Umbria

Situated in the “Green Heart of Italy,” near the border of Tuscany and Umbria, Casa Anna is a great base for exploring the area.
Local routes offer spectacular views of valleys, meadows and mountain peaks and there is easy access to numerous historic sites. The opportunities to appreciate Italian art, culture and nature are endless.

Local Villages

Citerna
Citerna is a peaceful historic centre, which boasts a small shop, a bar, two restaurants, a post office, a hairdresser’s and a cash point. The lovely sixteenth century church of St Francesco is lavishly decorated with paintings and the village square provides stunning views. There is a covered medieval walk way on the southern side of the village and a beautiful Nature Park on the north side. If your Italian is adequate, explore Citerna’s own web site here.

Monterchi
Monterchi is just over a kilometre away and offers the convenience of supermarkets and restaurants as well as a farmers' market on Sunday. The town is home to the famous Renaissance painting by Piero della Francesca, “Madonna del Parto” (The Pregnant Madonna). During the summer months, free classical music concerts take place, each week, in the grounds of the museum.

Caprese Michelangelo
This tiny medieval village was the birthplace of 15th century artist Michelangelo. In addition to the famous artist’s house, it boasts a small museum devoted to his life.

Local Towns

Anghiari
Anghiari is a small medieval town, which was made famous by Leonardo's painting of a battle held there. Anghiari has a number of stores, banks, bars and internet service as well as a market on Wednesday mornings. An excellent craft fair is held here in May.

Sansepolcro
The larger town of Sansepolcro is still enclosed within its historic walls. It has many excellent shops and a fine little art gallery honouring the works of Sansepolcro's most famous resident, Piero Della Francesca. The town holds a crossbow competition on the second Sunday in September, and several other pageants throughout the year.

Città di Castello
This is another good-sized town, within 10km of Casa Anna, is Città di Castello, which boasts a Duomo, shopping area, restaurants and the famous art centre, featuring works of Alberto Burri. One of many traditional events held here, the Good Friday parade, is an unforgettable spectacle.

Assisi
Slightly further afield, another notable town in Umbria is Assisi, of St Francis fame. It is forbidden to alter the exteriors of buildings in the town, which make it a marvel of preservation.

Deruta
This area is famous for its ceramic studios and is the place to visit for those intent upon buying local craft wear.