Città della Pieve Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to the stunning medieval city of Città della Pieve in Umbria, Italy.


Introduction to Città della Pieve

Città della Pieve is a charming medieval town nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Its narrow streets, beautiful churches, and historic architecture make it a must-visit destination for any traveler who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Founded in the 8th century, the town has a rich history and culture that can be experienced through its many attractions. From its museums and art galleries to its natural scenic beauty and outdoor activities, there is something to satisfy every type of traveler in Città della Pieve.

List of Places to Visit in Città della Pieve

Here are the top attractions to visit in Città della Pieve.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palazzo della Corgna: This beautiful 16th century palace was once the residence of the noble family of Corgna, and today houses an impressive collection of artworks and frescoes from the Renaissance period.
  • Museo del Fiore: Located in a 16th century palazzo, this museum celebrates the town’s traditional floral art, detailing the history, techniques, and cultural significance of the craft.
  • Chiesa di San Francesco: This church, built in the 13th century, is home to some of the most important artworks in the town, including frescoes by local artist, Pietro Vannucci.

Natural Attractions of Città della Pieve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Arale: This majestic mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Lago Trasimeno: Just a short drive from Città della Pieve, this stunning lake is the perfect place for swimming, boating, and fishing.
  • Parco del Monte Peglia: This regional park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offers a fantastic network of hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Città della Pieve

For outdoor enthusiasts, Città della Pieve offers a range of hiking and biking routes to explore. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Sentiero della Bonifica: This 62-kilometer trail runs parallel to the man-made canal that connects Lake Trasimeno to the River Tiber and offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside.
  • Monte Cetona Trail: This challenging hike takes you to the summit of Monte Cetona, one of the highest peaks in the region, and offers spectacular views from the top.
  • Strada del Vino: This scenic drive takes you through the picturesque countryside of Umbria, where you can sample excellent local wines and cuisine.

Best Things to Do in Città della Pieve: Activities and Tours

From cooking classes and hot air balloon rides to guided tours of the town’s historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to do in Città della Pieve. Here are some of the best:

  • Wine Tasting Experience: Explore the vineyards of Umbria and taste some of the region’s most delicious wines with a local guide.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: See Città della Pieve from a bird’s eye view with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the town and surrounding countryside.
  • Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Umbrian dishes like pasta and wild boar with a local chef.

Week-Long Itinerary for Città della Pieve

Here’s an example itinerary for a week-long visit to Città della Pieve:

Day 1: Arrive and explore the town’s historic center. Day 2: Take a guided walking tour of the town’s artistic and cultural landmarks. Day 3: Explore the surrounding countryside with a hike or bike ride. Day 4: Visit nearby Lake Trasimeno and have a picnic by the lake. Day 5: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Umbrian cuisine. Day 6: Experience a hot air balloon ride over the town and surrounding area. Day 7: Departure day.

Food and Drink Scene of Città della Pieve

The food and drink scene in Città della Pieve is a gastronomical paradise with a range of excellent local products and culinary traditions.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pici: A thick, hand-rolled pasta, often served with a garlic tomato sauce.
  • Cinghiale: Wild boar, often slow-cooked and served with polenta.
  • Truffles: Città della Pieve is known for its truffles, which are used to flavor a variety of dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Sagrantino di Montefalco: A full-bodied red wine, known for its high alcohol content and tannins.
  • Orvieto Classico: A crisp and refreshing white wine, perfect for enjoying on a warm summer evening.
  • Umbrian Craft Beer: The region has a growing craft beer scene, with many local breweries producing delicious and unique beers.

Where to Stay in Città della Pieve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Città della Pieve has a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hotel Vannucci: A luxurious hotel, located in the heart of the town center.
  • La Casa dei Nonni: A cozy and charming bed and breakfast, perfect for travelers on a budget.
  • Agriturismo Le Piagge: A stunning countryside retreat, offering panoramic views of the Umbrian hills.

What to Buy in Città della Pieve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Città della Pieve:

  • Ceramics: The town is known for its beautiful hand-painted ceramics, which make for excellent souvenirs.
  • Truffles and Truffle Products: Umbria is famous for its truffles, and you can find a range of truffle products, including oils and sauces, in Città della Pieve.
  • Wine: The region is home to a variety of excellent wines, which make for great gifts or souvenirs to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Città della Pieve

The people of Città della Pieve are friendly and welcoming, and the town has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The local culture is heavily influenced by the region’s agricultural past, and many traditions and festivals celebrate the harvest and seasonal produce.

Best Time to Visit Città della Pieve

The best time to visit Città della Pieve is from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. July and August can be hot, but this is also the time when many of the town’s festivals and events take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Città della Pieve

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas.
  • Take photos in churches without permission.
  • Leave your trash in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Città della Pieve

Città della Pieve is a safe town, and violent crime is rare. However, it’s always advisable to take common sense precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Città della Pieve

Overall, Italy has a high standard of healthcare, but it’s recommended that visitors purchase travel insurance before visiting. In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical assistance.

Getting to Città della Pieve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Città della Pieve is well-connected to the rest of Italy, making it easy to reach by car, train, or plane.

Airports Near Città della Pieve

The closest airport to Città della Pieve is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, which is around 50 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Città della Pieve

The town has a small bus station, with regular services to nearby towns and villages.

Other Options

If you’re traveling from Rome or Florence, the best option is to take the train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme and then catch a taxi to Città della Pieve.

How to Get Around in Città della Pieve

The town is small and easily walkable, with most attractions located within close proximity. Taxis and buses are also available for those who prefer not to walk.

Where to Go Next from Città della Pieve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Città della Pieve is well situated for exploring the surrounding area, with a range of exciting destinations nearby, including:

  • Assisi: A beautiful medieval town, home to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
  • Perugia: The capital of Umbria, with a rich and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Siena: A stunning medieval city, famous for its historic center and traditional horse racing festival, the Palio.

Conclusion

Città della Pieve is a charming and picturesque medieval town, with a rich history and culture that is just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re interested in art and history, outdoor activities, or food and wine, Città della Pieve offers something for everyone. So why not plan your visit today, and discover the magic of this unique Italian town?