The town of Balze, situated at the foot of Monte Fumaiolo, is a peaceful resort at 1090 m a.s.l. in an environment of great naturalistic value, near the source of the River Tiber.
It owes its name to the tall rocky cliffs which overlook it and its origins are attributed to a miracle: according to tradition on 17 July 1497 the Madonna appeared to two shepherd girls, one of which was blind. The blind girl regained her sight while the other, who was dumb, began to speak. At the foot of the cliffs around the rock where the miracle occurred a small oratory was built around which the first houses arose. From that time the inhabitants started move here from the small uncomfortable castles in the surrounding area.
The abundance of good hotels and surrounding natural environment make it an ideal location for summer and winter holidays. This “health” resort where tourists come in search of tranquillity, good air and genuine food also has some interesting works of art dating from the XV century which are kept in the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta: the statue of the “Madonna with Child” by Giovanni and Andrea della Robbia, and the glass decorated terracotta altar piece by Benedetto Buglioni depicting the "Madonna with Child between the Saints and the miracle of the Apparition". In the surrounding areas: the source of the River Tiber; the beech groves of Monte Fumaiolo, which in winter transform into ski and cross country ski slopes; the evocative Hermitage of Sant'Alberico.