Anghiari, let's discover this medieval gem in Tuscany

If we think of Anghiari, a fortified citadel in the so-called Valtiberina Toscana, probably the first thing coming to mind is the famous battle that took place in this picturesque medieval village between the armies of Florence and Milan. To make this historical event of 1440 known was Leonardo da Vinci, who dedicated to this bloody clash a painting, now unfortunately lost.

But fortunately, there's still a copy made by Paul Rubens, faithfully reproducing Da Vinci's original idea. In the small town in the province of Arezzo, the elegant city of Tuscany, this lost work of art is so greatly important that, inside Palazzo della Battaglia, it was founded the Museum of the Battle and Anghiari!

Art, in this beautiful village, is really present everywhere. Not to be missed the State Museum where it's possible to admire works by Jacopo della Quercia, Della Robbia or Giovanni Antonio Sogliani. And as if the presence of these majestic art works were not enough, Anghiari also offers its visitors incredible scenic wonders and views, so much to have become a great destination for photography enthusiasts.

You can't wait to visit it as well? So let's find out what to see in Anghiari on your next trip to Tuscany!

Before checking out what to see in Anghiari, the imperative to keep in mind is to take it easy: after all, this quiet Tuscan village is part of the Slow Cities, places hanging between past and present where find the pleasure of traveling slowly again.

Thus, what to see to best enjoy Anghiari? The answer is simple, from the characteristic medieval historic centre, exploring the alleys and squares in the shadow of historic buildings that tell centuries of stories and adventures. Among these, the outstanding Palazzo Pretorio, today town's hall, Badia San Bartolomeo with its Cassero (the fortified side of the building), and the Churches of Sant'Agostino and Santa Maria delle Grazie.

For tourists who feel more fascinated by the fairy-tale historical aspect, don't miss the walkway on the ancient walls of the historic centre of Anghiari, and obviously also the wonderful castles nearby, in particular Castello di Galbino, whose construction dates back to the year 1000, and Castello di Sorci, today home to a traditional restaurant where you can taste the best of Tuscan food and wine.

In addition to the already mentioned Museum of the Battle and Anghiari, where it is possible to learn in depth about the clash that so marked the history of these lands, along with events more purely related to the world of art, this picturesque country village also hosts more museums to visit.

For example the State Museum, housed inside Palazzo Taglieschi, boasting a very prestigious collection of works of sacred and secular art, in particular a polychrome wooden Holy May by Jacopo della Quercia. It may also be interesting to visit the Misericordia Museum, where to learn more about the story and the events related to the Confraternity of Misericordia of Anghiari.

It is not enough to just wonder about what to see in Anghiari, but it is key to understand how and when to best visit and experience it.

The Battle of Anghiari has certainly influenced over the centuries the traditions that today still revive in the village. A date to remember is June 29, the day dedicated every year to the celebration of Palio della Vittoria, a race in which do compete all the Hamlets of Anghiari.

For cycling and cycle tourism enthusiasts, Anghiari hosts every year in October the themed event called l’Intrepida. Far from the adrenaline of bike races and battles, there is the more tranquil Valtiberina Toscana Craftsmanship Fair Market, an important event in Anghiari in late spring.

The medieval village of Anghiari is an ideal destination to discover on a road trip in Tuscany, since the car - or the bus, if you prefer to travel by public transport - is the only means of transport available to reach this gem.

But don't worry, the trip is comfortable, pleasant and of course short! Leaving from Florence, the main tourist hub of the region, the journey by car lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes (about 100 km) driving on the A1 Highway towards south, then taking the exit for Arezzo and continuing along SS73 to your destination. If you want to enjoy the trip to Anghiari without worrying too much about parking, you can opt for leaving your car in Arezzo and move on by bus with the line SI381.

Leaving from Grosseto or Siena, a very interesting alternative (and with the same duration and mileage as the previous itinerary) is the European Route E78, a road that crosses the picturesque countryside landscape of Tuscany for a relaxing car trip with a pleasant view of green hills and villages rich in history.

By driving on your own, it’s possible to enjoy an authentic and adventurous journey - at your own pace - to discover the most beautiful pearls of one of the most beloved regions in the world.

And Anghiari is certainly a perfect stop to include in your next trip as the icing on the cake at the end of a week in Tuscany.

During the itinerary you will be able to see with your own eyes the renaissance wonders of Florence and visit the Manhattan of the Middle Age, of course San Gimignano, without leaving aside some other fantastic villages that populate every province in Tuscany, such as Greve in Chianti, Radicofani, Volterra, Lucignano and San Miniato.

Ready to set off for an extraordinary adventure made of history, art, culture, beautiful landscapes and excellent food and wine? This is Anghiari, this is Tuscany: enjoy your trip!