Città di Castello
Welcome to Città di Castello!
Are you ready to discover one of the most beautiful cities in Umbria? Welcome to Città di Castello!
Physical Geography
Città di Castello is located in the upper Tiber valley and is one of the Italian municipalities with the largest extension of territory, 387 km². The city has a strategic position right on the border with the Marche and Tuscany regions and enjoys a sub-littoral temperate climate.
History
The history of Città di Castello is ancient. Founded by the Umbrians on the left bank of the Tiber, it became a Roman municipality from the 1st century BC, thanks also to the influence of the "gens" Plinia, which owned vast estates and erected a temple, whose location remains unknown to this day.
Things to see in Città di Castello
Città di Castello offers numerous tourist attractions, sacred buildings, and noble palaces that tell the story of the city.
The Cathedral and Churches
Città di Castello is the episcopal see of the homonymous diocese, whose symbol is the beautiful Cathedral dedicated to San Florido and San Amanzio, dating back to the 13th century. But the city also hosts numerous other churches such as the Church of San Francesco with its splendid frescoes by Raphael Sanzio, the Church of Sant'Angelo, the Church of San Giuseppe, and the Church of the Collegio del Gesù.
Historic Palaces
Città di Castello is rich in historic palaces, noble residences, and lordly residences. Among the most famous are the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo della Corgna, and Palazzo del Podestà.
The Cathedral Museum
The Cathedral Museum, located next to the Cathedral, is a real treasure trove. Inside, you can admire important works of art such as the wooden crucifix by Giovanni Tedesco, the Madonna and Child by Luca Signorelli, the Madonna del Latte by Piero della Francesca, and the famous polyptych by Niccolò di Liberatore called "L'Alunno".
Città di Castello and its gastronomy
The cuisine of Città di Castello is typical of Umbria, genuine, varied, and rich in flavors.
Typical products
Among the typical products are cured meats and cheeses such as ham, coppa, salami, and porchetta, as well as fossa cheese, caciotta, and pecorino. Città di Castello is also famous for its extra virgin olive oil, with an intense flavor and a strong taste, but also for the famous prized black truffle.
Traditional dishes
Among the traditional dishes are wild boar alla cacciatora, Farro or Ceci soups, stewed snails, Florentine tripe, hunter-style rabbit, porcini mushrooms, and Farro soup with bacon and kale.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, many traditional and folkloric events and festivals take place in Città di Castello.
The Gaite Market
The Gaite Market is the main historical and cultural event of the city. It takes place every year in the second half of June and reconstructs the daily life of the 14th century with clothes, foods, objects, and environments.
The Quintana Joust
The Giostra della Quintana is an equestrian event that takes place on the third and fourth Sundays of September. Knights and ladies, in period costumes, compete, entertaining and involving the public.
The Tartufesta
The Tartufesta, which takes place on the third Sunday of November, is dedicated to one of the typical products for which Città di Castello is famous: the prized black truffle. A day to taste, learn about, and buy this exquisite product.
Città di Castello is a city rich in history and culture, where you can taste the delicacies of Umbrian cuisine and participate in traditional events and festivals. You just have to visit it!
