Città di Castello
A refined Renaissance town in the upper Tiber valley, birthplace of the artist Alberto Burri and home to a celebrated truffle festival and outstanding pinacoteca.
Things to do
- Visit Museo Burri – Palazzo Albizzini — A world-class collection of works by abstract artist Alberto Burri displayed in his hometown palace.
- Explore the Pinacoteca Comunale — One of Umbria's finest civic art galleries with works by Raphael, Signorelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Attend the Mostra del Tartufo — Visit in October–November for one of Umbria's best white and black truffle fairs in the town centre.
- Tour the Cathedral and Crypt — The Duomo holds a remarkable silver altar frontal and an intriguing underground Paleo-Christian crypt.
- Cycle the Alta Valle del Tevere — Rent a bike and follow flat cycling paths along the upper Tiber river through tobacco fields and countryside.
Food to try
- Tartufo Bianco Pregiato — Prized white truffle from the Tiber valley, shaved raw over egg pasta or soft-boiled eggs.
- Tagliatelle al Tartufo Nero — Fresh egg tagliatelle dressed with fragrant black truffle paste and local butter.
- Coppa di Testa — A traditional cold cut made from braised pig's head, seasoned with herbs and pressed into a terrine.
- Ciaramicola — A ring-shaped Umbrian sweet cake flavoured with alchermes liqueur and topped with white meringue.
Local customs & good to know
- Alberto Burri's Legacy — Burri is Italy's most internationally celebrated post-war artist; locals are proud of his legacy, so express genuine interest.
- Market Day on Thursday — Thursday is market day in Piazza Matteotti; arrive early for the freshest local produce and truffle vendors.
- Tobacco Culture — The region has historic Virginia tobacco farms; this agricultural heritage is part of local identity and worth acknowledging.