but also to symbolically guide the monk along his inner journey; to the church, with its monastic choir; and to the old refectory. Beyond a gate, in an inner section reserved solely for the monks, each resides in his own small stone cell, separate from the others — an architecture that speaks, better than words ever could, to the meaning of eremitic life. A Landscape to Experience Slowly The Casentinesi Forests aren’t meant to be “visited” in the usual touristic sense — they’re meant to be crossed, listened to, and breathed in. This is a landscape that rewards those who take their time: for a walk among the beech trees, a quiet pause at La Verna, a moment of reflection at Camaldoli. Thanks to its proximity to our agriturismo, it makes for a perfect day trip during a stay in Valtiberina Toscana. Where to Stay to Discover Valtiberina Toscana Discovering the nature of Valtiberina Toscana means taking the time to walk, observe, and listen to the landscape. Trails, hills, and woods accompany the journey at a natural rhythm, inviting you to slow down and experience the environment mindfully. A countryside stay in Tuscany lets you connect with a valley where nature, the seasons, and silence are part of everyday life. Here, the landscape isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living element that shifts with the light and the weather. At Le Ceregne Bio, direct contact with the environment shapes a way of traveling built around walks, nature trails, and quiet moments, alternated with cultural visits. It’s

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Sansepolcro borgo d’arte e tradizioni nella Valtiberina Toscana

Sansepolcro: The Cultural Identity of Valtiberina

Sansepolcro: The Cultural Identity of Valtiberina Sansepolcro, a town of art and tradition in Valtiberina Toscana, is one of the most significant centers in the valley — a place where art, history, and tradition still shape everyday life. It stands as one of the most representative villages of Valtiberina Toscana, where cultural heritage remains a living part of local identity. The town occupies a strategic position along the upper Tiber Valley, striking a balanced relationship between its urban character and the surrounding rural landscape. Here, the town isn’t simply a destination to visit but a space to experience. Its squares, historic streets, and workshops speak of a deep identity, shaped over time through an ongoing dialogue between culture, craftsmanship, and the land. Piero della Francesca and Luca Pacioli: The Renaissance in Sansepolcro Sansepolcro is best known as the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, one of the leading figures of the Italian Renaissance. Born here between 1412 and 1414, Piero developed a pictorial language rooted in balance, light, and geometric precision, leaving a lasting mark on art history. The Museo Civico di Sansepolcro holds some of his most important works, including the celebrated Resurrection, widely regarded as one of the absolute masterpieces of the 15th century, along with the Polittico della Misericordia, which reflects the artist’s evolving style and his deep bond with the region. Alongside Piero della Francesca, Sansepolcro was also the birthplace of Luca Pacioli, a mathematician and Franciscan friar who played a central role in Renaissance culture. As the author of the Summa de arithmetica, Pacioli is considered the father of double-entry bookkeeping and one of the greatest thinkers on proportion and mathematical harmony. The ideal dialogue between Piero’s paintings and Pacioli’s ideas tells the story of a town where art and science share the same cultural roots. The Historic Center and Its Cultural Landmarks Sansepolcro’s historic center has kept a compact, easy-to-navigate layout, perfect for exploring on foot. Walking through its streets means moving through centuries of history, past Renaissance palazzi, churches, and civic spaces still very much alive with the local community. Beyond the Museo Civico, the town is home to other cultural highlights such as the Aboca Museum, dedicated to the relationship between people, nature, and plant science, and the Duomo di Sansepolcro, the town’s spiritual heart. Small museums and artisan workshops complete the picture, preserving a tradition of manual skill and material culture that still defines the village’s identity today. Experiencing Sansepolcro’s historic center means taking the time to observe, step into its museums, pause in its squares, and let yourself be guided by a slow, authentic rhythm. Traditions, Events, and Daily Life Sansepolcro keeps its traditions very much alive. Among its most heartfelt events is the Palio della Balestra, a historical reenactment celebrating the ancient Italian crossbow and reinforcing the town’s bond with its medieval past. Throughout the year, the local calendar is enriched by markets, cultural events, and gatherings tied to craftsmanship and local produce. Rather than mere tourist attractions, these events are moments of collective participation that reveal a community still deeply connected to its own history. Taking part in these occasions offers a way to discover Sansepolcro not only through its monuments, but also through its lively, everyday dimension. Sansepolcro and the Valtiberina Landscape Sansepolcro sits within a landscape that naturally invites you to slow down. The rolling hills of Valtiberina Toscana, cultivated fields, and quiet country roads create an ideal setting for walks, hikes, and nature trails. Just outside the town, visitors can find places of great spiritual and scenic value, such as the Eremo di Montecasale, tucked away in the silence of the woods. In this setting, a visit to the town blends naturally with the surrounding landscape, offering an experience that combines culture, nature, and slow living. For this reason, Sansepolcro stands out as a true town of art and tradition in Valtiberina Toscana, ideal for those seeking an authentic side of Tuscany, away from the busier tourist routes. Where to Stay to Visit Sansepolcro at a Relaxed Pace   To truly experience Sansepolcro without rushing, staying in the surrounding Valtiberina countryside is the best choice. This makes it easy to reach the historic center during the day and return each evening to a quiet, natural setting, far from traffic and hectic routines. At Le Ceregne Bio, an organic agriturismo in Valtiberina Toscana, you can explore Sansepolcro along with the other villages worth visiting in the area, alternating cultural visits with moments of relaxation in nature. The stay can also be enriched with activities tied to the land, such as local oil and wine tastings, traditional cooking classes, trekking, nature walks, bike and e-bike excursions, and outdoor yoga sessions. It’s an authentic way to turn a visit to Sansepolcro into a complete holiday built on art, landscape, and wellbeing. If you’d like to visit Sansepolcro at a relaxed pace and discover Valtiberina in the same unhurried spirit, consider staying immersed in nature and setting out each day to explore the area. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Anghiari, borgo medievale della Valtiberina Toscana

Anghiari Medieval Village of Valtiberina Toscana

Anghiari: The Medieval Village of Valtiberina Where Time Slows Down Anghiari is one of the most iconic medieval villages of Valtiberina Toscana, perched on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley. Listed among Italy’s “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages) and awarded the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag, it holds a rare balance between historical heritage, landscape, and everyday life. Here, the village isn’t a tourist backdrop but a place still truly lived in, where local identity shows through slow rhythms, close-knit community life, and a direct bond with the land. The Battle of Anghiari and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mystery Anghiari’s history is closely tied to the Battle of Anghiari, fought on June 29, 1440. Florentine troops defeated the Milanese forces that day, permanently securing the village’s place within Tuscany. This episode later entered art history through Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned to depict the battle in the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Although the work was never completed, the connection between Anghiari and the Renaissance remains central to its historical identity. That bond goes beyond art, however, carrying cultural and symbolic weight as well. The Battle of Anghiari marked a turning point for the valley, shifting it from a border territory into a stable part of the Florentine sphere. Even today, the memory of that event helps shape the village’s identity and its relationship with history, making Anghiari a place where past and landscape continue to speak to one another naturally. The Historic Center of Anghiari and the Via del Sole Anghiari’s historic center has preserved its medieval layout intact, developing along a main axis that climbs through the village from bottom to top: the ancient Ruga di San Martino, known today as Corso Matteotti. The name Via del Sole doesn’t refer to a different street, but to a natural phenomenon. During certain times of the year, especially in spring, the rising sun aligns perfectly with the Ruga di San Martino, lighting up the entire street and creating a strikingly beautiful effect. Visible at dawn, this alignment reinforces the symbolic bond between the village, its landscape, and the changing seasons. Along this route, visitors find side alleys, stairways, historic palazzi, and artisan workshops that reveal an everyday life still genuine, far removed from standardized tourist paths. Walking along the Ruga di San Martino and experiencing the Via del Sole also means taking the time to wander without a fixed destination, pausing to notice small details, stepping into local shops, and letting the village set the pace. It’s a simple, authentic way of experiencing Anghiari and Valtiberina, built from small gestures and everyday moments of discovery. Beyond the Ruga di San Martino, exploring Anghiari’s old town also means climbing toward the bastions that overlook Valtiberina, following quiet alleys and lesser-known corners. From here, the view opens onto the valley and Sansepolcro, offering panoramic points that reflect the village’s strategic role over the centuries. Flower-lined lanes and artisan workshops preserve an authentic atmosphere, far from Tuscany’s more stereotyped, touristy image. It’s in these spaces of stone and light that Anghiari reveals its truest character. Museums, Traditions, and Community Events Anghiari holds a small but meaningful collection of museums. Among the main ones are the Museo della Battaglia di Anghiari, the Museo di Palazzo Taglieschi, and the Museo della Misericordia. These spaces offer insight into the artistic, social, and civic history of the area. Alongside its museums, the village comes alive year-round with events deeply felt by the local community. Among the most notable are the Mostra Mercato dell’Artigianato della Valtiberina Toscana and the Palio della Vittoria. In addition, Anghiari hosts the Anghiari Festival, a summer music series that brings concerts and performances to the village’s squares and historic sites. The calendar is rounded out by events such as Tovaglia a Quadri, L’Intrepida, and I Centogusti dell’Appennino. Anghiari and the Valtiberina Landscape One of Anghiari’s most captivating features is its direct relationship with the Valtiberina landscape. From the bastions and the village’s highest points, the view stretches across the valley, creating an ongoing dialogue between human settlement and nature. In this setting, a visit naturally becomes a slow experience. Visitors wander without rushing, pause to watch the light shift over the hills, and simply listen to the silence. For this reason, Anghiari stands out as a medieval village in Valtiberina Toscana ideally suited to mindful travel, far from mass tourism. Where to Stay to Visit Anghiari To truly experience Anghiari at a relaxed pace, staying in the surrounding Valtiberina countryside is the best choice. This makes it easy to reach the village during the day and return each evening to a quiet, natural setting. At Le Ceregne Bio, an organic agriturismo in Valtiberina Toscana, you can explore Anghiari along with the other villages worth visiting in the area. You can also alternate cultural visits with moments of relaxation in nature, following a slow, authentic rhythm. What makes the stay even more complete are the activities offered at the agriturismo, designed to complement village exploration with experiences tied to the land. Local oil and wine tastings, traditional cooking classes, nature walks, trekking, and bike or e-bike excursions all offer ways to get to know Valtiberina through its landscapes, its flavors, and its everyday pace. In this way, a visit to Anghiari becomes part of a broader, more mindful holiday — one built on slow time, nature, and authenticity. To visit Anghiari at a relaxed pace and discover the villages of Valtiberina in the same unhurried spirit, consider staying immersed in nature and setting out each day to explore the area. Discover our rooms Discover our experiences What Our Guests Are Saying:

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Eventi in Valtiberina Toscana

Events in Valtiberina Toscana | Festivals, Fairs, and Yearly Highlights

Events in Valtiberina Toscana Valtiberina Toscana is a land that tells its story through its events. Historic festivals, food fairs, cultural gatherings, and moments tied to memory, food, and community life mark the calendar throughout the year, following the natural rhythm of the seasons. Discovering the events of Valtiberina Toscana means experiencing the region from the inside, taking part in authentic, deeply rooted traditions where every celebration forms part of local history and village identity, adding to everything that makes things to do in Valtiberina Toscana so distinctive throughout the year. Spring: Nature’s Awakening and Popular Traditions Spring is one of the best times to visit Valtiberina. The woods come back to life, days grow longer, and the villages fill once again with festivals tied to the land and local tradition. Among the most notable events: The Mostra Mercato dell’Artigianato della Valtiberina Toscana in Anghiari The Sagra del Fungo Prugnolo in Pieve Santo Stefano, a symbol of spring and rural cuisine The Fiere di Mezza Quaresima in Sansepolcro, one of the town’s oldest and most cherished events, featuring markets, stalls, and community celebrations Spring is the perfect season to combine cultural events, nature walks, and village exploration. Summer: Historic Festivals, Theater, and Community Life Summer is when Valtiberina’s collective identity comes fully alive. Squares and historic sites turn into places of gathering, storytelling, and shared experience. Among the main events: The Palio della Vittoria in Anghiari, a historical reenactment of the 1440 battle The Palio della Balestra in Sansepolcro, tied to the tradition of the Italian crossbow Tovaglia a Quadri, held within the walls of the Castello di Sorci in the Anghiari area — a dinner paired with a theatrical performance that blends food, folk theater, and local storytelling. During the event, the castle becomes a stage, and dinner unfolds alongside a play inspired by the region’s history and everyday life In spring, the villages come alive with festivals rooted in the land and local tradition, offering the perfect chance to discover the villages to visit in Valtiberina Toscana in a lively, genuine atmosphere. Autumn: Culture, Memory, and Local Flavors Autumn brings a slower, more reflective rhythm, marked by warm colors, harvests, and culturally significant events. Among the most important: I Centogusti dell’Appennino in Anghiari, dedicated to local products and cuisine Events celebrating the Marrone DOP of Caprese Michelangelo Truffle-related festivities, particularly in the Città di Castello area The Premio Pieve – Saverio Tutino, held in September in Pieve Santo Stefano, a nationally significant cultural event dedicated to memory, diaries, and life stories Autumn is the ideal season for lovers of culture, food and wine, and genuine atmosphere. Slow Tourism and Sports Events Alongside traditional festivals, Valtiberina also hosts events dedicated to slow, sustainable movement in harmony with the landscape. Among the most well-known: L’Intrepida, a vintage cycling event in Anghiari that draws enthusiasts from across Italy and celebrates the valley’s white gravel roads, villages, and scenery It’s an event that brings together sport, memory, and territory, perfectly reflecting the spirit of Valtiberina. A Calendar That Follows the Rhythm of the Seasons The events of Valtiberina Toscana aren’t created for mass tourism; they grow out of the real life of local communities. Each celebration tells: A story A tradition A moment in the year Taking part in these events means getting to know Valtiberina authentically, following its own natural pace. Events as an Expression of Local Identity In Valtiberina Toscana, events aren’t created to entertain — they exist to tell a story. Every festival, fair, or historical reenactment is the direct expression of a community that continues to live and pass down an identity deeply tied to the region’s art, traditions, and craftsmanship. Here, you don’t simply watch a show: you step into the squares, share long tables, listen to stories, and recognize familiar faces. In this way, events become genuine opportunities for connection between residents and travelers, where the line between organizer and participant grows pleasantly thin. This is what sets Valtiberina’s events apart from those found in more touristic destinations: they’re real moments, rooted in collective memory, seasonality, and a strong sense of belonging to the land. How to Plan Your Trip Around Local Events Choosing to visit Valtiberina around a specific event means shaping a more thoughtful, engaging trip. Since the villages are close together, it’s easy to weave festivals and events into a broader itinerary built around nature, culture, and slow living — alternating celebrations with walks through the countryside and trails of Valtiberina Toscana. A good approach is to: Pick one or two key events tied to your travel dates Balance festival days with quieter moments exploring villages and trails Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries This way, the event itself doesn’t become the sole focus of the trip, but rather part of a richer, more balanced experience — one where Valtiberina reveals its most authentic side. Choosing the Right Events for Your Trip Valtiberina’s events vary widely, making it possible to shape experiences suited to different travel styles. Understanding which type of event fits you best is the first step toward experiencing the region authentically. Those who love history and tradition will enjoy historical reenactments and identity-driven festivals, where the stories of the past remain very much alive within local communities. Travelers drawn to culture and memory will find real depth in events centered on diaries, storytelling, and rural life. Food and seasonal-produce enthusiasts can follow the calendar of fairs and markets tied to the valley’s signature products and the agricultural year. And those who favor an active, sustainable approach can turn to slow tourism events, non-competitive sports, and mindful movement through the landscape. Valtiberina doesn’t offer events meant to be consumed quickly — it offers moments meant to be lived with attention, woven into a journey built on time, listening, and discovery. Where to Stay to Experience the Events of Valtiberina Toscana Experiencing Valtiberina’s events means connecting with the region’s most authentic side — one made of shared traditions, seasonal rituals,

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