Located in the western edge of Umbria, bordering Tuscany, Città della Pieve is one of the region’s unique gems. The town is notable for blending Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine. Locally sourced ingredients like truffles and porcini mushrooms are served alongside exactingly made pastas and creamy risottos made with the prized ingredient, saffron.
1. Church Of Santa Maria della Concezione
Amid the Umbrian countryside, bordering Tuscany and Lazio, sits a town of historic charm. With a quaint medieval center and colorful alleyways, the city is ideal for families seeking an immersive cultural experience. The heart of Città della Pieve is its ancient churches and nobility’s residences, built in brick within a short span of time, from the late medieval period to the Renaissance. These are complemented by the village’s opulent palazzi, home to an excellent library and natural history museum.
In the middle of the city is a church with works from the Gothic, Baroque and Mannerist periods, including the Adoration of the Shepherds by Perugino. Another Must-see places in Umbria is the annual Infiorata festival, when dazzling pictures are made with flower petals on a different theme each year.
2. Church Of Santa Maria Della Concezione
Located where Umbria skirts the border of Tuscany. Its medieval streets and ancient buildings are a feast for the eyes, with their warm hues, known as ‘Pieve Red’. One of the highlights is the cathedral, which houses two works by Perugino — The Baptism of Christ and Madonna in Glory Between St Gervasius and Protasius Holding the Town Flag and Saint Peter and Paul (1510). There’s also the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, which showcases a 1504 fresco that was painted for the Confraternity of White Penitents.
Wandering around the walled town is a delight. Its few streets form concentric circles, giving it a cosy, welcoming feel. It’s an absolute must for those looking for a quiet getaway.
3. Church Of Santa Maria Della Concezione
The Church of Santa Maria della Concezione is one of the most important churches in the city, and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It was built in 1626 by Capuchin Cardinal Antonio Barberini, brother of Pope Urban VIII. The church is also famous for its crypt-shrine with the bones of Capuchin friars. The town is also known for its narrow streets called vicoli. One of them is reputed to be the narrowest in Italy and was once used by lonely men to steal kisses from women passing by. It is still called Vicolo Baciadonne, or the Kissing-women street. The town’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in the various festivals and markets that take place throughout the year. These include the Infiorata flower carpet festival in June and the traditional Medieval palio of the Terzieri in August.
4. Church Of Santa Maria Della Concezione
The Church of Santa Maria della Concezione is a fascinating and impressive place, Citta della Pieve offers a rich tapestry of art, history and culture for families to discover. Inside, the single nave is adorned with polychrome and marble inlays. Some of the works of art worth seeing here include the Assumption by Liborio Coccetti, Saint Michael the Archangel by Guido Reni, Ananias restoring sight to Saint Paul by Lanfranco and Saint Francis receiving the stigmata by Domenichino. The most famous part of this church is the macabre crypt underneath it. This crypt holds the bones of thousands of Capuchin monks – skulls and bone are arranged into artistic configurations and symbols. It is also known as the Bone Church or the Capuchin Crypt. The crypt was built in 1626 by order of Pope Urban VIII, whose brother Antonio Barberini was a Capuchin friar.
5. Church Of Santa Maria Della Concezione
The Immaculate Conception is a Catholic doctrine claiming that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin. It is celebrated by Catholics all over the world on December 8. Built in 1626 on the orders of Cardinal Barberini for the Capuchin Friars, this modest church hides a macabre secret. Its six underground chapels are decorated with the skulls and bones of over 4000 Capuchin monks.
A visit to the Capuchin Crypt is an unforgettable experience and a reminder of our own mortality. Guided tours start at 35 euros. It is recommended to book in advance. The church is located on Via Veneto, a short walk from Piazza Barberini. Visit it during the day to avoid crowds. The crypt is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Conclusion
The enchanting village of Citta della Pieve offers a rich civic life and excellent cuisine. The blending of Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine is a speciality, with truffles and porcini mushroom being key ingredients. The town is home to an impressive fresco by Renaissance master Perugino. There’s also a dazzling theatre that feels like a jewellery box, as well as one of the narrowest streets in Italy, Vicolo Baciadonne.
