Things To Do
in Città di Castello

Città di Castello sits on a hillside above the Tiber in Umbria, Italy, blending medieval charm with Renaissance elegance. Its compact historic center is dotted with stone towers, frescoed churches, and graceful palazzi that tell a centuries-long story. The town is known for its art collections, craftsmanship, and sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside.

Wander its scenic lanes to discover artisan workshops, traditional trattorie, and tranquil plazas at every turn.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your morning with a stroll through the charming streets of Città di Castello, soaking in the medieval architecture that surrounds you. Visit the stunning Cathedral of San Florido, where you can admire the intricate details of its façade and the beautiful interior artwork. Grab a fresh pastry and a cappuccino at a local café to fuel your exploration for the day.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Palazzo Comunale, where you can appreciate the impressive artwork of the Renaissance period. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Museo di Città di Castello, home to an extensive collection of local art and historical artifacts. Take a leisurely walk along the scenic streets, stopping at boutique shops and local artisan studios to discover unique handcrafted goods.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a traditional trattoria, where you can savor local Umbrian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely walk to the Piazza Matteotti, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and possibly catch a local event or performance. Wind down your evening with a glass of local wine while soaking in the beautiful views of the town illuminated at night.

day 2
Art and Culture Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Pinacoteca Comunale, an art gallery that features an impressive collection of works from the Renaissance to contemporary artists. Spend time admiring pieces by local masters, including works by the renowned painter Raffaello. Engage with the museum staff for insights into the history of the artworks and the artists behind them.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, attend a workshop at a local art studio where you can learn traditional techniques such as fresco painting or pottery. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for the local culture and craftsmanship. Following the workshop, explore the nearby artisan shops to see how these techniques are applied in modern creations.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a visit to a local theater for a performance showcasing Italian theater or music. Enjoy the cultural richness of Città di Castello as you immerse yourself in the local arts scene. After the show, grab a late-night gelato to enjoy as you stroll through the beautifully lit streets.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-4
🚌Public transit ticket$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night)$80-120
🍷Glass of local wine$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich Renaissance and medieval architecture
  • Beautiful surrounding countryside and peaceful pace
  • Strong local crafts and cuisine
  • Compact, walkable historic center
  • Nightlife is subdued compared to larger cities
  • Some services and amenities are more limited in the off-season
  • Public transport options may be less frequent than in big urban centers
  • Language barriers can arise in more rural spots
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
  • "Non capisco" - I don't understand

Places to Visit in Città di Castello

Visit one of these nice places.

Piazza Matteotti and Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera

A quintessential Umbrian square framed by Renaissance architecture; ideal for daytime and golden-hour photography with the town’s skyline as a backdrop.

Duomo and surrounding historic facades

The church and its square offer dramatic light on the stonework and ornate doorways, perfect for architectural shots.

Medieval walls and towers

Walkable sections along the old walls provide vantage points over rooftops, hills, and river valley—the kind of views that define the town.

Tiber River viewpoints

Promenades along the riverbank yield serene reflections, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and colors are muted.

Culinary Guide

Food in Città di Castello

Umbrian cuisine is rustic and ingredients-driven, emphasizing olive oil, legumes, mushrooms, game, and local wine. Dishes highlight simple preparations that let seasonal produce shine, often with handmade pasta and slow-cooked sauces. Pair meals with regional wines such as white Orvieto or red Sagrantino from nearby areas. Expect generous hospitality, unpretentious portions, and flavors rooted in the countryside.

Città di Castello Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Strangozzi al tartufo

A rustic pasta dish tossed with olive oil, garlic, and locally sourced black truffle when in season.

Must-Try!

Torta al testo

A soft, thick flatbread baked on a hot stone, typically split and stuffed with cheese, prosciutto, or mushrooms.

Lenticchie di Castelluccio

Small, flavorful lentils from Castelluccio di Norcia; often prepared with olive oil, herbs, and bread.

Porchetta

Herb-stuffed roast pork, a popular regional specialty often served in slices with bread or potatoes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato settimanale

Weekly outdoor market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, bread, and seasonal specialties; great for sampling local flavors.

Street food spots

Casual vendors selling porchetta sandwiches, focaccia, and fried snacks—perfect for a quick, flavorful bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Città di Castello experiences a temperate, continental-influenced climate. Summers can be hot, with mild, wet winters and cool to cold nights. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant, with colorful scenery. Rain is possible year-round, with afternoons often brighter after showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' and use 'per favore' and 'grazie' in everyday interactions.

Church and sacred sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak quietly and observe silence in sacred spaces.

Table manners

Eat slowly, keep hands visible, and avoid speaking loudly at meals; never rush hosts when they are serving food.

Punctuality and pacing

Business hours and meal times may run later than some visitors expect; flexibility and patience are appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for visitors, with low crime levels in the historic center. Take standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, especially during markets, and be mindful of night-time pedestrian areas after dark. Learn basic Italian phrases to communicate in case of minor issues, and have emergency numbers handy.

Tipping in Città di Castello

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are often included in the bill (servizio). If not, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service; small gratuities for bar staff are common but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted in restaurants and shops. Some rural venues may prefer cash; contactless payments are common in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming gardens; great for walking tours and outdoor markets. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.

Summer

Warm to hot days; enjoy al fresco dining and festivals, but stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours. Afternoon thunder showers can occur.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures with harvest-time produce; ideal for winery visits and scenic drives through countryside dotted with colors.

Winter

Cool and occasionally misty; crisp air with fewer crowds. Churches and museums provide warm refuges, and seasonal markets pop up around holidays.

Nightlife Guide

Città di Castello at Night

The nightlife in Città di Castello tends to be low-key, with local bars, wine bars, and trattorie offering conversation, music, and occasional live performances. In the historic center, evenings revolve around strolls, gelato, and dining rather than late-night clubs. For a livelier scene, some visitors travel to nearby towns or regional capitals, but evenings here are charming and intimate, with a focus on food, drink, and socializing.

Hiking in Città di Castello

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Valtiberina foothill trails

Forested and hillside routes offering panoramic views over the Tiber valley and neighboring towns.

Monte Sant'Angelo lookout paths

Scenic viewpoints and gentle to moderate climbs—great for day hikes and photography.

Anghiari region trails

Historic hill routes nearby with charming villages, fields, and seasonal wildflowers.

Airports

How to reach Città di Castello by plane.

Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG)

Closest major airport serving the region; typical domestic and some international connections; drive time from Città di Castello is approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Ancona – Falconara Airport (AOI)

A larger regional airport with more international and domestic flights; about 1.5-2 hours by road.

Florence Airport (FLR)

A larger international airport about 2.5-3 hours by car or train, offering extensive connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is highly walkable with narrow streets and short distances between sights. Elevation changes add charm but may require steps and gentle climbs. Parking is easier near the outskirts; within the core, walking is the best way to explore and discover hidden courtyards and viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and professionals who maintain a strong sense of tradition and community.

What visitors might notice

A steady flow of tourists in peak seasons, with a growing number of European visitors drawn to art, cuisine, and rural scenery.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (Soccer)

A popular pastime and local league activity in the region; you may catch matches or join friendly games in nearby towns.

Cycling

The rolling Umbrian hills attract cyclists for road rides and scenic routes.

Tennis

Local clubs offer seasonal courts and lessons for residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Road access is good via regional highways with occasional congestion near peak commute times. The town relies on a well-connected rail line and local buses for public transport. Parking is easier in-outskirts; within the historic center, walking is often preferable, and some streets are restricted to residents or pedestrians only.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Città di Castello.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available: pasta with tomato or mushrooms, legume-based dishes, and fresh vegetables; most kitchens can accommodate requests or adapt traditional recipes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Italy has universal healthcare; visitors can access local clinics for non-emergency needs and exchange information at tourist information centers. If you require more specialized care, larger hospitals and specialized clinics are available in Perugia and nearby cities. Carry your passport and, if applicable, your European Health Insurance Card when traveling within the EU.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide