Head for the hills, to the walled village of Citivella in Val di Chiana situated on the western border of Tuscany for an enriching tourist experience! This ancient town, dating as far back as Etruscan times, was heavily guarded by a massive castle fortress dating from the late 6th century. During the Middle Ages it was the headquarters of the medieval military region of the Ambra Valley.
Tourists would be sure to enjoy a relaxing stay at one of many top rated farmhouse rentals in the Val di Chiana region surrounding Civitella listed on our Tuscany-villas website.
Tourists would be sure to enjoy a relaxing stay at one of many top rated farmhouse rentals in the Val di Chiana region surrounding Civitella listed on our Tuscany-villas website.
A great way to thoroughly explore the magnificence of this strategically built oval shaped town is to start from the middle and work your way outwards!
The Piazza Lazzeri in the centre of the village has a bronze sculpture in the middle made by Mario Moschi in honour of the 176 people killed here during World War II. Close to this is the church of Santa Maria, built in the 10th century. It has been heavily altered over the years with extensions and refurbishments but is full of classic architectural features as well as some spectacular frescos and paintings to visitors to admire. At the end of the square is La Cisterna, an octagonal cistern used to collect rainwater for the townspeople in ancient times.
Because of its hilly location, this was the only means for the locals to collect water to survive on. Visitors would also enjoy a trip to a beautiful art gallery in the town hall. An exhibition is held here every two years called ‘Città di Civitella' and is attended by hundreds of visitors from around the area.
The Piazza Lazzeri in the centre of the village has a bronze sculpture in the middle made by Mario Moschi in honour of the 176 people killed here during World War II. Close to this is the church of Santa Maria, built in the 10th century. It has been heavily altered over the years with extensions and refurbishments but is full of classic architectural features as well as some spectacular frescos and paintings to visitors to admire. At the end of the square is La Cisterna, an octagonal cistern used to collect rainwater for the townspeople in ancient times.
Because of its hilly location, this was the only means for the locals to collect water to survive on. Visitors would also enjoy a trip to a beautiful art gallery in the town hall. An exhibition is held here every two years called ‘Città di Civitella' and is attended by hundreds of visitors from around the area.
The famous Rocca Castle which once guarded the village is an excellent example of a perfectly square medieval fortress. Its heavy built walls and security features were architecturally well ahead of their time and were in near perfect condition before vicious attacks by German troops during World War II tore a lot of it into ruins. Before this terrible atrocity, the castle had defended the town from countless attacks over the centuries. Tourists can still go on tours around the site and can easily imagine how majestic this fortress would have looked in its former glory, standing tall over the Valley of Chiana.
These oval shaped walls protecting the oval shaped town of Civitella, is a fascinating stop off for anyone holidaying in the Tuscany region!
These oval shaped walls protecting the oval shaped town of Civitella, is a fascinating stop off for anyone holidaying in the Tuscany region!