Anghiari, the gem of Valtiberina

The hilltop medieval hamlet of Anghiari dominates the Upper Valley of the Tiber River, in the easternmost area of the Province of Arezzo. Surrounded by imposing walls, its nice squares and narrow alleys are overlooked by nice craft workshops, palaces and houses with small windows and balconies adorned with colourful flowers. The historic centre is perfectly preserved and worth a visit if you are in the area of Arezzo, and offers many picture postcard views: it is no coincidence that the hamlet has been voted as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.

Anghiari is commonly known for the famous battle that in 1440, in the valley just under the hamlet, opposed the Florentine troops, supported by the Pope, and the Milanese army, that was defeated.  The fact itself would have been quickly forgotten if Leonardo da Vinci hadn’t painted a commemorating fresco for the decoration of a new council chamber in Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence. The work went ruined but copies of Leonardo’s preparatory studies were drowned by several artists over the years and came to our days. The plain of the battle is still well visible from the walls of the hamlet and the Museum of Memories and Landscape in the land of Anghiari is largely dedicated to this famous historic fact.  The Museum is located in the central Piazza Mameli; open daily, April, 1st – November, 1st 9:30-13:00/14:30-18:30, November, 2nd -March, 31st 9:30-13:00/14:30-17:30. Closed on Christmas Day. Ticket 3 €, reduced 2,50 €, children under 14 years for free. 

Strolling in the centre, looking around its nice antique and artistic stores or stop-off at one of the many grocery stores where the typical products of the Upper Valley of Tiber can be found and bought (we strongly recommend the special pasta called bringoli – handmade big spaghetti made with water and wheat flour-  bread and cheeses) is the best way to enjoy the atmospehere of this medieval gem between the rivers Tiber and Arno, a little far away from the popular tourist routes, but absolutely worthy!

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