The Places
Inextricably linked to Montefalco for at least eight hundred years, the Sagrantino grape, together with the wine produced from it, is a sign of the strong identity of a territory and a community. This grape variety has shaped the landscape even within the 13-th century walls of Montefalco, where its vines surround quaint little gardens.
MONTEFALCO
Montefalco is the heart of the Sagrantino terroir. Walking through its streets, admiring the Umbrian Valley from the spectacular belvedere just outside the walls, discovering the small urban gardens where old Sagrantino vines grow, you will understand why the two names, Sagrantino and Montefalco, are almost synonymous.
Situated on the top of a hill and protected by ancient walls, Montefalco rises at the intersection of the valleys of the Clitunno, Topino and Tiber rivers. Probably founded as a rural village inhabited by Umbrian populations, it was populated in Roman times by patrician villas, of which the Civic Museum preserves interesting epigraphic and sculptural finds.
It was first called Coccorone, according to some from the name of the alleged founder, the Roman senator Marcus Curion, while others believe it comes from the Greek óros (mountain). Between 1239 and 1240, the name was changed to Montefalco, according to local tradition, in honour of Frederick II of Swabia, an expert in the art of falconry. Rediscovered in the 19th century thanks to the passion of Romantic travelers for the Middle Ages and studies on St. Francis, Montefalco owes much of its charm to its geographical location, which earned it the nickname "the railing of Umbria" in the 1970s. But already in 1903, Gabriele D'Annunzio, among the sonnets of his Laudi dedicated to the Cities of Silence, celebrated Montefalco for its extraordinary synthesis of landscape, art and Franciscan spirituality, and for the inimitable harmony that derives from it.
BEVAGNA
From Montefalco, Bevagna can be reached via the charming road that winds through the vine-covered hills from Monte Pennino. It still very faithfully preserves the urban layout of the Roman period, and is a jewel among the small Umbrian villages, all waiting to be discovered, strolling leisurely and enjoying corners and views that feel like stepping into a living piece of the Middle Ages.
The archaeological evidence that has emerged from the territory of ancient Mevania dates back to the late Iron Age. According to some, an Etruscan settlement - hence the name Mefana, belonging to an Etruscan gentry - preceded the arrival of the Umbrians. The first historical information is provided by Titus Livius in his description of the Roman conquest of Umbria. Situated in a fertile territory at the confluence of the rivers Clitunno and Timia, Bevagna was the site of an important river port. From 220 BC, the route of the consular Via Flaminia had one of its most important branches around the area ofcommercial centre Bevagna, and the city became a rich and flourishing commercial center. A Roman municipality in 90-89 BC, it was ascribed to the Aemilian tribe.
GUALDO CATTANEO
On the slopes of the Martani Mountains in a panoramic and suggestive position, the territory of Gualdo Cattaneo is worth a visit even outside the ancient city walls. With its fortress, churches and views dotted with woods, it is an excellent starting point to understand the system of castles (fortified fortresses) and medieval constructions located in strategic points to defend the territory.
In fact, these constitute a veritable defensive complex that offers itself to the visitor as an extraordinary open-air museum, set in an olive grove landscape that harmonizes perfectly with the softer, more sinuous landscape of the vineyard hills.
After visiting Gualdo and its Rocca, head towards Pozzo, which, surrounded by green olive trees, overlooks the valley of the river Puglia. The architectural layout of the castle offers unique medieval views. Continuing on, you will find the castle of Cisterna (13th c.), on a hill above the Puglia river, is in fairly good condition, with its high medieval tower clearly visible, next to which stands a settlement of 19th-century origin. On the border between the municipalities of Gualdo Cattaneo and Giano dell'Umbria you will come across the castle of Marcellano, dating back to the 12th century. During the Christmas season, a living nativity scene transforms the village, involving the entire community in traditional medieval scenes. Dozens of costumed figures bring to life craftsmen’s workshops and taverns serving hot wine and local delicacies. As the pale December sun sets, the Nativity play unfolds in a truly unique setting.
CASTEL RITALDI E GIANO DELL'UMBRIA
The Martani Mountains, about 30 km long, divide the Spoletana Valley to the east from the Tiberina Valley to the west. Anthropization has not affected the complex ecosystem of these mountains, characterized by extensive woodlands of holm oaks, beeches and turkey oaks, the presence of numerous botanical and animal species and interesting geological and karst phenomena. The Martani Mountains still preserve the distinguished history of medieval villages, fascinating fiefdoms and abbeys pervaded with spirituality. From this natural pass, Christianity entered and spread throughout Umbria, thanks to figures commemorated in the hermitages and abbeys that dot the mountain ridge. These places of worship are counterbalanced—especially around Giano dell’Umbria—by castles and fortresses located in the hearts of tiny villages, where visitors can admire splendid views and breathe the purest air.
The itinerary begins at Castel Ritaldi, where its position and climatic conditions favor the cultivation of vines. Inside the walls, dating back to the 13th century, the church of Santa Marina (14th-15th century) is worth a visit.
Just outside the village, heading towards Colle del Marchese, the Romanesque parish church of San Gregorio in Nido (1141) is surrounded by olive groves and preserves splendid bas-relief decorations on its façade and portal. If you turn towards the hamlet of Morcicchia in the direction of Giano dell'Umbria, you will reach this wonderful village, famous, along with Trevi, for its excellent extra virgin olive oil. Here one has the impression of walking through history, among ancient stone walls and medieval alleys, with the beautiful Town Hall building and the 14th-century church of San Michele. Before ascending towards the mountain, a small diversion will lead you to the Abbey of San Felice (around 1130), a treasure hidden among the olive trees that at the time of the Emperor Constantine enshrined the bones of the martyr St Felix. From here, to begin the climb into the mountains, follow the signs for Monte Martano. You can also take the Martani Trekking Trail, which continues toward the Scoppio ridge—the central junction of the route—where a hiking center is open by reservation.