Citerna: Church Art, Architecture and Pilgrimage Routes

Which of these aspects will shape your trip most can be considered in light of the town’s history, viewpoints and route connections.

Architecture and Views

Citerna’s medieval architecture is well preserved, and the town also offers panoramic views over the Umbrian valleys. The roads leading up to Citerna’s hill offer views across the upper Tiber Valley in Umbria and Tuscany. One specific viewpoint is the panoramic terrace in Piazza Scipioni: from there, the view extends across the entire upper Tiber Valley. This gives you two distinct perspectives to consider when planning your trip: the views along the roads up the hill and the view from the terrace. The medieval architecture provides a focus in its own right, complementing the landscape with the town’s built heritage.

Churches and Works of Art

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is in the historic center and is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. It contains two distinct works of art: a large panel painting of the Crucifixion, painted by Niccolò Pomarancio in 1570, and a terracotta figure of the Madonna and Child from the school of Giovanni della Robbia. The painting is attributed to a named artist and date; the figure is described by its artistic school. These details offer two different art-historical points of reference within the same church.

Another part of the town’s history can be explored at the Church of San Francesco on Corso Garibaldi. It was built together with the adjacent Franciscan convent of Santa Elisabetta in the second half of the 15th century, on the foundations of an earlier building. Its construction period and earlier foundations point to distinct historical layers. The Museo Bruno Bartoccini adds another distinctive feature: it is dedicated to the sculptor Bruno Bartoccini, who was born in Pistrino in 1910.

Pilgrimage Routes and Other Routes

For pilgrims, Citerna is the destination of the third leg of the Way of St. Francis from Sansepolcro and the starting point for the leg to Città di Castello. Citerna is also a stop on the Cammino di San Romualdo, which runs from Ravenna to Fabriano. The two pilgrimage routes thus offer different route connections: the Way of St. Francis places the town between two named stops, while the Cammino di San Romualdo describes the route between its two endpoints.

In addition, a challenging route runs from Citerna to Pian delle Capanne through the Umbrian hills. Another, differently configured connection is the Apennines Cycling Route: Citerna lies on this 3,100-kilometer route from Altare in the Province of Savona to Alia in the Province of Palermo. When planning your trip, it is therefore useful to consider separately the specific leg connections of the Way of St. Francis, the route to Pian delle Capanne and the cycling route’s long-distance course. The pilgrim credential for the Way of St. Francis is available at Citerna’s tourist information point. If you need one, check its availability before your trip.

Local Cuisine and Feast Day

Culinary traditions are also rooted in the Umbrian-Tuscan Valtiberina. The region is associated with pork processing and the production of Vinsanto IGP. In the Valtiberina area, white truffles and porcini mushrooms are also used as the basis for numerous local dishes. These details cover both regional products and ingredients featured in many dishes.

The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel is celebrated in Citerna on May 8. If this date is important to your travel plans, check the details of the specific event in advance.

Discover more destinations: San Giovanni Del Pantano, Uppello, Cannara, Branca, Ripaioli, Lisciano Niccone, Fabbri, Gubbio

For the broader travel overview: Perugia.