Lucignano is a stunningly beautiful walled Medieval village in the province of Arezzo in Tuscany. Just 25 km from Arezzo, it’s also 70 km south of Florence, 50 km east of Siena and 30 km west of Cortona. Known affectionately as the ‘pearl of Valdichiana‘, this hilltop village is an incredibly well preserved example of medieval town planning. Made up of elliptical concentric rings, and sitting approximately 400 metres above sea level, its narrow streets are lined with stone and brick houses. These days, it’s home to around 3000 residents.
What to see and do in Lucignano
Lucignano is easy to explore in an afternoon. We can highly recommend just spending a couple of hours meandering through its charming streets and alleyways. Sitting at the heart of Lucignano is the Piazza del Tribunale (Square of the Tribunal). Here you will find the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), the Church of San Francesco and the Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo.
Head inside the Town Hall where you will find a museum (Museo Communale). Whilst it is open daily in the Summer months, it still shuts for lunch each day and opening hours vary between seasons so do check the website before visiting to avoid disappointment. The museum is small with just three rooms and contains works of art from both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods. It is well worth a visit though and the staff are always incredibly helpful.
The most famous of the artworks you will discover in the museum is the Tree of Life (L’Albero della Vita). Standing at over 2.5 metres high, the twelve branches of this bejewelled tree are adorned with crystals and corals (representing the blood of Christ) and it has a crucified figure at its top. It is signed by two jewellers – Gabriello D’Antonio in 1471 and Ugolino da Vieri in 1350. The tree itself is the centrepiece in the Sala delle Udienze (Hall of the Audiences) which itself is rather spectacular, covered as it is with 15th century frescoes. Other items in the museum include works by Luca Signorelli and rather fascinating decorated coffin lids.
Close to the museum is the Church of Saint Francis and the Collegiata. Dating back to the 13th century, the church has a striking Gothic facade with horizontal black and white bands of sandstone and travertine marble, an impressive travertine portal and a beautiful rose window. The exterior clearly demonstrates the Sienese influence on Lucignano and its architecture. Inside, there is a collection of 15th and 16th century frescoes which include scenes from the life of St Francis as well as a scene depicting a galloping black horse carrying along a man dressed head to toe in back. The latter is entitled The Triumph of Death and is by Bartolo di Fredi. Also make a note to admire the polyptych attributed to Luca di Tommè which depicts the Madonna holding up Lucignano’s castle.
Next to the church is the monastery. This is also well worth a visit. The most impressive pieces within its collection are some 17th century canvasses, believed to be by Matteo Rosselli, Rutilio Manetti and Giacinto Gemignani.
Lucignano is home to a number of other religious buildings of note. These include the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, the Church of Santissima Annunziata and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Querce which sits just outside the town walls. This is supposed to have been designed by the 16th century architect and painter Giorgio Vasari.
Also outside the village walls is the ruins of a Medici Castle (Fortezza Medicea). The fortress dates back to the 16th century but today, only one cylindrical tower remains in tact.
We’d also highly recommend enjoying a wine tasting in Lucignano. This 2.5 hour long wine tasting will give you a chance to sample plenty of local wine accompanied by some delicious local specialities in the gorgeous setting of a traditional Tuscan villa. Find out more at Get Your Guide.
Alternatively, if you fancy exploring more of the towns, villages and countryside around Lucignano, how about doing it in style on a guided tour in a vintage car?
Events in Lucignano
May is a great time to visit Lucignano since this month sees the annual Maggiolata, a festival which celebrates the arrival of Summer. Across the last two Sundays in May, the whole village is filled with the vibrant colours and beautiful scents of flowers, whilst each of the four districts of the village build floats covered entirely with flowers which are paraded through the streets, accompanied by farm carts and folk groups. Of course, no Italian festival would be complete without food and this is no exception! Head to the restaurants in Lucignano to enjoy traditional Tuscan specialities, not least the famous Chianina beef.
This is not the only annual event to take place in Lucignano though. On 14 February, the Segni d’Amore (signs of love) show takes place to mark Saint Valentine’s Day. The 48 hours around St Valentine’s Day will be dedicated to both love and art. Celebrations are centred around the Albero della Vita, with guided tours, theatrical performances and special menus on offer in the village restaurants.
Finally, in September there is the Memorie del Passato (memories of the past). During this festival, historic 19th scenes of everyday life will be re-enacted in the village.
Where to stay in Lucignano
This 4 bedroom Cortona villa is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to discover Lucignano for yourself. It’s less than a 30 minute drive from here to Lucignano. This villa in Cortona is immaculately presented. Outside, the estate is surrounded by olive groves offering guests complete privacy in an idyllic, tranquil setting. Inside, the house has been beautifully furnished and offers all the modern 21st century luxuries that guests want but with all the charm and character that a traditional Tuscan property offers.
Alternatively, for larger groups, Villa Michelangelo is a 9 bedroom villa in Tuscany situated just a 20 minute drive from Lucignano.
Where to eat in Lucignano
Lucignano has a number of excellent restaurants for its size. One of our top recommendations in Lucignano is La Tavernetta if you want to sample traditional Tuscan fare. For more modern Italian cuisine, opt for Zenzero. Prices are higher but the standard is exceptional. We can highly recommend the tasting menu with wine pairing here.
How to get to Lucignano
By air: The nearest airport is in Perugia (75 km away) which takes approximately an hour by car. Florence is 100 km away but the journey will also take approximately an hour. Rome is 230 km away with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours.
By train: There is no train station in Lucignano. The nearest train station to Lucignano is in Sinalunga, 8 km away.
By car: Access to the historic centre is via either the Porta San Gisuto or the Porta San Giovanni but both are covered by ZTL cameras as a restricted ZTL zone covers part of the historic centre of Lucignano. But there is a terraced car park just outside the city gates and it is an easy walk from here.
By bus: From Arezzo or Siena, catch the number 138 bus which goes via Lucignano.