Anghiari, Italy: travel guide for the small Tuscany town of Anghiari

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Visit Anghiari

The Italian town of Anghiari is in central-eastern Tuscany, a short distance west of Sansepolcro.

Exploring Anghiari

A picturesque small town with an interesting historic center, Anghiari contains narrow streets that pass through the medieval center and with numerous characterful houses and several churches of interest.

Churches of Anghiari

We suggest that you start your visit to Anghiari at Santo Stefano Church. Dating originally from the 7th century, the church is in the form of a Greek cross, and without doubt the design of this early church influenced the use of Byzantine art in Ravenna (for example, the "Mausoleum of Galla Placidia" at Ravenna).

Church and castle in Anghiari old town Built entirely in brick, the church of Santo Stefano has three apses, which symbolically represent the sacred concept of the Trinity. The central area of the church forms a harmonious whole with the side chapels and a series of arches, and is also enriched by a 15th century painting depicting the 'Madonna and Child with Saints' by Domenico di Michelino (1417-1491).

Among the other religious buildings of considerable interest in Anghiari is the Church of Saint Augustine in Piazza Garibaldi and dating from the late 13th century.

According to tradition the foundation of the church is linked to Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury (1118-1170), who spent time in Anghiari during his exile from England.

Following after Thomas Becket were some 'Friars Hospitalier', of the Saint Anthony Abbot Order, who built a chapel. In the 14th century, Augustinian monks built a church dedicated to St. Augustine on the site.

The church has a simple structure with a single aisle and a portal and facade in the Renaissance style, while the inside is decorated with various 18th century stuccos.

Palaces and other monuments

Among the notable civic buildings in Anghiari, one of the highlights is the Praetorian Palace in Piazza del Popolo. The palace was constructed by the Perusinus in 1339 and on the façade you can see many decorative coats of arms in terracotta and stone, representing the Podestà and the Vicars of Anghiari.

In the Piazzetta Mameli (after Piazza Baldaccio, Via Garibaldi and the Church of St. Augustine) you find the Taglieschi Palace, formed from several medieval towers and restored in the Renaissance style by Matteo Cane, a Captain of Fortune well known in Anghiari. On a finely decorated column placed on the corner of the building there is a carved head of a dog.

Today the palace holds the 'State Museum' with a a large number of important art works by Jacopo Vignali (1592-1664), Andrea della Robbia [1400 c.1481] (The “Nativity”), Jacopo della Quercia (1374-1438), and numerous sculptures and inscriptions dating from Roman times.

In the same square you can also visit the 14th century Marzocco Palace, a combination of two tower-houses constructed by the medieval mercantile bourgeoisie of city.

The Marcazzo Palace now houses the offices of the "Documentation of the Battle of Anghiari (see history of Anghiari for details of this important battle), with a large number of documents and testimonies about the battle.

Hereyou can learn of the highlights of the battle and the lost painting of the battle by Leonardo da Vinci. On the first floor the Battle of Anghiari is commemorated with a model that reconstructs some aspects of the battle.

Your visit to the town of Anghiari can finish with a visit to the Fortress or 'Cassero'. Dating from the 14th century the fortress was created by the restructuring of the ancient Abbey of Camaldoli, which once stood in this high position above the village.

Attractions and places of interest nearby

Other fortifications can also be seen in the area around Anghiari. Nearby there are the 'Castle of Rats' and the 'Castle of Monteauto', both of Lombard origin. Together with others such as the Pianettole and Galbino Castles these form form a setting of great interest for its unique historical traditions.

These traditions are also found in the local Anghiari cuisine that consists of simple dishes with tasty wholesome flavours accented by the Tiber Valley, such as homemade "Bringolo", panzanella, bruschetta and steak Chianina - to be enjoyed accompanied by the Tuscan wine "Vin Santo".