Citta  della  Pieve​

Latest page update: 21 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Città della Pieve
Città della Pieve offers a refined selection of established hotels, many set within historic buildings that reflect the town’s artistic heritage and panoramic position on the Umbrian–Tuscan border. Accommodation here is well reviewed for comfort, atmosphere and service.
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Hotel Vannucci is the leading choice, located in the heart of the town, offering elegant rooms, a restaurant and excellent guest feedback for hospitality and location (€€€). Borgo dei Conti Resort, situated in the surrounding countryside, provides luxury accommodation with a spa, pool and exceptional ratings for quality and tranquillity (€€€). For a comfortable mid-range option, Relais dei Principi di Piemonte offers spacious rooms, a restaurant and good reviews for its service and rural setting (€€).

Where is

Where is Città della Pieve?
The hill town of Città della Pieve is situated within​ the Province of Perugia, a distance of 44 kilometres south west of Perugia, the regional capital of Umbria. Standing at an elevation of 509 metres above sea level it has a population of around 8,000 residents.

Nearby places of interest include the towns of Allerona, Marsciano, Lake Trasimeno, Todi and Orvieto.
Comune di Città della Pieve
Province: Perugia

Region: Umbria

Population: 7,407 (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​Size: 111 km²

Elevation: 509 metres

​Close by: Allerona, Marsciano, Lake Trasimeno, Todi, Orvieto​

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Vannucci

What People Ask About Città della Pieve, Umbria

Is Città della Pieve worth visiting?
Yes, Città della Pieve is worth visiting for its brick-built medieval streets, artworks by Perugino, and panoramic views across the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside. It combines history, art, and local traditions in a compact hill town setting.
How do I get to Città della Pieve?
Città della Pieve is near the Umbria–Tuscany border and can be reached by car from the A1 motorway exit at Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. The closest train station is in Chiusi, about 10 kilometres away, with regular connections to Florence and Rome.
What are the main attractions in Città della Pieve?
Highlights include the Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio, frescoes by Perugino in the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, and the narrow Vicolo Baciadonne, one of Italy’s smallest alleys. The town also has well-preserved medieval gates and towers.
What is Città della Pieve known for?
The town is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance painter Perugino, teacher of Raphael. It is also famous for its saffron production, which has been cultivated here since medieval times and still features in local cooking.
What food is typical of Città della Pieve?
Typical dishes feature saffron, such as risotto and pasta sauces, alongside traditional Umbrian cured meats, lentil soups, and truffle-based recipes. Local wines from nearby Montepulciano and Orvieto often accompany meals.
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Discover

Discover Città della Pieve
Set on a ridge near the border with Tuscany, Città della Pieve overlooks the Val di Chiana and the surrounding Umbrian countryside of rolling fields and oak woods. The town’s warm-coloured brick buildings and narrow streets create a distinctive atmosphere, contrasting with the typical stone architecture found elsewhere in Umbria. Its elevated position provides broad views across the valley towards Lake Trasimeno and the distant Tuscan hills, while its compact centre retains a strong medieval character.
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Città della Pieve is renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance painter Pietro Vannucci (Perugino), whose works can be admired in the Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio and the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi. The town’s layout, with its intricate network of alleys, includes the famously narrow Vicolo Baciadonne, one of the slimmest streets in Italy. Positioned between Chiusi and Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve combines artistic heritage with a peaceful rural setting that reflects its deep ties to both Umbrian and Tuscan culture.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Città della Pieve
  • Centro Storico di Città della Pieve stretches across a ridge overlooking the Valdichiana, its streets winding among red-brick houses, elegant palaces, and medieval towers. The town displays a distinct reddish hue from its terracotta buildings, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Narrow lanes open onto quiet piazzas and panoramic terraces with views of Tuscany and Umbria. Walking through Città della Pieve offers a rich experience of history, art, and refined architecture.
  • Duomo dei Santi Gervasio e Protasio stands as the town’s principal church, its brick façade simple yet stately, reflecting centuries of devotion. Inside, visitors discover baroque altars, frescoes, and significant works by Pietro Vannucci, known as Perugino, the renowned Renaissance painter born here. The cathedral has long been central to the town’s spiritual and artistic life. It remains one of Città della Pieve’s cultural jewels.
  • Oratorio di Santa Maria dei Bianchi lies hidden along one of the town’s medieval streets, home to a magnificent fresco by Perugino depicting the Adoration of the Magi. The small chapel’s modest exterior contrasts with its precious interior artwork. Visiting offers an intimate encounter with Renaissance artistry and the deep artistic heritage of the town. It stands as a treasured link to Città della Pieve’s most famous native son.
  • Piazza Plebiscito serves as the vibrant heart of town life, surrounded by arcaded buildings, historic cafés, and lively shops. The square hosts markets, cultural events, and festivals that fill it with colour and energy throughout the year. Cobblestones underfoot and views of brick façades create an inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to pause and enjoy the lively yet graceful spirit of Città della Pieve.
  • Guided artistic and historical tours in Città della Pieve lead visitors through medieval alleys, noble palaces, and sites linked to Perugino’s legacy. Local guides share stories of Renaissance patronage, artistic rivalries, and the town’s strategic role between Tuscany and Umbria. Tours often include tastings of local specialities such as saffron-based dishes, cured meats, and Umbrian wines. Exploring with a guide unveils Città della Pieve’s unique blend of artistic splendour, history, and culinary delight.

Tours and Activities

Città della Pieve Tours and Activities

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Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
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1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Città della Pieve
By Rail: The nearest train station to Città della Pieve is in Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, approximately 10 kilometres away. The station lies on the main Florence–Rome line operated by Trenitalia, with frequent regional and intercity services. Trains connect Chiusi to Florence in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, Rome in roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes, and Perugia in around 1 hour. From the station, local buses and taxis provide access to Città della Pieve.

By Road: Città della Pieve is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, close to the border with Tuscany. From Perugia, the drive is around 45 kilometres and takes about 50 minutes via the SR220. From Chiusi, it is approximately 10 kilometres and takes roughly 15 minutes by car. Parking is available near the old town and around the main access roads leading into the centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 55 kilometres from Città della Pieve, with a driving time of around 1 hour via the SR220. It is the closest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European flights.
  • Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport: Located about 145 kilometres northwest, taking roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes by car via the A1 motorway. A convenient choice for travellers arriving from northern or central Europe.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Around 170 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours via the A1. Suitable for visitors arriving from international destinations.

Private Transfers

Città della Pieve Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to reach Città della Pieve or continue your journey from the town to other destinations across Umbria and central Italy. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a relaxed and convenient journey without the need for car hire or public transport.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, which offers the most direct access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Città della Pieve generally takes around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Chiusi, Castiglione del Lago, and Panicale, or to nearby destinations such as Orvieto, Montepulciano, and Perugia.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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