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City of Pieve
Città della Pieve, a charming Umbrian town, has a very fascinating medieval history, and by just visiting this enchanting place, you will truly get to know the traditions and history of Città della Pieve. The town is also known for the cultivation of saffron, which has been used since ancient times as dye, pharmacological treatment, cosmetic and in the kitchen.
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Città della Pieve, a charming Umbrian town, overlooks the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno. The town has a medieval history and is known as a saffron town. Much is owed to the time when Città della Pieve came under the rule of Perugia, and it was during this period that buildings were built in order to protect the city, such as the Perugina Fortress, built as a result of the turbulent history between Perugia and ancient Castel della Pieve. In fact, the latter repeatedly rebelled against the Perugian authority over the centuries, which tried in every way to limit its expansion. In 1326 the Perugian rulers thus decided to build a large fortress in order to control the entire city and to provide greater security to their detachment. Over the centuries, the fortress underwent numerous renovations, and its uses were also multiple. As a defensive structure, it became the headquarter of the Perpetual Governors appointed by the Pope, residence for the new magistrates, while the towers became prisons and housing for soldiers. Following the unification of Italy, the facility became a prison (Carcere Mandamentale del Circondario di Orvieto). Among the religious buildings it is worth visiting the Church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi which preserves one of the greatest masterpieces by Pietro Vannucci known as “il Perugino,” the fresco depicting “The Adoration of the Kings.” Of great importance then is the Cathedral of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, which, built in the 8th century a.C., was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century but underwent continuous and numerous transformations until it became first a Collegiate Church and finally a Cathedral in 1600. In 1738 an elegant bell tower was added to the church. Among the most important noble residences in Città della Pieve, we have Palazzo della Corgna. Construction work on the palace began around the 1650s-60s directed by Perugia architect Galeazzo Alessi. Also housed within the building is the city library Francesco Melosio. Finally, we cannot fail to mention the Civic-Diocesan Museum housed in the former church of Santa Maria dei Servi, built in 1343 and renovated in Baroque style between the 17th and 18th centuries. The building preserves the fragmentary Deposition of the Cross made by Pietro Vannucci known as Perugino in 1517 and paintings from the 16th and 18th centuries that adorn the Baroque altars in the side chapels. A Gothic cross-vaulted room below houses church-owned canvases documenting painting in Città della Pieve between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Typical products & Historical events
When one hears about Saffron, your mind thinks about Città della Pieve, for sure. Originally from Asia Minor, saffron has been used since ancient times as dye, pharmacological treatment, cosmetics and used in the kitchen. In the 13th century in Italy the plant took on great importance for its use as a dye for linen, silk and wool cloths and also in painting, it is remembered in this regard Peter Vannucci, known as the “Perugino”, used saffron pistils for dyeing his frescoes. In the first half of the 1500s, saffron harvesting was regulated and Pievese producers were required to report their harvested quantity to the municipality. Who did not respect this rule, was fined heavily. This testifies to the economic importance of production for the city and for all of Umbria. In the 17th century, however, production came to a halt due to the import of Spanish saffron. Over time, its importance has been re-evaluated and today saffron is a product useful to promote the image of Città della Pieve and other areas of Umbria and Tuscany. Today, the cultivation of Città della Pieve saffron is carried on in the municipalities of Città della Pieve, Castiglione del Lago, Montegabbione, Monteleone d’Orvieto, Paciano, Panicale and Piegaro in which land ranging from 300 to 600 m above sea level is cultivated. In mid-August, for about 10 days, the contrade revive the village for the Palio dei Terzieri. The Palio is preceded by a parade of people dressed with typical and historical dresses, in which more than 700 people participate. This is followed by the Palio, which consists of an archery skills competition. The representatives of the terzieri will have to center the bull-shaped figures, an element that links the event to the ancient medieval tradition Infiorata Type of event: Floral event Zafferiamo Type of event: event dedicated to SaffronTypical products
Historical events
Palio dei Terzieri (mid-August)
Type of event: Historical reenactment of Renaissance origin.
The infiorata was created from the devotion and affection of the contradaioli of the 1st Terziere Casalino for their patron saint St. Luigi Gonzaga.This event, traditionally marks the beginning of the events of the summer in town. Each edition is unique, original and unrepeatable as each year the chosen theme is different. At each appointment, the inflorators work on the creation of a carpet of approximately 1000 square metres, placing flowers and essences from the Umbrian territory to create the annual theme.
Zafferiamo is the event through which Città della Pieve celebrates its flagship product each year: SAFFRON. The event features the "Purest Saffron in threads of Città della Pieve" in all its facets. We start from food, obviously, with restaurants that will present particular themed menus; at the same time expert chefs who will explain to visitors the secrets for its correct use in the kitchen, while the commercial operators of the historic center will offer tasting delights with the aromas of the spice: ice creams, aperitifs, cocktails, pizzas, cured meats, cheeses. In the corner set up in Piazza del Plebiscito, the Consortium's producers will explain the tricks to best cultivate the flower and offer the whole series of products that can be made with it.
How to get to Città della Pieve
Città della Pieve is 26 km from Chianciano Terme and can be reached either by car, with extra-urban bus connections available on weekdays and finally it is also possible to get there with the service offered by the Valdichiana Gran Tour which is active however only in the summer months.