Città della Pieve
Citta' della Pieve sits prettily on a hill where Umbria skirts the border of Tuscany. The walled amber-hued town is built entirely of brick, giving it a lovely uniformity. In fact, it was a centre for brick manufacturing in the middle ages, along with textiles. The warm colours and architectural harmony give it a welcoming feel. The town is nestled in its ancient protective walls, like a nested jewel. The overall atmosphere is charming and vibrant. The surrounding countryside is swathed in sunflowers and olive trees. More about it here.
Umbria & Toscana
Nestled in the middle of the Italian peninsula, halfway between Rome and Florence, lies Umbria. It is a region steeped in history, art and culture, and awash in hilltop towns and ancient castles. Its cuisine and wines rival those of its neighbors, Tuscany and Lazio (though the Umbrians will contend that it's even better!). Its unrivaled pastoral beauty has earned it the title “The Green Heart of Italy”.
With its fabled landscapes, renowned art, and acclaimed landmarks, Tuscany has been a popular destination for centuries. Tuscany is the land of castles, towers, grand cathedrals, opulent palaces and country villas. The most famous artwork and architecture in the country are found here, and it was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Its illustrious citizens include a veritable whos-who of renowned names: Galileo, Dante, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Puccini, and Medici, to name but a few. No wonder it has been on the tourist map for many years!
Map / Directions
Citta' della Pieve is perfectly located for exploring the sights of Umbria and Tuscany, just off the A-1 autostrada, overlooking Lake Trasimeno. The famous towns of Cortona, Arezzo, Montepulciano, Perugia, Orvieto, and more can be easily reached from here.
Both airports of Florence and Rome are easy to reach, all within 2 hours drive.
Arts and Tradition
Citta' della Pieve is noted for its blending of Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine, using the fruits of the forest like truffles and porcini mushrooms, hand made pastas, and exactingly-cured meats for which Umbria is famous. The area is noted for the cultivation of saffron, harvested by hand from crocus blossoms.
The most famous home-town boy was Pietro Vannucci, better known by his artistic name of Il Perugino, who left a vivid mark on his birthplace in the form of frescoes. The most famous is The Adoration of the Magi, a striking Nativity scene that he painted in the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Banchi, completed in just 28 days. The Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, and the church of San Pietro also house some of his masterpieces, and many travelers come here just to do "the Perugino trail".
Nature & Surroundings
Here you’ll find a traditional, rural lifestyle cohabitating with buzzing international universities and world-renowned festivals. Millennia-aged ruins await contemplative history-seekers, while postcard-perfect medieval villages cascade down the hillsides and beckon to be explored. Placid country roads wend through rolling hills and pass fields of smiling sunflowers, while snow-capped mountains loom to the east.
Nature lovers will enjoy Umbria’s unspoiled mountains and sparkling rivers. Country lanes that pass olive groves and flower-carpeted fields make nice walking paths all over the region. Lake Trasimeno is one of Italy’s largest lakes, perfect for water skiing and boating. It also boasts three islands that can be reached by ferry.
More about it here.