Sansepolcro Attractions

The industrial and commercial town of Sansepolcro lies in the Upper Tiber Valley, 35km/22mi northeast of Arezzo.

History

Sansepolcro (Holy Sepulchre) owes its name to two 10th century pilgrims named Arcano and Egidio who are said to have brought back from the Holy Land certain relics from Christ's tomb. An oratory was built to house the relics, and Camaldolese monks (Camáldoli) who were responsible for the care and service of the shrine built an abbey on the site. In later centuries the town frequently changed masters, but in the mid 15th century finally fell under the control of Florence. Pope Leo X (1513-21) made it the see of a bishop. Sansepolcro was the birthplace of the painter Piero della Francesca (c. 1416-92).