The small city of ancient renown has always held its own in martial spirit and historical tradition with larger centres such as Arezzo, Gubbio and Siena. Its Company of Crossbowmen, now 700 years old, preserves the fame of a picturesque and lethal weapon. Citizens of all degrees, indifferent to modern sports, practise its difficult art in the town’s arenas. In September, the cross-bowmen of Gubbio visit for the Palio della Balestra. The excitement aroused by this competition and the brilliance of the costumed parades, banner-waving and cavalcades have to be seen to be appreciated.

Sansepolcro means ‘Holy Sepulchre’. The paved streets, sturdy walls and gatehouses, pyramidal bell-towers and pedestrianized piazzas give this ancient place of pilgrimage a natural frame for serious and enthusiastic spectacles. Two major works by the native master Piero della Francesca in the modest civic gallery add the cultural dimension. Aldous Huxley described one of them – the Resurrection, a jacket illustration for many an art book – as the most beautiful picture ever painted.

Spectacle, culture – and industry. This small town is one of Italy’s spaghetti capitals. The venerable house of Buitoni, long-established makers of pasta and pasta sauces, has had its headquarters here for 180 years.