Sansepolcro | La Cisterna
Borgo

Sansepolcro

Sansepolcro, Piero della Francesca and a historic center made for wandering

Sansepolcro is a town that wins you over slowly: compact, full of history and art. From Citerna it’s just a 15-minute drive (an easy, scenic road right on the Tuscany–Umbria border) to get here, to the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, one of the great geniuses of the Renaissance.

The historic center is easy to explore on foot. The highlight? The Civic Museum, where you’ll find the Resurrection a remarkable fresco that Aldous Huxley called “the most beautiful painting in the world” and the Polyptych of Mercy. It’s a powerful work, with Christ rising from the tomb with a calm, almost eternal gaze that stays with you.

Resurrezione, Piero della Francesca
Resurrezione, Piero della Francesca

What to see in Sansepolcro

  • Civis Museum: The absolute must-see: it houses Piero della Francesca’s Resurrection (a monumental fresco with Christ rising from the tomb, sleeping soldiers and a surreal landscape) and the Polyptych of Mercy (1445–1462), with the Virgin sheltering the faithful under her cloak. Tickets: around €10 full price (the combined ticket is recommended). Hours: 10:00–13:00 and 14:30–19:00 (check museocivicosansepolcro.it for 2026 updates).
  • Historic Center and Piazza Torre di Berta
    The main square with the bell tower (symbol of the town), loggias and Renaissance palaces. Perfect for a coffee and a stroll, with views over the Tiber Valley.
  • Aboca Museum (Palazzo Bourbon del Monte)
    A unique museum dedicated to the history of medicinal herbs, from ancient traditions to modern science. Interactive routes, a herbarium and a garden. Great if you’re into nature and wellness.
  • Piero della Francesca’s House
    The artist’s birthplace, managed by the Piero della Francesca Foundation: multimedia and immersive exhibits on his life and works. A more personal dive into the master’s genius.
  • Other churches and hidden corners
    San Giovanni Evangelista Cathedral (with 15th-century works), the Church of San Francesco and CasermArcheologica (a contemporary space with exhibitions and artist residencies).
  • CasermArcheologica
    Sansepolcro also has a contemporary stop: CasermArcheologica, a cultural regeneration space in the historic center that hosts exhibitions, artist residencies, talks and workshops. Perfect if you want to break up a “classic museums day” with something more alive and current.

Events

Sansepolcro stays lively all year with traditions that draw people from near and far:

Palio della Balestra (second Sunday of September)
A historical reenactment with Renaissance-costumed crossbowmen, parades and a competition between Sansepolcro and Gubbio. A real step back into the Middle Ages.

Palio della Balestra, Sansepolcro
Palio della Balestra, Sansepolcro
  • Saint Francis Way festival: pilgrimage-related events, talks and guided walks (dates vary, often in summer or autumn).
  • Kilowatt Festival (summer): theatre performances, music and contemporary art in atmospheric locations around the historic center.
  • Other regular dates: the Mezzaquaresima Fair (March), local food festivals and artisan markets.

Always check the Comune’s website or discoverarezzo.com for the most up-to-date calendar.

Sansepolcro is the stop that completes the Valtiberina loop: Renaissance art, living history and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Pair it with Citerna, Monterchi or Arezzo for a perfect itinerary.

After admiring that risen Christ, come back to La Cisterna: we’ll be waiting with local cured meats, bruschetta and a glass of wine to chat about Piero and the village.

Enjoy your visit, and see you soon!

Back to Surroundings