Citerna: the terrace village of Umbria

Citerna, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, rises on a hill in the Upper Tiber Valley, on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. The name may derive from the presence of numerous cisterns for collecting rainwater in the village houses.

The origins of Citerna date back to the Etruscan and Roman periods, as evidenced by the discovery of coins and ceramic artifacts. In the Middle Ages, it assumed a strategic role, passing under the control of Arezzo, then Città di Castello, and finally the Tarlati of Pietramala. From the 16th to the 17th century, under the rule of the Vitelli family—powerful condottieri and patrons—the village experienced its golden age: new buildings were erected and works by Donatello, Pomarancio, Raffaellino del Colle, and Signorelli were hosted.

In 1849, it welcomed Garibaldi during his flight, and in 1860 it was among the first Umbrian towns to join the Kingdom of Italy.

Today, Citerna fascinates visitors with its history, art, and architectural beauty.

What to see in Citerna

Citerna, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, stands in a strategic position in the Upper Tiber Valley, on the border between Umbria, Tuscany, and Marche. Its location, perfect for controlling military movements, determined its fortified vocation: city walls, medieval walkways, a Lombard fortress, and an acropolis still tell its story today.

The village is built on two levels: the upper one, with the historic center enclosed between Porta Romana and Porta Fiorentina, and the lower one, consisting of tunnels and underground passages, where the ancient cisterns for collecting rainwater—an identifying feature of Citerna—are located.

Among its artistic treasures are the Church of San Francesco, with works by Pomarancio, Signorelli, Raffaellino del Colle, and a Madonna and Child attributed to Donatello, and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, which preserves a Crucifixion and a bell dating back to 1269.

Completing the village are the Bontempelli Theater, the civic tower with a 16th-century clock, and a breathtaking landscape embracing the entire Tiber Valley. Citerna is a place suspended in time, where art, history, and nature coexist in harmony.

Events, culture, and traditions

Citerna, in addition to being one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, hosts a rich annual calendar of cultural and artistic events. From April to June, Il Torrione takes place, a national festival of dialect comic theater dedicated to amateur companies.

The last two weeks of July are dedicated to music, with masterclasses for string instruments and piano, aimed at Italian and international students and teachers, concluding with a series of concerts.

In August, the first two weeks host the National Ceramics Market Exhibition, linked to the historic local tradition thanks to the clay of Fighille.

In autumn, the Autumn Festival (third Sunday of October) celebrates the flavors of the forest: mushrooms, chestnuts, honey, and truffles, with the fun competition Bisaccia del Tartufaio involving well-known personalities.

During the Christmas season, Il Torrione d’Inverno returns, with puppet theater performances for children, bringing life to the village even in the coldest months.

What to see around Citerna

Citerna is in a strategic position between Umbria and Tuscany, perfect for exploring other historic villages.

Just a few kilometers away are Anghiari and Sansepolcro in Tuscany, and Città di Castello in Umbria, all rich in Renaissance art, museums, and local traditions. Nature and trekking lovers can follow the trails of the Way of St. Francis.

photo credits Claudio Giovanni Colombo