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SANSEPOLCRO

The town of Sansepolcro is situated on the eastern edge of Tuscany in the Upper Tiber Valley. It is north of Perugia in Umbria and east of Arezzo in Tuscany. Sansepolcro is famous as the birth place of the Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca.

WHAT TO SEE IN SANSEPOLCRO

As well as the painter Piero della Francesca, born here between 1410 and 1420, Sansepolcro is know as the city of the Palio of the Crossbow and of flag waving. Le Balestre, the Crossbow competition, is held with the neighbouring town of Gubbio on the second Sunday of September each year. This festival and the preceding week is the high point of the year and full of medieval pageantry.

CASA MILA is within easy walking distance of:

Museum which houses several of Piero della Francesca's works - a 15th century painter from Sansepolcro who's work has found world recognition during the last century. His works are hung in the National Gallery in London, and other major galleries worldwide.

The Romanesque CATHEDRAL with works of art by local painters including Raffaelino dal Colli, Perugino and a rare 9th century wooden Santo Voto (life-size carved crucifix).

LUCA PACIOLI - mathematician, born 1440 in Sansepolcro. A younger contemporary of Piero, creator of double entry book keeping. His statue is opposite the church of Madonna delle Grazie.

The Centro storico which is considered a good example of the Italian Renaissance, with the main square Piazza Torre di Berta where the people of the town come to meet, and to buy from shops and the market.

Corso - the main street with its cafes, shops and palazzi, where you can participate in the passeggiata on summer evenings.

Aboca Museum - Herbs and health throughout the ages. Excellent information and display in an historic palazzo.

Swimming Pool complex nearby just outside the Medici Fortezza.

Medici Fortezza designed by Da Sangallo (not open to the public)

Lace - Sansepolcro has a long history in lace-making. There is a school and museum, and every second year a lace competition is held here.

SURROUNDING SANSEPOLCRO

The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and low hills. Great for gentle walking, more serious trekking or riding (bicycles or horses). Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) has marked walks in the area and maps are available.

The river Tiber is two kilometres away and walking or riding along the banks to picnic or to swim under the shade of the trees is a delight.

LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST

Anghiari - Enchanting medieval hilltown. (8 kilometres)
Caprese Michelangelo - (30 minutes) birthplace of Michelangelo
Montecasale - (5 minutes drive) 9th century monastery in the hills above Sansepolcro. Refuge of St. Francis.
Monterchi - (20 minutes drive ) Fresco of the Madonna del Parto (pregnant madonna) by Piero della Francesca.
Montone (30 minutes) well restored hilltown. Its quaint piazza perfect for a glass of wine after your toil. Wonderful 360° views of the beautiful surrounding countryside.
La Verna - Famous monastery founded by St. Francis (1 hour drive) It is here that St. Francis received the stigmata. Very pleasant tranquil retreat.

PLACES TO VISIT

Florence (2 hours drive)
Siena (2 hours drive)
Perugia (1 hour)
Ravenna (1 1/2 hours drive)
Urbino (1 1/2 hours)
Arezzo (1 hour)
Cortona (1 hour)
Gubbio (1 hour)
Assisi (1 hour)