Live like a local while exploring Umbria and Tuscany
Città Della Pieve, or "Pieve" for short, is a vibrant hill town in central Italy with a population of about 7,000. It's situated close to the western boundary of the Umbria region, practically on the border of Tuscany. Our beautiful two-bedroom apartment is set in one of the medieval walls that surrounds the town. Everything is within walking distance. Click here for a full description of the accommodations.
Our beautiful apartment is set in the middle of the charming Umbrian hill town of Città Della Pieve ("Pieve" for short). It is 1100 sq. feet (110 sq. meters) with two bedrooms (one master with queen bed, and dressing room, one with two single beds) -- both with spacious 'en suite' bathrooms. The main floor has an open plan living room and combined kitchen-dining room. Adjoining are the master BR and bath , with a shower as well as large tub.The view is breathtaking: westward at the expanse of the 'Val di Chiana, dividing Tuscany and Umbria. The Tuscan towns of Piazze, Cetona, Sarteano, Chianciano, and Montepulciano can easily be seen.The second floor is comprised of the second bedroom and bathroom. The apartment is elegantly furnished with antiques and modern pieces. It is well-equipped and very comfortable. There is Wi-Fi and an MP3 stereo, but no TV (we think that's a plus). There's a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, gas range, four-burner cooktop, large refrigerator (by European standards), and a variety of small electrical appliances. And of course there is a hand crank pasta machine for special occasion meals. There is a clothes washer (no dryer, but a 'standino' for drying clothes as the locals do). In addition to the living space, the apartment has a large cantina for storing wine and olive oil. Click the button above for pictures of our place, and also see "Picture Gallery" under HOME AND WELCOME.
Città Della Pieve is as picturesque and as pleasant as you can possibly imagine. It is rich in history, tradition, art, and cuisine, and everything you need can be found within a short walking distance from our front door. Pieve is situated near the border of Tuscany, two hours north of Rome (1 hr. 40 min by train). Many destinations in Tuscany and Umbria are easily accessible by car (and often, by train from nearby Chiusi). Thus day trips from Pieve will bring you to, for example: Orvieto, Assisi, Cortona, Perugia, the Tuscan 'Wine Trail', Florence, and Siena -- not to mention many beautiful villages and towns close by in Tuscany and Umbria. And, because the 'star attractions' are elsewhere, Città Della Pieve remains a 'real' town, not a tourist trap, and from your first day will feel like a second home.
Some activities that we have enjoyed in Pieve include, walks and hikes with small organized walking groups, the harvests: grape, olive, saffron, chestnut (autumn), festivals and processions (too many saints to list here!), The l'infiorata (June), The Palio (August), Trasimeno Blues, Umbria Jazz, and many, many more. The summer nights, for example, are filled with free concerts in the various churches and piazzas of the town, as well as plays, operas, and concerts held in Pieve's jewel of a theater.
Finally, our town is characterized by the openness of its people. They are not jaded by a steady stream of tourists, but are thrilled to interact with you, share their knowledge, their time, their town. You will find yourself included, and because we have a large community of friends, you will have the privilege of availing yourself of their generosity and companionship if you choose.
Some activities that we have enjoyed in Pieve include, walks and hikes with small organized walking groups, the harvests: grape, olive, saffron, chestnut (autumn), festivals and processions (too many saints to list here!), The l'infiorata (June), The Palio (August), Trasimeno Blues, Umbria Jazz, and many, many more. The summer nights, for example, are filled with free concerts in the various churches and piazzas of the town, as well as plays, operas, and concerts held in Pieve's jewel of a theater.
Finally, our town is characterized by the openness of its people. They are not jaded by a steady stream of tourists, but are thrilled to interact with you, share their knowledge, their time, their town. You will find yourself included, and because we have a large community of friends, you will have the privilege of availing yourself of their generosity and companionship if you choose.
Welcome to Pieve...
Città Della Pieve had its beginnings in the 12th century. Like Siena, it is built of brick and stone. It is the birthplace of Perugino, the early Renaissance master who was the teacher of Raphael, and whose frescoes decorate the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Several of his works remain in the duomo (Cathedral) and small churches of Pieve.
Pieve is a friendly, happening, little Umbrian hill town of perhaps 4,000 people. It has all the amenities you need for a wonderful holiday. There are bars, restaurants, pizzerias, gelaterias, and outdoor cafes. There are three supermarkets, a fruit and vegetable store, various butchers, fresh pasta vendor, stores that sell hand-made jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and linens, all steps from our house. The giornalaio has the International Herald Tribune. Each of the three banks has ATM’s. You can meet and greet the entire town on Saturday mornings when everyone comes to the outdoor market. Oh, and Tatiana in the main piazza will cut your hair better for less. I just love her!
Summer goings-on...
The schedule of summer events in little CDP will keep you very busy. There are, for example, concerts outside in the piazzas, as well as in the churches and the little gem of a theater. There are poetry readings, organized walks through the countryside, movies shown on the castle green.
The Infiorata (right) in late June is a one-day event in which the via Vanucci is decorated in flower petals and seeds depicting scenes related to the year’s theme. The main street of the town is literally clothed from beginning to end in brilliant floral colors (more photos in "Picture Gallery"). In July the Trasimeno Blues Festival takes place in Citta’ Della Pieve and surrounding towns. The “terzieri” (CDP is divided into three sections called "terzieri") host numerous events including opening their "taverns" to the public for communal feasts.
And then there’s "The Palio". Learn more at its own page, under HOME AND WELCOME.
The Infiorata (right) in late June is a one-day event in which the via Vanucci is decorated in flower petals and seeds depicting scenes related to the year’s theme. The main street of the town is literally clothed from beginning to end in brilliant floral colors (more photos in "Picture Gallery"). In July the Trasimeno Blues Festival takes place in Citta’ Della Pieve and surrounding towns. The “terzieri” (CDP is divided into three sections called "terzieri") host numerous events including opening their "taverns" to the public for communal feasts.
And then there’s "The Palio". Learn more at its own page, under HOME AND WELCOME.
