Anghiari, Italy

 Delightfully Hidden 

Tucked away in the mountains of northeast Tuscany is the hilltop medieval village of Anghiari. It is considered one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" with an Orange Flag distinction by the Italian Touring Club, a "medieval treasure lying between the Arno and Tiber". Anghiari is about 25 miles from Arezzo, near the border between Tuscany and Umbria in the Valtiberina valley. A small medieval jewel set on a hill made of stone built up over the centuries from the Tiber River at its feet. A quaint village enclosed in massive 13th century walls, preserves the ancient and original atmosphere of this stunning town.  

The stone houses overlooking the streets have small windows, wooden shutters and doors, sometimes damaged or broken, but still characteristic. The entrances and balconies of the houses are often decorated with flowers which color the narrow streets of Anghiari, making it more beautiful and charming. Although I've been there only three times, it is fast becoming one of my absolute favorite Tuscan towns. On top of that, I found a wonderful husband and wife restaurant called Cantina Granduca. 

It is located in the heart of the old town among narrow streets and shops and a short distance from the Museum of the Battle and Piazza Garibaldi. It is a small characteristic restaurant in rustic Tuscan style. It has a warm and well-kept little place that immediately conveys a sense of familiarity and genuineness. This is also found in the food they prepare.  Matteo is a skilled chef that prepares some crazy good food, and he is complimented by his wife Giulia waiting tables. She was about 6 months pregnant when we were there in May 2025. Try the Bringoli (thick hand rolled pasta) with fava beans, pecorino cheese and crispy bacon. To die for. 

I think what I like most about Anghiari is it is off the beaten path; the lack of tourists is wonderful. It is a 'real" working village with real Italians living the good life. It's not completely undiscovered but pretty close. With so many things to offer, so much to see and do, I find this surprisingly refreshing. You can simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of this somewhat busy little town. 

The town also has a long and somewhat famous history. In 1440, the Florentines and Milanese clashed near Anghiari, in a bloody battle.  The clash was also very important for the geopolitical balance of the time and was won by the Republic of Florence with the help of the knights of the Republic of Venice.  

The defeat for the Duchy of Milan was sharp and swift: it all happened in less than 24 hours. However, despite the very short duration of the conflict, it was chronicled by Leonardo da Vinci, who around 1503 created a mural painting on the walls of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio. 

The Palazzo Pretorio of Anghiari, now used as the seat of the municipality, is located in Piazza del Popolo, and is an ancient palace that was the center of the first nucleus of the town. On the façade are represented in bas-relief the coats of arms of the podesta who administered Anghiari on behalf of the government of the Republic of Florence; on the ground floor there is also a beautiful 15th-century fresco, probably the work of Antonio di Anghiari.  

I've only been to Anghiari in the Spring and Summer, and the weather was delightful. That said I have seen images of it during the Winter with snow and it seems like it would be very charming. If you are in Tuscany this a must see, you won't be disappointed.