The town's name probably derives from "cistern", a term amended over the centuries. It is a municipality in the province of Perugia, located in the Upper Valley of the river Tiber, in a strategic point on the borders between the Regions of Tuscany, Marche and Emilia Romagna. The small center retains clear traces of its rich history and is characterized by the presence of a city under the city, made up of pathways and spaces for the collection of rainwater, as well as two main urban center: the original settlement and a newer area, built in the XIII century.
The area was inhabited by the Etruscans, followed by the colonization of the Romans, proved by the discovery of numerous findings. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory was exposed to a dark period of the Barbarian invasions and a consequent inevitable devastation. At the time of the Lombard domination, the critical stage was successfully overcome and Citerna flourished in a period of development. Submitted to the Marquis del Colle, the town was contended between the Tuscan cities of Arezzo and Città di Castello and at the end of the XII century, Citerna was assigned to the latter. In the first half of the XIV century, proclaimed fief, it became a stronghold of the Tarlati of Pietramala and subsequently submitted the domain of Perugia, to return, later to the Pietramala at first and then to the Malatesta, and finally to the Papal States. In the XVI century, the town experienced the most favorable period of economic growth under the rule of the Vitelli, who enrolled to embellish their residences, famous and talented artists such as: the Pomarancio, Donatello and others.

Attractions:
- the Church of San Francesco, built in the early XVI century, features a Latin cross plan and nine altars. Inside are preserved an impressive number of works of art, including a Deposition attributed to the Pomarancio, a Madonna by Donatello, a XIII century Crucifix and a XVI century wooden choir;
- the XVII century Church of San Michele, which preserves a masterpiece created by the pupils of Della Robbia, a painting of the Pomarancio and a XIII century Bell;
- the Monastery of St. Elizabeth with its hexagonal shaped church, which preserves a XIV century group sculpture, depicting the Pietà;
- the ancient city walls that enclose within the old center. A major structure of defense, built between the XIII and XIV centuries, interrupted by two main gate entrances: Porta Fiorentina and Porta Romana. Along the perimeter walls stretch trenches, built in the Middle Ages.
- la Rocca (the Fortress), of Lombard origins, which was originally built in the VII century and rebuilt in the XIV;
- the Civic Tower with its XVI century mechanical wooden clock;
- the XVI century Theatre Bontempelli;
- Casa Prosperi-Vitelli.