Fattoria del Cerretino

Assisi (at 60 km from the Farmhouse)

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The beauty of this city located at the foot of Mount Subasio can be admired already from a far distance, dominating the below valley. A multitude of churches, houses and bell towers surrounded by ancient medieval walls above which there is the dominating Rocca Maggiore, an ancient fortress that, together with its towers and the imposing bulwark, seems to still protect the city. A pilgrimage place for the Christian world, dominated by the figures of St. Francis and St. Clare, the city has a very important artistic and cultural pole, in addition to the religious one, where every year thousands of people arrive from all over the world. By walking among the stone paved streets, the houses walls, built using Mount Subasio white and red stone, along a continuous stream of ups and downs and sudden views on the valley appearing from the narrow streets, it is still possible to breathe that atmosphere of fervid devotion, inner peace, silence and research, which are the Franciscan message basis. To be visited:

• The Basilica of St. Francis
• The Cathedral Crypt
• The Roman forum and the archaeological collection
• The Town Picture Gallery
• The Rocca Maggiore (bigger fortress)
• Palazzo Santi Town Museum
• St. Rufino Cathedral
• The Church of St. Clare
• The Church of St. Mary Major
• St. Stephen Church
• Minerva Temple and St. Mary Sopra Minerva
• Chiesa Nuova (New Church)
• St. Damian Church
• Rocca Minore (small fortress)
• The Town Square
• The people tower
• The prisons Hermitage
• The Basilica of St. Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels) and Porziuncola church

 

(www.assisionline.it )
 

Gubbio (at 40 km from the Farmhouse.)

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Since already the first and quick glance we realize it is one of the most beautiful medieval cities of Italy. Gubbio is a blooming of imposing embattled buildings and its peoples’ history and traditions magnificent guards. The beautiful Pensile Square with the Consuls Palace and Pretorio Palace are only an example of the grandeur that this city had once. But Gubbio history has a more ancient past which is told by the precious Eugubine Tables, bronze sheets written in Etruscan, Latin and ancient Umbria language, where there are descriptions of ways, periods and liturgies of ancient rites and ceremonies. Gubbio was also important during the Roman Empire. In the III Century BC it was the first Umbria city to form an alliance with Rome. The name of the municipium was Iguvium. That’s why we can find outside, but very close to the walls, the Roman theatre used still today for shows and exhibitions. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Iguvium became Agobbio, remaining exposed to the frequent and devastating Barbaric invasions. The rebirth starts in the XI Century when the whole city is a blooming of buildings, roads, sacred buildings, continuing with the work of Bishop Ubaldo Baldassini, today patron saint, who gave an acceleration to the political, social, cultural and artistic life of the city crowned a free Town. During the following periods it lost its independence being subjected to the rule of different families (Gabrielli, Montefeltro, Della Rovere) until when it was subjected to the rule of the Church up to 1860.

To be visited:

• The Church of St. Francis built on Spadalonga Palace ruins
• The Church of St. Dominic (dated 1186)
• The Cathedral (from the XIII Century)
• The Churches of Santa Maria Nuova, St. Peter and St. John
• Consuls Palace
• Pretorio Palace
• Signoria Square
• Barghello Palace and the Palace of the People’s Captain and Ducal Palace (dated 1470)
• The great Loggia dei Tiratori (Loggia of the shots)
• St. Ubaldo native house (Centre of Umbria Studies)
• The Mausoleum, a 9 meter high circular building
• The Roman Theatre vestiges

(www.comune.gubbio.pg.it )

 

Perugia (at 40 km from the Farmhouse)

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Perugia, the great “Guelph Arce” is at the centre of the region, a huge acropolis standing on a hill surrounded by Etruscan walls: huge bulwarks built using huge squared stones, set there 22 Centuries ago and whose long sections are still visible. When Rome was a little bit more than a sheds camp, the Etruscan Perugia had 7 entrance doors. It was founded by Umbria people, but between AD VI and V Century the Etruscans and then the Romans arrived (in AD 40 Octavian Augustus conquered it and called it “Augusta”). Also Perugia, together with the Roman Empire dissolution, was devastated by the Barbaric invasions, the worst one was in 547 by the Goths, during which its bishop Ercolano died. In 1308 the University was built. Perugia has almost always been in the hands of the Guelphs and this gave start to a long story of disputes with the Popes, trying not to be subjected. “The Salt War” in 1531 started by Paolo III military forces against the people from Perugia, that refused to pay the new salt tax. The city surrendered and the Pope made them feel his heavy hand by building on Baglioni family’s noble houses ruins, who were once the Lords of Perugia, the Rocca Paolina, a massive fortress that completely changed the urban asset and destroyed for ever true artistic treasures contained in Baglioni family’s houses. The submission to the Church ended in 1860, after an alternation of vicissitude.

To be visited:

 

• The Etruscan Arch
• St. Lawrence Cathedral (1490)
• Fontana Maggiore (Major fountain - AD 200)
• The Priors’ Palace with the Change and Goods Halls
• Via Maestà delle Volte (street)
• Corso Vannucci (boulevard)
• The Rocca Paolina (dated 1540)
• Umbria National Gallery
• St. Dominic Church
• The National Archaeological Museum
• Pietro Vannucci Accademy
• St. Bernardino Oratory
• The Etruscan Well
• The ancient Oratory of St. Augustine Confraternity
• The Old University Palace
• Gallenga Palace (today seat of the Foreigners University)
• St. Ercolano Church (octagonal plan)
• St. Michele Arcangelo temple (circular plan)
• St. Peter Church and the Botanic Garden
• Ipogeo dei Volumni (Volumni’s hypogeum).

(www.comune.perugia.it )
 

Trasimeno Lake (at 35 Km from the Farmhouse)

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Trasimeno lake is the Central Italy biggest lake and the fourth ones of all the other Italian lakes. It flows entirely in Umbria land, in the district of Perugia, even though people’s uses and traditions here are strongly influenced by the near Tuscany. It has an alluvial origin and is mainly increased by the rains, some streams and small sources. It has one only artificial effluent, which has been built by the Romans and flows into the Tiber. It has three islands: Minore and Maggiore islands (smaller and bigger island) on the north side, and Polvese island, the biggest one on the south-east side. The lake is full of fish thanks to the clear waters full of food. Due to its impressive size and to its characteristic low depth it has always represented a very important wintering and resting area during autumn and spring water birds migrations. In order to protect all these animal species and the particular lake vegetation, in 1995 it has been recognized as Regional Park. The gentle hills surrounding it are wholly cultivated with grapes and olives from which the wonderful towers and castles ruins emerge.

To be visited:

• Maggiore Island
• Polvese Island
• Passignano
• Tuoro
• Castiglione del Lago
• Magione
• Panicale
• Piegaro
• Paciano
• Città della Pieve (Perugino birth place)

(www.trasinet.com )

Cortona (at 30 Km from the Farmhouse)

Cortona was one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan confederation. From its original huge walls, dating back to the IV Century BC, it can be seen today some imposing pieces slightly modified by medieval walls. With the exception of few Renaissance palaces, the medieval style is the prevailing character of Cortona buildings and it helps in giving a very charming aspect to its very narrow and hilly streets.
Thanks to its high position (600m ASL) from any corner in Cortona it can be enjoyed a beautiful view embracing the whole Valdichiana, a position that once has been strategic for the control of the roads that connected the cities of Arezzo, Perugia, Siena and Valtiberina but it has also been the reason of many battles for its possession.
After the Etruscans the Romans arrived, during the Middle Age the city was split in Guelphs and Ghibellines, who were fighting against each other and together against the city of Arezzo, Perugia, Siena and Florence for keeping their own independence, during the Renaissance period it was ruled by Florence and was involved in the war against Siena;
However in all the periods we assisted to the flourishing of the artistic, cultural and financial life, as monuments, palaces, churches and painting bear witness to it, artists’ works which have been preserved until today and that make it a pearl among the most beautiful villages of Italy.

To be visited:

• Etruscan Academy Museum of Cortona
• Diocesan Museum (Luca Signorelly’s works born in Cortona and Beato Angelico’s ones)
• The Walls and the Doors
• Medicean Fortress of Girifalco (1549-1556)
• Cathedral
• Church of St. Dominic (XV Century)
• Church of St. Francis
• Church of St. Nicolas (XV Century, Signorelli’s works)
• Church of St. Christopher (XIII Century)
• Church of New St. Mary ( XVI Century)
• Abbey of Farneta (VIII Century)
• Temple of Santa Maria delle Grazie (XV Century, in Calcinaio)
• Church of St. Michele Arcangelo in Romanesque style ( VII Century in Metelliano)
• Etruscan graves called “Tanella Angori” and “Grotta di Pitagora" (III - II Century BC in Cannaia)
• Hypogeum Etruscan graves (VII - IV Century BC, in Sodo and Camucia)
• The “Leopoldine” (typical Valdichiana farmhouses built after the valley drainage carried out by the grand duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo)
• Rocca di Pierle (at 16 Km on the way to Umbertilde)
 

Spello (at 65 Km from the Farmhouse)

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A steep slope in the green takes to Spello heart, an ancient village full of precious Roman period history vestiges. It became indeed an important centre, also thanks to its location, during the imperial period, when Augustus annexed Clitunno baths (near Spoleto), Civitella d’Arno (near Perugia) and ordered to build its walls and fortify it.
Three Augustan doors surround the city, all of them well preserved: Venus door with two towers, Consular Door and Urbicale door. However the most precious treasures Spello has inside its walls, which are so clean and characteristic to make Spello Umbria crib, are the beautiful Pinturicchio’s frescoes decorating Baglioni’s Chapel, in S. Maria Maggiore Church.
Spello geographic position allows to have an incredibly fascinating view embracing Umbria plain from Perugia to Spoleto.

To be visited:

• The Consular Door
• Tega chapel
• St. Mary Major Cathedral (including Baglioni family’s chapel) built on Giunone and Vesta ancient temple ruins.
• St. Lawrence, St. Andrew and St. Claude Churches
• Venus Door and Properzio Towers
• The Old Town Palace
• Augustus Arch and Cappuccini Arch or Arce Door
• St. Mary of Vallegloria Church and Monastery
• St. Jerome Church-monastery
• Urbica Door
• The Roman Amphitheatre
• Villa Fidelia (XVI Century villa)
• The Round Church
• Collepino and San Giovanni villages
  
  (www.comune.spello.pg.it )

Città di Castello (at 13 km from the Farmhouse)

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It is mostly surrounded by the XVI Century walls, Città di Castello expands along the valley on the left edge of the Tiber, where the Romans established the minicipium of Tifernum Tiberinum. After having been sacked and destroyed by the Goths during the barbaric invasions, it was rebuilt and fortified by the bishop Florido. It was initially called Castrum Felicitatis and later Civitas Castelli. A district that during the late middle age was under the Guelphs’ influence, it has been each time under Perugia, the Church, Florence and Braccio di Montone rule. In the second half of the XV Century the city noble Vitelli family started ruling it. They were fine arts and culture lovers in general, Vitelli family made Città di Castello a city full of churches and palaces, that still today give the city that architectonic connotations typical of the Tuscan Renaissance, calling artists like: Luca Signorelli, Raffaello Sanzio, Angelo from Orvieto, Antonio from Sangallo il Giovane, Giorno Vasari and many others. When Vitellozzo Vitelli died in 1462, his nephew Niccolò was banned from the city, but in 1468, he forced his return leading the army and killing his enemies. So many horrors pushed the pope Sixtus IV to find a solution using the weapons and after a strong resistance, the city surrendered and together with Cesare Borgia passed under the pontifical rule until, facing different vicissitudes, it has been annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. The art of typography, still flourishing today, was introduced in 1538 and is still an important resource for the economy of the Valley. To be visited:

 

• Vitelli Palace alla Cannoniera today seat of the Town Picture Gallery (works of: Raffello, Luca Signorelli, Giovanni and Andrea della Robbia, Raffaellino del Colle, Pomarancio, Domenico Ghirlandaio etc.)
• Vitelli Palace in Porta Sant'Egidio (Vasari’s work of 1540, with a huge park and a building with Gherardi’s frescoes).
• Vitelli Palace a San Giacomo
• Palazzo dei Priori (in Gothic style, today Town seat)
• Palazzo del Podestà (Podestà residence with Baroque front dated 1686) and the Civic Tower (XIII Century)
• The Cathedral of St. Florido and Amanzio (not finished, built in an area on which there was a Roman temple, it contains works of Rosso Fiorentino and Pomarancio) and the Crypt
• The round bell tower (of XIII Century in Ravenna style)
• The Cathedral Museum (containing the Virgin Lady of Pinturicchio, the Treasure of Canoscio, sacred vestments)
• Matteotti square with Vitelli Palace designed by Vasari.
• Albizzini Palace
• The ex tobacco drier today Burri Museum.
• The Church of St. Francis (in Gothic style which has been later on reworked, polygonal apses of 1273, Vitelli chapel designed by Vasari with a copy of the “Virgin Mary wedding” of Raffaello, which is today in Brera)
• Santa Maria Maggiore Church (in Gothyc style with Renaissance front)
• The Church of Virgin Mary of Graces
• The Church of St. Dominic dated 1424
• The Sanctuary of Virgin Mary of Belvedere
• Fontecchio Baths
• The Museum of popular traditions in Garavelle
• Petraia abbey
• The Oratory of St. Crescentino (in Morra) containing Signorelli’s frescoes.
(www.cdcnet.net )
 

Umbertide (at 13 km from the Farmhouse)

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It stands on the left side of Tiber, in the middle of a green valley dominated by Mount Acuto, on the ancient pre-Romanic road that connected Perugia to Città di Castello and Arezzo, it was born as trade centre for Umbria people and Etruscans exchanges. The Romans called it “Pitulum”. It was destroyed by the Goths and rebuilt by Uberto Marchese di Toscana’s sons, under the name of Fratta at the end of the VIII Century. For a long time it has been under Perugia rule, in 1385 it was fortified with a castle, where Biordo Michelotti ordered Braccio Fortebraccio (1393) to be jailed, Lord of Montone, who was ransomed against the release of its castle in Montone to Perugia. Braccio destroyed it in 1413 and passed under his family rule. It has been disputed for a long time by the Church and Perugia, it was seriously damaged and during the first half of the XVI Century it definitely passed to the Holy See, remaining then faithful to it. In 1799, after the Republics collapse, Fratta followed Città di Castello same history, until being annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. On 25 January 1863 its name was changed in Umbertide, after those who rebuilt it.

To be visited:

• The Rocca (built around 1374)
• Teatro dei Riuniti (theatre - XIX Century).
• Civitella Ranieri Castle (XV Century)
• Serra Partucci Castle (XVI Century)
• Montalto Castle.
• St. Salvatore abbey
• Mount Corona hermitage
• Santa Maria della Pietà churches (Pinturicchio’s frescoed lunette above the portal)
• Santa Maria della Reggia church and collegiate (completed in 1663, with octagonal plan, containing a Pomarancio painting).
• St. Francis church (XIII Century, containing a Pomarancio painting).
• Santa Croce church (XVII Century, containing a “Deposition from the Cross” by Luca Signorelli and a Pomarancio painting).
• Bellona ancient Etruscan city ruins

(www.comune.umbertide.it )

 

Montone (at 13 Km from the Farmhouse)

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Umbria very ancient settlement, as proved by many archaeological rests, it had its maximum growth during the XIX Century, when on the road leading from Città di Castello to Gubbio they built many fortified castles, among which Rocca di Aries (Aries’ Fortress). The first historical information dates back to the XIX Century. The fortified castle seems to be del Colle marquises’ feud, in 1150 it becomes a Town, with a general council and two consuls. The land has always been disputed by Perugia, Città di Castello and Gubbio, however Montone glories are practically connected to Fortebraccio family. In 1860 it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
To be visited:

 

• St. Gregory parish church in Romanesque-Byzantine style (AD 1000)
• The Latin Cross Collegiate Church (AD 1310)
• St. Francis Church in Gothic style (AD 300)
• Rocca di Braccio ruins (Rocca fortress)
• Rocca di Aries (Aries fortress at 6 km)
• St. Felix Church
• The Town Palace
• St. Catherine Monastery
• Rocca

(www.comunemontone.it )

Monte Santa Maria Tiberina (16 Km from the Farmhouse)

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This village that keeps intact its medieval urban aspect has a pleasant panoramic position, from where you can enjoy an unforgettable view on Tiber Valley.
It has very ancient origins and it was with no doubt an Etruscan village built on the right side of the Tiber to improve the trade with Umbria.
Starting from the XI century it was Marquises del Monte’s feud, who were descendants of the Marquises del Colle, who conquered most of Tiber High Valley, building fortresses and castles in different places. After the destruction of the Castle destruction in 1198, due to the conflicts with Innocent III, the Marquises built it again, strictly binding their history to the one of the village. They have been able, indeed, with a wise policy, to obtain from the popes and emperors concessions and privileges, keeping their independence and their power, being often assigned important public offices in the neighbouring cities. It seems that in this period Monte S. Mara Tiberina, thanks to these concessions, was free to declare war and to mint money to those receiving one of the three fair fields in Europe, where it was possible to carry out deadly duels freely. It has been independent until 1859, when it joined the Kingdom of Italy.

To be visited:

 

• The Ancient Parish Church (built around 1000, it preserves a baptismal font, two mummy cases and Bourbon del Monte family chapel)
• The Marquis Palaces
• Lippiano castle (ancient farmhouse).
• The abbey and Marzana tower (in the hamlet of Gioiello).
• Bourbon Castle letter box
• The Church of St. Augustine and close to it the duels field
• St. Cross Church
• Different Miocene outcrops with fossils from the same period

 

Citerna (at 25 km from the Farmhouse)

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Citerna stands on a hill, between Cerfone and Sovana streams, in a dominating position on Tiberina valley. It is the ancient Civitas Sobariae (or Castrum Citarnae) founded by Umbria people, who were took over from the Etruscans, its territory has been very populated since the Roman period. It was known in ancient times under the name of Monte Albano, the city was given the actual name during the X-XI Century, probably after having built the castle, for the presence of the existing water cisterns (Cisterne=Citerna). It survived to the Roman Empire collapse and was invaded by the Lombards later on and, after their defeat carried out by the Francs, it became del Colle marquises’ feud and, later on, Bourbon del Monte’s one, Lords of Monte S.M. Tiberina which was ruled by Da Citerna family members who were their vassals. During the following centuries it has been continuously disputed by different towns, among which Città di Castello, Rimini, Perugia, until when in 1463 it passed under the Papal State rule. At the beginning of 1500, Citerna passed under Vitelli family’s vicariate of Città di Castello, that after different vicissitudes and after having enriched it with works of art and monuments, the family ruled it until the end of the XVI Century. When the Vitelli family left Citella government, it went back to the monotonous life of many other Pontifical State small villages. In 1849 Citerna received Garibaldi while he was withdrawing in Ravenna, after the Roman republic fall, and in 1860 it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy (Umbria first city).
To be visited:

 

• St. Francis church
• San Michele Arcangelo Church (Pomarancio altar-piece)
• Prosperi-Vitelli house
• Ancient Rocca (fortress) vestiges
• Santa Maria Assunta a Pistrino Church
• The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Petriolo a Fighille

(www.citerna.net )

 

San Giustino (at 25 km from the Farmhouse)

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Umbria ancient village that was very populated also during the Roman period, San Giustino name comes from a Roman soldier tortured in AD 303 for being a Christian. It is in the middle of two village poles Sansepolcro and Città di Castello, the ancient Melisciano – San Giustino, “Castrum” during the Roman period, occupied an attractive and strategic position but dangerous for its independence. Castiglione Castle was already existing in 1109, for which Federico I Barbarossa claimed his right of possession. After the castle destruction, at the end of 1200, it became a fortress for the valley, owned by the Dotti family. Destroyed again in 1400, it was ordered its reconstruction to become the powerful and noble Bufalini family’s fortress and residence. During the following centuries the Country history is bound to the name of this family and to Città di Castello history. In 1814, once finished the French rule, the town of San Giustino passed again under the Church rule, that in 1828 declared its independency. The Renaissance vicissitudes binds San Giustino to Città di Castello even more, they were both occupied by Manfredo Fanti troupes on 11 September 1860, and were together annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. Cospaia is annexed to its territory (republic from 1440 to 1826), where in the second half of the XVI Century (1575) they grew the first tobacco in Italy, which was once called “erba tornabuona” from the name of Nicolò Tornabuoni, abbot of the near Sansepolcro, where he brought the seed from a mission in Spain.
To be visited:

 

• Bufalini Castle (fortress transformed from Vasari in a princely residence, it has a wonderful Italian style garden with a labyrinth)
• Cospaia Republic
• Ancient Roman villas vestiges on Colle Plinio hill
• Cappelletti Villa of XVII Century on Colle Plinio hill
• Magherini Graziani Villa in Celalba (dated 1616 with a wonderful Italian garden)

(www.comunesangiustino.it )
 

Sansepolcro (at 30 km from the Farmhouse)

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Once arrived in Sansepolcro, St. Francis church and the Cathedral bell towers welcome the visitor that, in a glance, makes an imaginary trip through the buildings painted in Piero della Francesca works. The city that has grown around the big Benedictine abbey has preserved almost intact the medieval urban asset and during the centuries it has been enriched with prestigious Renaissance and Baroque buildings. This city is Piero della Francesca birth place, and its Civic Museum contains the memory of the artist. Works like the complicated and symbolic Resurrection, the Compassion Polyptyc, St. Julian and St. Ludovico are witness of the first Renaissance period artist’s talent. The Cathedral near the museum is an interesting Romanic building with a nave and two aisles and a rose window in the centre. Beside the Cathedral there is the Palazzo della Laudi, with Manneristic shapes, today Town premises. Some other artistic vestiges of the city are visible by crossing its historic centre: St. Mary of Graces Church, St. Francis Church, St. Lawrence Church. Torre di Berta square is the heart of the city, in which, on the second Sunday of September it is held the traditional Palio della Balestra, an historical competition of crossbow shot between Gubbio and Sansepolcro.

To be visited:

• The Civic Museum (containing a beautiful Resurrection fresco, Lady Mary compassion Polyptyc and St. Julian and St. Ludovico frescoes by Piero).
• The Cathedral (with a Carolingian wood cross)
• St. Lawrence church (Deposition painting by Rosso Fiorentino)
• St. Francis church
• Aboca museum
• Montecasale Hermitage (Franciscan place at 7km)
• Torre Di Berta square.
• Corso XX Settembre

(www.lavalledipiero.it )

 

Anghiari (at 30 km from the Farmhouse)

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Anghiari is a beautiful medieval village in a land limited by Tiber and Arno rivers flows. Inviolable bulwark thanks to the XIII Century walls, it was a very important reference point for many historical events in a boundary land with very delicate balances. On 29 June 1440, the renown Anghiari Battle, frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci in Palazzo Vecchio, reaffirmed Florence supremacy over Tuscany. The time left important signs in the historical centre churches and buildings, developing a very fascinating urban plan, along the steep road crossing the village, making it unique and unmistakable. Its little squares and narrow streets are full of antiques shops and furniture restoration laboratories; museums and churches contain painting and sculpture master pieces; at any corner there are panoramic views and breath-taking perspectives. Anghiari enjoys its beautiful view on the Upper Tiber Valley, natural amphitheatre full of Franciscan spirituality. The valley has a millenary monastic and abbey tradition. The century old woods surrounding it are dotted with parish churches. These places invite to reflect and discover extraordinary paths out of the usual tourist itineraries: a jump to the past in an uncontaminated atmosphere.

To be visited:

• The Walls
• Baldaccio square and the Loggia with the fountains
• Marzocco Palace and Taglieschi Palace (museum premises)
• Corsi Palace and the theatre
• Magi Gallery
• St. Maria a Micciano parish church
• St. Maria alla Sovara parish church
• St. Maria a Corsano parish church
• Monastero della Croce (Monastery of the Cross)
• Montauto Monastery
• Verna Sanctuary (Franciscan place)

 

 

The cities of Umbertide and Lisciano-Niccone castles and abbeys