Sanctuary of Madonna del Belvedere

A beautiful sanctuary on a hill top overlooking the upper Tiber Valley and beyond, the church presents an interesting architectural face and a venerated image. The baroque-embellished church was built in 1669, completed in 1684 and offers a unique facade and plan with a semi-circular portico entry, two turret-like bell towers and a dome. It was built to house a sacred statue of the Madonna, and quickly became a pilgrimage location for the people's devotion to the image.

It became known as Madonna di Belvedere for its dominating hilltop position offering beautiful sweeping views (a "bel vedere" - good view). You can look down at the city of Citta di Castello, at the surrounding valleys and hills and on towards Umbertide.

The venerated image is set in an ornate reliquary above the altar, adorned with intricate, colored marble inlay and fluid baroque sculptures. The church is a lovely and peaceful place, and the views make it more worth the visit.