Città della Pieve was founded in the 7th century, and some buildings in this, now wonderfully architecturally varied, town are built on top of Etruscan constructions. The layout is medieval, but additions have been made in the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles — but all in the locally produced brick — and the resulting historical hodge-podge, is a joy to behold. While some of the best places to stay in Città della Pieve are within the original medieval walls, others are outside — converted villas and farm-buildings in the rounded hills and valleys surrounding the town; places where you get a good view of Città della Pieve.

Among Città della Pieve’s highlights are a handful of 12th century towers; a clutch of seriously grand palazzos — now used as a library, natural history museums, and exhibition spaces; several memorable churches and a Franciscan hermitage; and Italy’s narrowest alley — which is only 50cms wide at its narrowest. But the tow is also a great base for anyone interested in exploring northern Umbria and southern Tuscany. Perugia, San Quirico d'Orcia, Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona — they’re all close neighbours.

Another advantage to basing yourself here is that the surrounding countryside is gorgeous: a gently undulating landscape of olive groves and sunflower fields, with hill-towns on the horizon, possibly even a hint of Lake Trasimeno. Foodies can look forward to an excellent blending of Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine in a number of excellent local restaurants and cafes.

However as with all destinations in this part of Italy, the peak summer months are extremely busy. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Città della Pieve in July or August you'll need to get orgaised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Città della Pieve

For Romantics

• Vannucci is a charming, 30 room hotel converted from a terracotta-painted villa a short walk from the centre of Città della Pieve. Lush mature gardens surround the villa, and there’s a pool terrace, spa facilities, and an elegant restaurant which spills out into the gardens. They also have a pizzeria trattoria. Inside, the decor is a comfortable mix of traditional and contemporary design, with plenty of public space for relaxing indoors too.

For An Umbrian Escape

• Relais dei Magi is an elegant villa, surrounded by lush gardens and woods, and views over the foothills and valleys. Inside are 14 rooms and suites, decorated with a cosy charm that makes them feel like a friend-of-a-friend’s lovely guest rooms, rather than hotel rooms. You can expect wrought iron bed frames, open fireplaces, country art and dark-wood antiques. Some of the suites are apartment sized, with separate bedrooms and living rooms, though only children over 12 are welcome. The restaurant serves traditional Umbrian cuisine, and there’s a great wine cellar and a spa.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Città della Pieve’s closest international airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi International Airport, which is about fifty minutes away by car, or around two hours by public transport. Florence Airport is next closest, around an hour and a half away by car, or three and a half by rail, with a short taxi ride at the Città della Pieve end. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport might also be convenient, it’s just under two hours away by car or taxi, and around three and a half hours away by rail.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
• As far as the weather is concerned, the best time to visit Città della Pieve is probably between April and August, when temperatures range from minimums of 6° C to maximums of 28° C. As with Umbria, generally, the busiest time to visit is summer: in August many Italians take their summer holidays, and many of Italy’s international guests come at the end of June, through to August. If you don’t need to travel during this period we recommend September — it's warm and pleasant, with lovely sunsets and the harvest just starting. October is nice too, and Italy is always magical at easter and Christmas.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Umbria or even the best places to stay in Tuscany which starts just ten kilometres away.
• Expand your search to consider Perugia or else some of Umbria’s other historic hilltop towns.
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the best hotels in Umbria for couples, the best hotels in Umbria with pools, or the best family hotels in Umbria
• Or you could contact, one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.