Città di Castello Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Città di Castello, learn about the food and drink scene, find the best places to stay and what souvenirs to bring home, and discover nearby destinations and transportation options.


Introduction to Città di Castello

Città di Castello, a charming town located in the Umbria region of Italy, is known for its medieval and Renaissance art, culture, and architecture. Surrounded by hills and valleys, it is a popular destination for travelers interested in exploring the natural beauty of Central Italy. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the town, including places to visit, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health information, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Città di Castello

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Pinacoteca Comunale – This museum houses an impressive collection of artwork from the 14th to the 17th century, including pieces by important Italian artists such as Rosso Fiorentino and Signorelli.
  2. Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera – This Renaissance palace is known for its magnificent frescoes and is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance art in Umbria.
  3. Cathedral of Santa Maria – This 13th-century cathedral features a beautiful façade with a rose window and a bell tower dating back to the 17th century.

Natural Attractions of Città di Castello: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Monte Santa Maria Tiberina – This picturesque hill town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the Tiber River.
  2. Tiber River Park – This park is a popular spot for hiking and cycling, with scenic trails leading to waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
  3. Bosco di San Francesco – This forest is home to a variety of wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Città di Castello

  1. La Via di Francesco – This historic trail traces the journey of St. Francis of Assisi from Assisi to Rome and passes through Città di Castello.
  2. Tiber River Trail – This scenic trail follows the Tiber River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Città di Castello: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine Tasting – Umbria is known for its excellent wine, and there are many tours and tastings available in and around Città di Castello.
  2. Cooking Classes – Learn how to make traditional Umbrian dishes, such as pasta alla Norcina and porchetta, from local chefs.
  3. Truffle Hunting – Città di Castello is located in the heart of truffle country, and there are many tours available where you can learn about truffle hunting and taste fresh truffles.

Week-Long Itinerary for Città di Castello

Day Activities
1 Explore the historic town center of Città di Castello, including the Pinacoteca Comunale and the Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera.
2 Take a day trip to Monte Santa Maria Tiberina and hike the trails around the village.
3 Visit the Bosco di San Francesco and take a nature walk or go birdwatching.
4 Learn about Umbrian wine and take a tour of a local winery.
5 Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Umbrian dishes.
6 Go truffle hunting and taste fresh truffles.
7 Relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside around Città di Castello.

Food and Drink Scene of Città di Castello

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pasta alla Norcina – This pasta dish is made with truffle sausage, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Porchetta – This roasted pork dish is flavored with rosemary and garlic.
  3. Torta al testo – This flatbread is typically filled with prosciutto, cheese, and other local ingredients.

Local Beverages

  1. Sagrantino di Montefalco – This robust red wine is made from the Sagrantino grape, which is grown exclusively in Umbria.
  2. Perugina – This liqueur is made from anise and sugar and is often served as an after-dinner drink.

Where to Stay in Città di Castello: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Le Mura – This 4-star hotel is located in the historic town center and features elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
  2. B&B Il Faro del Castello – This charming bed and breakfast is located in a 15th-century building and features a garden and a terrace.
  3. Agriturismo Il Rimbocco – This farmhouse offers rooms and apartments surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

What to Buy in Città di Castello: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Ceramics – Città di Castello is known for its pottery, and there are many shops where you can buy handmade ceramics.
  2. Truffles – Umbria is famous for its truffles, and you can buy fresh or preserved truffles at many shops in Città di Castello.
  3. Olive Oil – Umbria is also known for its excellent olive oil, which you can buy at local markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Città di Castello

Città di Castello is a town that takes pride in its cultural heritage. The locals are known for their warm hospitality and love of traditional music and dance, which can be seen at festivals and celebrations throughout the year. It is customary to greet people with a kiss on each cheek, and it is considered impolite to leave a restaurant without expressing gratitude and saying goodbye to the staff.

Best Time to Visit Città di Castello

The best time to visit Città di Castello is from April to October when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be hot, but the town comes alive with festivals and events during this time. In September and October, the town celebrates the annual Truffle Festival, which is a must-see for foodies.

Do’s and Don’ts of Città di Castello

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try the local cuisine and wine.
  3. Learn some basic Italian phrases.

Don’t:

  1. Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches or other religious sites.
  2. Be loud or disruptive in public places.
  3. Leave a restaurant without tipping the staff.

Safety and Health

Safety in Città di Castello

Città di Castello is a safe town, but as with any place, it is important to take precautions to avoid theft or pickpocketing. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Health in Città di Castello

Medical facilities in Città di Castello are top-notch, and there are many doctors and hospitals available in case of an emergency. It is recommended that visitors have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Città di Castello: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Città di Castello

  1. Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG) – 45 kilometers (28 miles) away.
  2. Florence Airport (FLR) – 132 kilometers (82 miles) away.

Bus Stations Near Città di Castello

  1. Città di Castello Bus Station – Located in the town center and serves local and regional destinations.
  2. Perugia Bus Station – Serves regional and national destinations.

Other Options

  1. Train – The closest train station is in Arezzo, which is 45 kilometers (28 miles) away.
  2. Car – Città di Castello is accessible by car and is located just off the E45 highway.

How to Get Around in Città di Castello

The best way to get around Città di Castello is on foot or by bike. The town is small enough to explore on foot, and there are many scenic cycling routes in the surrounding countryside. Taxis and buses are available for longer journeys or for those who prefer not to walk or cycle.

Where to Go Next from Città di Castello: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Assisi – Known for its religious significance and beautiful medieval architecture, Assisi is just an hour’s drive from Città di Castello.
  2. Florence – This Renaissance city is located just two hours away and is famous for its art, culture, and history.
  3. Trasimeno Lake – This beautiful lake is located just over an hour’s drive away and offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Conclusion

Città di Castello is a town that offers a perfect mix of art, culture, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to explore the hidden gems of Central Italy. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, Città di Castello is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

The Municipal Tower The Municipal Tower