Monterchi: Art, River Park and Polenta

Monterchi brings together art, historical traces, a municipal river park and a distinctive gastronomic tradition within a small area. Cultural sites around churches and Palazzo Massi, an equipped open space beside the Torrente Cerfone and a culinary event in September thus come together here.

Art and history in Monterchi

A central cultural point of reference is Palazzo Massi. The building houses the Museo delle Bilance. The palazzo itself was built around the 16th century; this is indicated by the rustication decorations on the windows and the monumental entrance portal. Museum use and architectural features are directly connected here.

The religious buildings also preserve different historical layers. During restoration work in the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, frescoes of Saint Christopher carrying the Child, dating from around 1552, of Saint Sebastian and Saint Macarius from 1485, and of Saint Martin from 1525 to 1530 came to light again. The frescoes therefore range from the late 15th century to the first half of the 16th century. The Torre Civica has medieval origins and was rebuilt after the earthquake. According to tradition, the Benedictine convent attached to San Benedetto is said to have been founded in the 10th century by Saint Romuald. The addition “according to tradition” is part of the historical classification here.

The Chiesa di San Simeone houses a polychrome terracotta figure of the Madonna and Child by Benedetto Buglioni, dating from around 1520. There are also three stone bas-reliefs from the 15th century. Both details place the church’s furnishings within different artistic contexts.

Another prominent point of reference is the Madonna del Parto fresco. It is dated to the period between 1450 and 1465; the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Momentana or Santa Maria in Silvis is named as its place of creation.

River park and open space

The municipal Parco fluviale lies at the foot of the hill of Monterchi, beside the Torrente Cerfone. The park includes a children’s play area, picnic and barbecue areas, as well as a football pitch and a volleyball court. Its facilities therefore place a clear emphasis on outdoor activities and form a concrete contrast to the churches, the palazzo and the museum as cultural points of reference.

Polenta as a local event

The Sagra della Polenta takes place in Monterchi every year on the penultimate Sunday in September. It is a traditional gastronomic route centred on polenta. The recurring date links local cuisine with a clearly defined period of the year and complements the historical and landscape-related themes with regional food culture.

Further places in the regional directory include Civitella In Val Di Chiana, Pian Di Sco, Ronzano, Foiano Della Chiana, Capolona, Cortona, Castel San Niccolò and Rigo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arezzo.