Monte Santa Maria Tiberina

An authentic village. Views of rare beauty, stone houses and bell towers. The castle, which stands with its majestic tower in a dominant position on a hill in Alto Valtiberina.

The origins of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina date back to Etruscan times, but the village was populated even in Roman times and is today appreciated by visitors for its tourism. From the 11th century it belonged to the Marquis Bourbon del Monte, descendants of the Marchesi del Colle who arrived in Italy following the Franks conquering much of the valley, disseminating towers and castles in strategic points. The area was ruled by the descendants of the Bourbon family until 1815, when Duke Ferdinando of Tuscany interrupted the millennial rule.

The historic centre of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina maintains the architectural features of a medieval citadel with its 16th century castle, the church built around the year 1000 with a baptismal font in stone and the parish church of Santa Maria from the 1500’s, with a slender bell tower and the crypt of the Bourbon del Monte family, the portal is surmounted by a tympanum and the church has classic Latin cross-shaped design. Inside there are three sarcophagi from the pre-roman period, a baptismal font from the XV-XVI century and the Chapel of the Marquis with a wrought iron gate from the sixteenth century.

Outside the ancient walls lies Lippiano, a hamlet situated on a hill on the border with Monterchi, where one can admire the castle and abbey as well as the tower of Marzana. The plain of St. Agostino is well known because it is where duels were once held between knights.

The medieval fabric and the panoramic position in the valley make it a privileged destination for tourists. From the views that open over the  Umbrian and Tuscan hills, from Alta Valtiberina to the Valdichiana, on the ancient Etruscan streets and in areas covered by centuries-old chestnut woods, it is possible to see the Apuane alps and, on a clear day one can even see the profile of the Gran Sasso in Abruzzo.

In recent years Monte Santa Maria Tiberina has also become known for the integrated tourism on offer by focusing on the concepts of experience, sustainability and responsibility. The days here go smoothly, far from the frenzy of the city, reflecting a quality of life hardly found elsewhere. Visitors arrive mainly during the holidays. In May the town holds the procession of the Ascension, when the key of the city on the Madonna's arm is symbolically handed over to the mayor. There is a roasting fair in the nearby town of Gioiello, and the Autumn Festival for genuine products from the forest such as truffles, mushrooms and chestnuts.