Anghiari – A Dive into History

An Italian municipality in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, the village of Anghiari is one of the most characteristic places in the region thanks to its deep historical ties.

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The Territory and History of Anghiari

Located in the easternmost part of Tuscany and built on a hill ridge, Anghiari—whose name derives, according to some, from castrum angolare (referring to the angular shape of its castle), and according to others from glarea (gravel), due to the village being built on gravel—originated with the foundation of its castle in the 7th century. First mentioned in a document from 1048, the castle was initially under Lombard rule and later donated to Camaldoli, which became the absolute master of the area from 1104 to 1143, founding the monastery of San Bartolomeo Apostolo around which the settlement developed.

In 1322, the town came under the rule of the Tarlati family of Pietramala, who promoted public works until 1385, when Anghiari passed into Florentine hands. In 1440, it became the site of the famous Battle of Anghiari, fought between the Florentine army—ally of the Holy See and led by Giovanni Paolo Orsini—and the army of the Duke of Milan, commanded by Niccolò Piccinino. The Florentine victory consolidated their dominance in Tuscany, celebrated through Leonardo da Vinci’s mural painting.

Monuments and Places of Interest

Thanks to its features and its connection to Florentine history, Anghiari is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and offers numerous points of interest, such as:

• Badia di San Bartolomeo – built by the Camaldolese monks in 1104, it houses several works, including a wooden Madonna attributed to the Sienese sculptor Tino di Caimano.
• Pieve di Santa Maria a Micciano – documented since 1080, it underwent a major transformation in 1180. Inside is a painting of the Madonna and Child enthroned between Saints Peter and Jerome, dating to the late 15th or early 16th century and attributed to Luca Signorelli.
• Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie – one of the more recent constructions (1628–1740), designed by Giovanni Battista Bellini, it preserves important Florentine Renaissance paintings, including the Presentation at the Temple attributed to Francesco Cungi.
• Church of Santo Stefano – an ancient place of worship of early medieval architecture (7th–8th century), likely built during Lombard rule.

• Palazzo Pretorio – now the town hall, built in the 14th century, it preserves dungeons, a chapel, and a fresco of Justice (15th century), probably by Antonio di Anghiari.
• Castello dei Sorci – once the residence of Captain Baldaccio d’Anghiari, later transformed into a 17th-century villa and farm, today home to one of Italy’s most typical restaurants. It was also a filming location for Nothing Left to Do but Cry with Roberto Benigni and Massimo Troisi.
• Castello di Montauto – a medieval fortress belonging to the Borbolani family, later modified in the 16th century. It hosted Saint Francis of Assisi several times, who donated his robe to the feudal lord, where it was kept until 1503.
• Museum of the Battle and of Anghiari – located in Palazzo Marzocco, it houses collections from prehistory and the famous battle.
• Monti Rognosi Nature Reserve – a protected area rich in flora, fauna, and trails, including the “mines path” and others dedicated to Saint Francis.

Curiosities About the Village

Beyond its monuments and history, Anghiari has also been a set for films, a place of good cuisine, and lively events. Among the movies filmed here are:

• La ragazza di Bube (1963) by Luigi Comencini
• La ragazza dei Lillà (1986) by Flavio Mogherini
• A Beautiful Wife (2007) by Leonardo Pieraccioni

Notable events include:

• Palio della Vittoria – one of the oldest palii in Tuscany, established in 1440, still run today along the steep “Croce” climb, with runners wearing the colors of their municipalities.
• Scampanata – a folkloric event of medieval origin, revived in 1980, featuring a decorated cart carrying latecomers to the celebration.
• I Centogusti dell’Appennino – a market dedicated to agritourism and local gastronomy, held between late October and early November, where visitors can taste typical dishes such as bringoli con sugo finto, handmade water-and-flour spaghetti.

How to Reach Anghiari

The most convenient way to reach Anghiari is by car:

• From the North: take the A1 motorway to Cesena, then the E45 towards Orte–Rome, exit at Sansepolcro Sud, and follow signs for Valtiberina–Sansepolcro.
• From the South: take the A1 motorway to Arezzo or the E45 towards Cesena, exiting at Sansepolcro.

Don’t miss one of the villages most deeply immersed in Italian history!