Throughout 2012 and early 2013, Sansepolcro, near Arezzo, is celebrating the Millennium of its city and cathedral. Over 50 events in all kind of fields – culture, art, economics and science – to underline the international dimension of Sansepolcro, city of Justice and Peace which it intends to promote while welcoming guests. According to tradition the town was founded around 1000 AD by two pilgrims during their homecoming from the Holy Land. Arcanus and Aegidius, the pilgrims, were bearing a stone from the Holy Sepulchre – San Sepolcro – and here founded an oratory dedicated to Saint Leonardo, where today is the Cathedral.
Situated on the upper reaches of the Tiber river, San Sepolcro was the birthplace of painters Piero della Francesca, Raffaellino del Colle and Angiolo Tricca. The town museum today hosts Piero della Francesca’s ‘Resurrection’, described by Aldous Huxley as “the greatest painting in the world”, as well as many other treasures by other painters.
The highlights of this year’s events will be the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, probably in October, and of the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. Furthermore, personalities from the world of culture, politics and economy will be awarded with the “City of Sansepolcro” prize for their commitment to support the promotion of culture and the pursuit of civic and economic development of the territory.
A good opportunity to come and visit this Eastern area of Tuscany gathered around Arezzo where we offer typical Tuscan accommodations.
