Piazza Torre di Berta

Piazza Torre di Berta is Sansepolcro's main square, named for a medieval tower destroyed during the German retreat in 1944.

Why it matters

The square marks the crossing of historic routes through the town and preserves the memory of a lost landmark. The Torre di Berta once formed part of Sansepolcro's medieval skyline; after its destruction, the square retained its name as a civic memorial.

What to notice

The open space reflects the crossroads of the town's historic street plan. Palaces line its north and east sides, while nearby streets connect the cathedral and the old gates. The tower's absence is central to the square's character and to local remembrance.

Context and history

The Torre di Berta stood near the Benedictine abbey and was one of many towers that once marked Sansepolcro. In the nineteenth century, buildings leaning against it were cleared, leaving the tower freestanding. German troops destroyed it on the night of 30–31 July 1944 during their retreat. The square took the tower's name, preserving its place in the town's history.