Città di Castello
Città di Castello is a city and comune in the province of Perugia, in the northern part of Umbria. Set in the upper valley of the Tiber, it is a Renaissance art town long associated with the painter Raphael and home today to museums devoted to its artistic and craft traditions.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic city (comune)
- Period
- Roman origins; medieval and Renaissance development
- Style
- Medieval and Renaissance
- Location
- Upper Tiber valley, province of Perugia, Umbria
Overview
Città di Castello lies in the northern part of Umbria, in the upper valley of the river Tiber, close to the borders with Tuscany and the Marche. Its historic centre preserves a regular plan within Renaissance walls. The town is one of the principal art and cultural centres of the upper Tiber region.
History
The settlement has Roman origins and grew into an important medieval commune. During the Renaissance it flourished under the rule of local noble families and became a centre of artistic patronage. Among the works produced for the town were early commissions associated with the young Raphael.
What you see
The historic core is enclosed by Renaissance walls and centred on its cathedral and civic palaces. Painted and decorated interiors, churches and noble residences reflect centuries of patronage. The town is also known for its modern and contemporary art collections and for traditional crafts such as printing and tobacco-related industry.
Cultural significance
Città di Castello holds an important place in the art history of central Italy, both for its Renaissance heritage and for its later cultural institutions. Its museums make it a recognised destination for visitors exploring the upper Tiber valley.
Practical information
The city is freely accessible as a historic centre; individual churches and museums keep their own opening hours and admission rules. Check the official municipal tourism website for current details before planning a visit.
Getting there
Città di Castello lies in northern Umbria near the E45 superstrada linking Perugia and Cesena. The nearest major rail and air connections are at Perugia, roughly an hour to the south. The town is also reachable from Arezzo, across the Tuscan border to the west.