Visit Anghiari
Like neighbouring town Sansepolcro, the Italian town of Anghiari is in central eastern Tuscany.
We suggest starting your visit from the Santo Stefano Church. Dating originally from the seventh century it is in the form of a Greek cross, and undoubtedly it influenced the use of Byzantine art in Ravenna (for example, the "Mausoleum of Galla Placidia" at Ravenna). Built entirely in brick, it has three apses, which refer symbolically to the sacred concept of the Trinity; inside the central space forms a harmonious whole with the side chapels and a series of arches, and is also enriched by a painting of the fifteenth century, depicting the 'Madonna and Child with Saints', by Domenico di Michelino (1417-1491).
Among other religious buildings of considerable renown are the Church of Saintt Augustine in the Piazza Garibaldi dating from the late 13th century. According to tradition, it seems that the foundation of the church is linked to the figure of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury (1118-1170), who, during his exile, spent some time in Anghiari. Following him were some “Friars Hospitaller”, of the Saint Anthony Abbot Order, who built a chapel, on which, in the fourteenth century, Augustinian monks built a church dedicated to St. Augustine. The church has a simple structure, with a single aisle, with a portal and facade in Renaissance style, while the inside is decorated with various stuccos from the eighteenth century.
Among the notable civic buildings in Anghiari are the Praetorian Palace (in Piazza del Popolo) whose construction was due to the Perusinus in 1339. On the façade you can see many decorative coats of arms in terracotta and stone, which belonged to the Podestà and the Vicars of Anghiari.
In the Piazzetta Mameli (after Piazza Baldaccio, Via Garibaldi and the Church of St. Augustine) stands the Taglieschi Palace, formed the union of several medieval towers, and restored in 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 is seat of the “State Museum”, which houses a large number of important collections of works by Jacopo Vignali (1592-1664), Andrea della Robbia [1400 ca.-1481] (The “Nativity”), Jacopo della Quercia (1374-1438), and numerous sculptures and inscriptions of 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. Today the Palace houses the offices of the "Documentation of the Battle of Anghiari (see history of Anghiari for details of this important battle) and contains a large amont of documents and testimony about the battle - for example, you can go over the highlights of the battle and remember the lost work by Leonardo da Vinci. On the first floor the battle is commemorated with a model that reconstructs some aspects of the battle.
A visit to the town of Anghiari can be concluded with the Fortress or 'Cassero' - dating from the fourteenth century, it was born from the restructuring of the ancient Abbey of Camaldoli, which once stood in this high position on the village. Other fortifications can also be seen in the area around Anghiari; nearby there are the castles called "Of Rats" and of Monteauto, both of Lombard origin; also the Pianettole and Galbino Castles; and all together 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 flavors accented by the Tiber Valley, such as homemade "Bringolo", panzanella, bruschetta and steak Chianina - to be enjoyed accompanied by the Tuscan wine "Vin Santo".
Credit: photo of Anghiari town by Stephen Burch is copyright