The Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi is located in the centre of Città della Pieve and was the headquarters of the Compagnia dei Bianchi or dei Disciplinati. Some documents suggest it existed as early as the 13th century and that there was a hospital attached to it, which later became a hospice.
One of the most important works by Pietro Vannucci, a.k.a. Perugino is displayed in the Oratory, a fresco titled “Adorazione dei Magi”, which was commissioned to the him by the Confraternita dei Disciplinati or dei Bianchi in 1504.
The impact of the work is immense, with its vivid, beautiful colours and its size: it measures some 650 × 700 cm and covers an entire wall of the ancient church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, yet it was created in just 29 days. It is one of the most complex works ever created by the brilliant Renaissance painter: in the background is a wonderful landscape, which recalls the view that can be admired from Città della Pieve to the Trasimeno and Val di Chiana and the scene is very crowded. In fact, there are more than 38 life-size painted figures, and many other smaller one. The centre of the painting depicts the hut that encloses the crib and is painted in the greatest detail because it is the observer’s focal point.
The oratory also conserves the vestments worn by the members of the Confraternita dei Bianchi and the large crosses that were carried during sacred processions.