What to see in Valtiberina
The Valtiberina, defined by the upper Tiber valley, enchants with its natural beauty and medieval villages. This area, between Arezzo and Perugia, is a mix of mountainous and hilly landscapes, rich in history, art and culinary traditions. Highlights include the hermitage of Camaldoli, the Sanctuary of La Verna, places associated with St. Francis, and charming villages such as Anghiari and Caprese Michelangelo. The region also offers natural parks for hiking and a variety of agritourisms for complete immersion in local culture and nature.
Tuscan Valtiberina: an authentic land of nature, history, and spirituality
Discover what to see in Valtiberina : one of the most fascinating and surprising areas of central Italy. Valtibeina si a wide, luminous valley where the Tiber River flows gently between medieval villages, ancient forests, and places that still preserve the silence of the past. It is a territory that invites slow exploration, where every secondary road reveals unexpected views, small country churches perched on the hills, perfectly preserved castles, and trails immersed in greenery.
A land of ancient traditions, Renaissance art, and authentic flavors, Valtiberina is an ideal destination for those who wish to experience a journey away from crowded routes, guided instead by the rhythm of nature and the millennia-old history that permeates each village. Here you breathe a sincere and welcoming atmosphere, made of regenerating silence, paths to explore on foot or by bike, and landscapes that change colors with every season.
What to See in Valtiberina: Solfagnano
The municipalities of Valtiberina are 15 in total, seven of which are in Tuscany (province of Arezzo) and eight in Umbria (province of Perugia). A tour of this area is truly enchanting, appealing to both nature lovers and travelers seeking architectural beauty and characteristic villages. But what is there to see in Valtiberina? Here is a brief guide.
What awaits you in Valtiberina
The river flows through rolling hills and beautiful mountain landscapes, while the villages along its course have preserved an authentic medieval charm.
Holm oak, chestnut, beech forests, and vineyards characterize the valley’s territory: a nearly untouched nature where you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and follow paths that lead to the discovery of ancient parish churches, castles, villas, and noble residences.
Valtiberina is also a land rich in traditional flavors: truffles, mushrooms, excellent wine, and many specialties typical of the central Apennine area make the valley tour a delicious opportunity to discover a simple yet flavorful cuisine.
Following in the footsteps of Saint Francis
Saint Francis traveled through Valtiberina several times, and even today it is possible to follow in his footsteps by walking the same paths he once did. You can visit the hermitages where he prayed, and the most evocative place in the area is undoubtedly the Sanctuary of La Verna, located in the Aretino territory, a few kilometers from Chiusi.
Here Francis received the stigmata, and following this event, the monastery and basilica were built — still visited today by thousands of pilgrims and where one of his habits is preserved. The Hermitage of Montecasale, another ancient monastery in the mountains, was — according to legend — founded by Francis himself, while the Hermitage of Cerbaiolo may not have seen the visit of the Poor Man of Assisi, but certainly that of Saint Anthony of Padua.
There is also the Hermitage of La Casella, where Francis stopped on his return from La Verna, and an unmissable stop is the Castle of Montauto, where he was welcomed by the local lords.
Staying at Poggio del Drago: the perfect gateway to explore Valtiberina
To fully experience the magic of Valtiberina, an ideal base is the Country House Poggio del Drago, surrounded by gentle hills, deep silence, and views that seem painted by a Tuscan master. Its strategic position — close to Anghiari, Sansepolcro, Monterchi, and the Sanctuary of La Verna — allows easy access to medieval villages, Franciscan routes, and natural reserves that make this valley unique.
Poggio del Drago is more than just a place to sleep: it’s an experience of tranquility and authentic hospitality. The welcoming rooms, the large panoramic garden, the pool surrounded by greenery, and the attention to detail create the perfect atmosphere for guests who want to relax after a day of excursions. From the B&B you can easily reach the Franciscan paths, the natural parks of Alpe della Luna, and the historic villages scattered throughout the valley, making it the ideal starting point to explore Valtiberina in all its beauty.
Discovering medieval and Renaissance villages
When asking what to see in Valtiberina, one cannot overlook the many medieval villages. The entire valley is dotted with ancient towns perched on hills, often enclosed by walls and enriched with old churches and blooming alleys.
Anghiari, the place where in 1440 the battle between Florentines and Milanese took place — immortalized by Leonardo on a wall of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio — is a maze of narrow streets, Romanesque churches, and austere noble palaces. Equally charming is Caprese Michelangelo, birthplace of Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Everything seems preserved as in the time of the great artist, and inside the Palazzo del Podestà — where he was born — you will find a museum dedicated to him. Still in Tuscany, a must-see is Sansepolcro, a town that is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture, and Monterchi, a delightful village perched on a hill.
Valtiberina in Umbria also preserves ancient charm: Città di Castello and Umbertide offer numerous monuments, churches, hermitages, and artworks, as well as the characteristic village of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina.
Natural parks
Along the course of the Tiber there are many protected areas offering natural environments of great beauty. Trekking and mountain bike trails lead to mysterious places such as the Alpe della Luna with its forests, the Sassi di Simone — striking rocky masses rising like towers above Sestino and the nearby Marche region.
There are also the Monti Rognosi Reserve, the Sovara Valley, the Tiber floodplain near Sansepolcro, and the Serpentinite area, known for its limestone rocks rich in fossils.
Book your stay and explore Valtiberina with B&B Poggio del Drago
A journey through Valtiberina is an experience that blends nature, history, spirituality, and authentic flavors. To truly live it, choose a place that allows you to slow down, breathe, and feel part of the landscape. Poggio del Drago offers all of this: a peaceful oasis where you can relax and, at the same time, a strategic base for exploring villages, Franciscan hermitages, and natural reserves.
If you wish to explore Valtiberina at a relaxed pace, immerse yourself in its slow rhythms, and discover something new each day, book your room now at Country House Poggio del Drago. It will be the perfect starting point for an unforgettable stay in the Tuscan countryside.
Photo credits:
2) Franco Vannini[:]
