Anghiari
Anghiari is a lovely medieval town lying on the hills between the Arno and Tiber rivers.
The powerful thirteenth century walls made the town an invincible fortress for the Tuscan dominion of the area, particularly important in this strategical border area.
On the 29th June 1440 the Battle of Anghiari reaffirmed Florentine rule in Tuscany. The poet Niccolo’ Macchiavelli affirmed ironically that during the 22 hours of fighting only one soldier died, by falling off and being tread on by his own horse.
This is probably not true. The battle was strategically most important for the Florentine side and even Leonardo Da Vinci had been asked by the De Medici family to make a fresco of the Battle to decorate the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
 Anghiari is surrounded by castles and country churches and overlooks the beautiful High Tiber Valley landscape which is a natural amphitheatre filled with the spirituality of San Francesco d’Assisi.
The countryside around Anghiari has an untouched atmosphere with ancient woods dotted with monasteries and archaeological sites. Artisan shops and the workrooms of furniture and antiques restorers enrich the small squares of the town. Its towers and churches are embellished with masterpieces of painting and sculpture and there are breathtaking views and vistas to be found from every corner of the ancient town.
Anghiari is well worth visiting all year round thanks to its active cultural life. There are exhibitions, fairs, local festivals, a busy theatre program and an active interest in the conservation and re-enactment of historical and folklore traditions all contributing to the cultural life of the town.
Visitors enjoy the enchanting atmosphere enhanced with fairs, markets, open-air shows and the excellent local cooking.
Population: 5800
Local market: Wednesday morning
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