Sansepolcro
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Sansepolcro
Sansepolcro offers a good selection of well-rated accommodation, mainly centred around its historic centre and surrounding countryside. Many properties occupy period buildings, providing convenient access to the town’s museums, churches and restaurants.
Hotel La Balestra, located near the medieval walls, features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine and private parking, known for comfort and helpful service (€€€). Relais Palazzo di Luglio, set on a hillside just outside Sansepolcro, offers panoramic views, a swimming pool and a restaurant in an elegant restored villa (€€€). For those seeking a central location, Albergo Fiorentino provides traditional accommodation within a historic building near Piazza Torre di Berta, valued for its charm and friendly atmosphere (€€).
Hotel La Balestra, located near the medieval walls, features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine and private parking, known for comfort and helpful service (€€€). Relais Palazzo di Luglio, set on a hillside just outside Sansepolcro, offers panoramic views, a swimming pool and a restaurant in an elegant restored villa (€€€). For those seeking a central location, Albergo Fiorentino provides traditional accommodation within a historic building near Piazza Torre di Berta, valued for its charm and friendly atmosphere (€€).
Where is
Where is Sansepolcro?
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The historic town of Sansepolcro is situated within the Province of Arezzo and has a population of around 16,000.
Standing at an elevation of 330 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 113 kilometres south east of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany. Nearby places of interest include Anghiari, Monterchi, Arezzo and Castiglion Fiorentino. |
Comune di Sansepolcro
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Province: Arezzo
Region: Tuscany Population: 15,149 (in 2024 - source) Size: 91 km² Elevation: 330 metres Close by: Anghiari, Monterchi, Arezzo, Castiglion Fiorentino Recommended accommodation: Hotel Relais Palazzo di Luglio |
What People Ask About Sansepolcro
Is Sansepolcro worth visiting?
Yes, Sansepolcro is worth visiting for its Renaissance heritage, well-preserved historic centre, and artistic links. It is the birthplace of painter Piero della Francesca and home to several important frescoes and museums.
What are the main attractions in Sansepolcro?
Main attractions include the Museo Civico with works by Piero della Francesca, the Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista, and the Medici Fortress. The town’s medieval streets and annual Palio della Balestra crossbow contest are also highlights.
How do I get to Sansepolcro?
Sansepolcro is located in eastern Tuscany, near the Umbrian border. The nearest train stations are in Arezzo and CittĂ di Castello, with bus connections to the town. It is also accessible by car via the E45 highway.
When is the best time to visit Sansepolcro?
The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable for walking the historic streets. September is especially popular for the Palio della Balestra, a traditional crossbow tournament held in the main square.
How long should I stay in Sansepolcro?
A full day is usually enough to see the museums, cathedral, and fortress. An overnight stay allows more time to enjoy the town’s atmosphere and explore nearby towns in the Valtiberina area.
Related links
Discover
Discover Sansepolcro
Sansepolcro is a town in Tuscany, located in the Valtiberina near the border with Umbria. Set at around 330 metres above sea level, it lies on the Tiber River, surrounded by fertile plains and the foothills of the Apennines. The town has a well-preserved Renaissance centre, with elegant squares, stone palaces and streets that reflect its long history as a prosperous trading and artistic hub.
Sansepolcro is best known as the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, whose works remain central to its cultural identity. The Museo Civico houses his celebrated fresco, The Resurrection, while the Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista and the Church of San Francesco display further examples of fine religious art. The Fortezza Medicea and the Palazzo delle Laudi stand as reminders of its strategic and political importance. Sansepolcro lies close to Anghiari and has good road connections to Arezzo, Città di Castello, and other towns of the Upper Tiber Valley.
Sansepolcro is best known as the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, whose works remain central to its cultural identity. The Museo Civico houses his celebrated fresco, The Resurrection, while the Cathedral of San Giovanni Evangelista and the Church of San Francesco display further examples of fine religious art. The Fortezza Medicea and the Palazzo delle Laudi stand as reminders of its strategic and political importance. Sansepolcro lies close to Anghiari and has good road connections to Arezzo, Città di Castello, and other towns of the Upper Tiber Valley.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Sansepolcro
- Centro Storico di Sansepolcro is an elegant Renaissance town where broad streets and narrow lanes wind among stone palaces, arcaded walkways, and terracotta rooftops. Wooden shutters, ornate façades, and lively squares bring colour and character to the architecture. The town sits in the upper Tiber Valley, close to the border with Umbria, surrounded by gentle hills and fertile plains. Its atmosphere blends vibrant local life with the artistic legacy of the Renaissance.
- Cattedrale di San Giovanni Evangelista stands proudly in the town centre, with a Romanesque-Gothic façade and a serene, luminous interior. Inside are marble altars, beautiful frescoes, and sacred artworks, including pieces connected to Piero della Francesca. The cathedral remains central to religious life and community events. It’s a peaceful place to visit while exploring Sansepolcro’s streets.
- Piazza Torre di Berta serves as the social and cultural heart of Sansepolcro, edged with elegant buildings, cafés, and shops. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and relaxed conversations. Outdoor seating offers views of Renaissance façades and bustling life. The square reflects the lively yet refined rhythm of this Tuscan town.
- Museo Civico di Sansepolcro is housed in a historic palace and preserves masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, including the famous Resurrection fresco. The museum also showcases works by other Renaissance artists, sculptures, and historical artefacts. It’s a highlight for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visiting offers an intimate connection with the town’s artistic heritage.
- Guided historical and artistic tours in Sansepolcro take visitors through Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and scenic streets. Local guides share stories about Piero della Francesca, medieval traditions, and the town’s cultural evolution. Tours often include tastings of local specialities such as cured meats, cheeses, and regional wines. It’s a perfect way to connect with the artistic richness and culinary delights of the upper Tiber Valley.
Tours and Activities
Sansepolcro Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Sansepolcro Photo Gallery
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1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
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👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Sansepolcro
By Rail: Sansepolcro has its own railway station on the regional line operated by Trenitalia between Arezzo and Perugia. Regional trains connect the town to Arezzo in about 1 hour and 10 minutes and to Città di Castello in around 25 minutes. The station is located close to the town centre, within easy walking distance of local shops, cafés, and accommodation.
By Road: The town is situated in eastern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria and close to the upper Tiber Valley. From Arezzo, the distance is approximately 38 kilometres, with a driving time of about 45 minutes via the SS73 road. From Florence, the journey is around 110 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A1 motorway and E45 route. From Perugia, the distance is roughly 70 kilometres, with a drive of just over 1 hour. Parking is available around the historic centre and near the town’s main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is situated in eastern Tuscany, near the border with Umbria and close to the upper Tiber Valley. From Arezzo, the distance is approximately 38 kilometres, with a driving time of about 45 minutes via the SS73 road. From Florence, the journey is around 110 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A1 motorway and E45 route. From Perugia, the distance is roughly 70 kilometres, with a drive of just over 1 hour. Parking is available around the historic centre and near the town’s main entrances.
Nearest International Airports:
- Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Located about 75 kilometres from Sansepolcro, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It offers a range of domestic and European flights.
- Florence Peretola Airport: Approximately 115 kilometres away, the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It provides numerous European and national routes.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Roughly 175 kilometres from Sansepolcro, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It serves many European destinations and selected intercontinental flights.
Private Transfers
Sansepolcro Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and efficient way to reach Sansepolcro or continue your journey to other destinations in Tuscany and central Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to plan routes or rely on public transport.
From Sansepolcro, transfers can connect you with Perugia Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Pisa International Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Anghiari, Monterchi, and Città di Castello, or for travelling further across the Valtiberina area and surrounding Tuscan countryside.
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.
From Sansepolcro, transfers can connect you with Perugia Airport and Florence Airport, while longer routes are also available to Pisa International Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter journeys to nearby towns such as Anghiari, Monterchi, and Città di Castello, or for travelling further across the Valtiberina area and surrounding Tuscan countryside.
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.

