Monterchi, Piero della Francesca’s village (just a 5 minutes from Citerna)
Monterchi is a small medieval village perched on a hilltop overlooking the Valtiberina. From Citerna you can get there in just a few minutes (less than a 5-minute drive), perfect for a short but unforgettable stop.
Here you’ll find one of the Renaissance’s absolute masterpieces: Piero della Francesca’s Madonna del Parto, housed in the museum dedicated to it. It’s a one-of-a-kind work, painted around 1455–1465, perhaps as a tribute to the artist’s mother, who was originally from this area.
What to see in Monterchi
- Madonna del Parto Museum: the number one reason to come here. The fresco (260 × 203 cm) is displayed in a dedicated room with perfect lighting, accompanied by immersive videos that tell the story of the artwork, the village and Piero’s technique. There’s also a bookshop and a panoramic garden overlooking the countryside, a natural balcony over the Valtiberina.
- Historic center: lanes, viewpoints and overlooks on the valley
- Panoramic spots over the Valtiberina
- Other corners not to miss: the Church of San Simeone (with artworks inside), artisan workshops (goldsmiths, ceramics) and, if you have time, the Museum of Scales (a unique collection in Europe of antique weighing instruments).
Monterchi is the perfect stop if you love art without endless queues: an authentic, quiet village full of Renaissance magic and very close to us. Pair it with Citerna for a Valtiberina loop that stays with you.
After the emotion of the Madonna del Parto, stop by La Cisterna we’ll be waiting for you for lunch!