Sansepolcro

Sansepolcro is a walled town in Tuscany, in the province of Arezzo, set in the upper Tiber valley (Valtiberina) near the borders of Umbria and Le Marche. It is best known as the birthplace of the painter Piero della Francesca, several of whose major works, including the fresco of the Resurrection and the Madonna della Misericordia, are housed in the Museo Civico within the former Palazzo della Residenza. The historic centre retains its medieval and Renaissance layout, with streets lined by palazzi and a cathedral dedicated to St John the Baptist. The town also has an industrial heritage linked to pasta production, as the Buitoni company was founded here in the 19th century. Each year, the town keeps alive a historic crossbow tradition, the Palio della Balestra, echoing old rivalries with the neighbouring town of Gubbio. The surrounding countryside offers the rolling hills typical of eastern Tuscany, ideal for walks and exploring small rural villages. Sansepolcro therefore makes a worthwhile cultural and culinary stop for those wishing to explore a quieter part of Tuscany, while remaining within easy reach of towns such as Arezzo and Urbino.