Citta della Pieve

Tuesday was a quieter day. Andrew, Rachel, the Davidsons and a few friends went to Rome for the day to explore and file paperwork at the consulate for the upcoming wedding. So soon, can't wait!

The rest of us had a free day to explore the town closest to the Villa, Citta della Pieve. Barry, Cindy, and I walked into town yesterday late morning to do some exploring and pick up some groceries. As a group, we've been struggling to get into the shops and restaurants when they are open. Many close mid-day for a few hours, and on Sunday the grocery we intended to go back to never re-opened. Silly Americans getting used to "Italian time".

Inside the Citta della Pieve Duomo

Famous Citta della Pieve artist Pietro Vannucci, aka il Perugino. His image is a source of pride in town and is found all over the city. This tile was on the side of a building as we strolled along the cobblestone streets.

View from the edge of the city. Neat to see how the cities are built up on hills with surrounding walls, which were built to protect the city from intruders. 

Map of Citta della Pieve

Panoramic view from the edge of the city walls

Steps up through a residential part of the city

I love the vertical gardens and rooftop or balcony gardens. There are no backyards in the city, so residents have to get creative with their green spaces.

Private homes have miniature statues of Santa Maria (some include Mary as well as Jesus) over the doorways into the home. They are quite beautiful and unique.

The smallest street in Italy, Vicolo Baciadonne. Rumor has it that a feud between neighbors whom did not want adjoining homes created this narrow street in between.

Also called the "kissing street" as you could lean out the window of one home and kiss someone in the other. Picture above is of Barry walking through ahead of me, quite the squeeze through!

Another image of the street. Barry joked that this is the only street in Italy you feel confident walking down that you won't get run over by a car or Vespa!

Me and Barry in the Vicolo Baciadonne

 
View of the bell tower

Another Santa Maria altar 

Barry, Cindy, Chelsea and I went out to dinner last night in Citta della Pieve. I accidentally ordered a 1/2 carafe of wine, instead of a glass. Oh well, more wine is a good problem to have!

Cindy took this picture of me with the enormous pizza I ordered. Chels and I each ordered a dish and planned to share, boy were we stuffed! The food is so delicious, we're all hoping we still fit into our clothes for the wedding on Friday!