The shrine of   La Verna lies on the Tuscan Apennines, on a mountain occupied by an thick forest of beeches and firs.

The top of this mountain is visible from all over casentino and Higher Valtiberina, thanks to its unique shape and its sheer top (1283m) that is cut into three parts.

Over the rock and protected by the forest, lies the large complex of St. Francis shrine. Inside its solid and complex architecture you can find spiritual treasures, as well as tokens of arts, culture and history.

source : www.laverna.org

The diocese of San Leo, capital of the Montefeltro county, is an impregnable fortress.

Its first bishop was Agatone, who signed with the name Agatho episcopus Monte Feretris  the Vatican Council that was held in Rome in 826 AD, under Pope Eugene II.

Berengario II, marquis of Ivrea, was defeated by Ottone I in Pavia in December of 961 AD, and in February 962 AD he took shelter in the fortress of San Leo.

Ottone I laid siege to San Leo, which surrendered only after several months for starvation.   

source : www.libertas.sm

Anghiari is a lovely little medieval town that is set in the beautiful landscape outlined by the rivers Tiber and Arno . An unconquerable bastion, thanks to its solid walls built in the 13th century, it was the theatre of many episodes of local history. This little town always kept loyal to Tuscany , though it was located in a borderland with a delicate political balance. The famous Battle of Anghiari (29th June 1440) painted by Leonardo Da Vinci in Palazzo Vecchio, restored the leadership of Florence over Tuscany .

Anghiari and its surroundings were the witness of the works and life of the greatest brains of the Renaissance. From this land between the rivers Tiber and Arno (“Intra Tevero et Arno” ) they spread all over Europe the seeds of modern age.

The signs of different centuries are visible in the churches and building of Anghiari, which are arranged according to a peculiar structure. The town is indeed built along a steep road that runs through it and makes it unique and unmistakeable.  

Anghiari is worth a visit at any time of the year, thanks to its intense cultural life. Fairs, exhibitions, displays and festivals are held all year round. The local theatre has a rich season and there are many events connected with the preservation and spreading of traditions and folklore. Visitors can enjoy the charm of this little town during fairs, markets and open-air shows. You can also try the excellent cuisine of Anghiari, and you will be given a warm welcome by local people.

source : www.anghiari.it

The origins of Assisi are not very clear, just like for many other towns of Umbria .
It was probably founded by the Umbrians, who lived in the centre regions of Italy . This civilisation was later influenced by the Etruscans and the Romans, as it is witnessed by the several remains of the Roman "municipium" called Asisium. Among these ruins, you can still see the well-preserved façade of Minerva’s temple, as well as the ruins of the Forum, an amphitheatre and the Roman walls.

source : www.assisi.com

   Gubbio is a very old town, dating back to the golden age of the Umbrian civilisation (as illustrated in the well-known "Tavole Eugubine" that are kept in the “Palazzo dei Consoli”). It was an important town with a Roman theatre that is still visibile (and that still hosts a season of classical plays in summer). Gubbio is a thriving town built on the spurs of the Apennines at an altitude of approx. 500 m . above sea level.
It is surrounded by lovely hills and has a very healthy climate, set as it is as a stone in the rocks of Monte Ingino. On the top of the mount, a beautiful basilica guards the relics of Saint Ubaldo Baldassini, the patron saint of Gubbio.
     From an architectural point of view, Gubbio is probably the masterpiece of medieval civilization and of the 13-14th century society. Building units were indeed based on the system of guilds or "universitates" that gathered people devoted to different arts and jobs.
Solid towers stand out in the skyline of Gubbio, as well as austere house fronts blackened by time, gothic churches and palaces that were a symbol of power in this medieval city-state.

source : www.comune.gubbio.pg.it