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.