Anghiari
Anghiari: a town in Tuscany
Anghiari is a town located in the province of Arezzo in Tuscany, with a population of 5462 inhabitants. The city is famous for having been the stage of the Battle of Anghiari fought in 1440 between the Florentines and the Milanese, and for the subsequent Battle of Anghiari by Leonardo da Vinci.
Physical Geography
Territory
Anghiari is located in the Valtiberina, the easternmost part of Tuscany, where the river Tiber flows along its entire length. The Passo della Libbia, located at 580 meters above sea level, connects Anghiari to Arezzo.
Climate
The climate of Anghiari is rather warm and temperate, with an average annual temperature of over 16°C. The hottest months are in the summer, with an average temperature of about 28°C, while the winter months are rather cold, with temperatures below zero.
History
Anghiari has an ancient history and the origin of its name is a source of multiple interpretations. Some argue that it derives from "castrum angolare," in reference to the angular shape of its castle, while others say that it comes from "in glarea," in reference to the accumulation of gravel from the Tiber in the area.
It is known that Anghiari was a Lombard castle that arose in the 7th century on a site of Roman age. The castle was first under the control of the counts of Galbino and Montedoglio and was later donated to the Camaldolese in 1104, with the obligation of founding an abbey.
In the XIII century, the community of Anghiari gained more and more importance in the orbit of Arezzo, enriching itself with communal magistracies and a new wall. In 1322, the city was conquered by the Tarlati family, who managed to develop the city with works like the Mercatale square. In 1385, Anghiari passed under Florentine rule.
On June 29, 1440, the famous battle of Anghiari was fought between the Florentine army and that of the Duchy of Milan, which was an event of great importance for the city.
Tourist attractions
Anghiari is a city that preserves the traces of its ancient history, such as the castle, the Palazzo Pretorio, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the church of San Bartolomeo. Every year in June, the historical reenactment of the Battle of Anghiari is organized, with period costumes and shows.
Anghiari also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as excursions in the National Park of Casentinesi Forests, visits to nearby medieval villages such as Monterchi and Sansepolcro, and tastings of wine and oil at the local farms.
Tuscan cuisine
Tuscan cuisine is one of the most famous and delicious in Italy, and Anghiari is no exception. The city offers a wide choice of local products, such as Chianti wine and the famous Tuscan olive oil, and traditional dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, panzanella, pasta with wild boar ragù, and schiacciata.
Conclusions
Anghiari is a town in Tuscany that offers many tourist attractions and options for leisure time. Its ancient history, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and traditions make this city an excellent starting point for a vacation in Tuscany.
