Short itineraries

Recommended itineraries for your holiday in Umbria

We recommend 4 short itineraries for those who already know Umbria and wish to discover small hamlets, churches and castles, museums and galleries.

Itinerary 1. The east bank of the river Tiber

This itinerary focuses on the area between Todi and Orvieto, along the east bank of the river Tiber, passing through small villages and traditional farmsteads.

  1. Set off from the Agriturismo.
  2. Cross Ponterio.
  3. Pass by Montemolino (follow directions for Fratta Todina), area of many Roman remains.
  4. Visit the town of Montecastello di Vibio, dating back to VII-VI century BC, as proved by the finding of an extensive necropolis (scattered materials).
  5. Visit the Concordia Theatre, known as “the smallest theatre in the world” dating back to 1808.In those post French revolution years, nine eminent families of the town got together to create a place of amusement and cultural gatherings. The theatre has 99 seats (stalls and boxes), a stage and a cafe area. Numerous, and often internationally famous artists, chose this unique theatre for their performances.
  6. Head in the direction of Doglio to get back on 79BIS road.
  7. Visit the castle of Prodo, built in a strategic position above the cliffs on the ancient road connecting Todi to Orvieto. The castle is an important building distinguished by its angular roofed towers. In 1849 Garibaldi took refuge here while followed by the pope’s army.
  8. Carry on towards the road through Olsa, that goes back to the town of Corbara.
  9. Cross the river and back to the Agriturismo.

Itinerary 2. Ancient Roman and Umbrian towns

This route explores a different part of the Via Flaminia and opens an interesting window on a community of Roman and then Umbrian origins, settled between mountains and plains.

  1. Set off from the Agriturismo.
  2. Reach Acquasparta by the main road in the direction of Terni. Acquasparta has been known since Roman times as a spa resort for holidays. Here you can visit the building of San Giovanni de Brutis, built on a Roman bridge of the Via Flaminia. Spend some time in the town of Cesi, home of Federico Cesi, founder of the Lincei academy, whose tomb can be found in the Church of Santa Cecilia (XII century).
  3. Visit the archaeological site of Carsulae, Roman town on the Via Flaminia.
  4. Visit Cesi, old settlement of Umbrian people, with its gigantic walls.
  5. Optional excursion to Monte Torre Maggiore, home of a very ancient and important sanctuary.
  6. From Cesi, reach the main road and return to the Agriturismo.

For those wishing to extend their route, from Cesi you can visit the town of San Gemini, an old Roman settlement and important medieval fortified castle. San Gemini is nationally known for its natural spring which produces mineral water (Sangemini and Fabia).

  1. On the outskirts, wander in the Park of the San Gemini spring amongst ancient trees, the venue of a spa centre, where local spring water originating in the Monti Martani is used.
  2. At about 10 km from San Gemini, in the direction of Orte, you can reach Narni, a typical Umbrian medieval town dominating the river Nera.
  3. Visit the Roman Cathedral (XII century) with a Gothic apse, home of one of the oldest Umbrian monuments, the Sepulchre of San Giovenale and San Cassio, with a sarcophagus dating back to VII century BC and a mosaic of the IX century.
  4. Church of San Francis (XII century), built during the stay of the saint in Narni.
  5. Church of Sant’Agostino (XIV century), which has a rich artistic heritage, such as a Glory of Sant’Agostino by Carlo Federico Benincasa.
  6. Palazzo dei Priori (1275), Palazzo Comunale (1273), Municipal Gallery, Palazzo Scotti (1500), Palazzo Capocaccia (1545) and the natal house of Gattamelata.
  7. Visit the subterranean passages of Narni.
  8. Back to the main road, from where it is about 40 minutes to the Agriturismo.

Itinerary 3. On the trail of the “Sigillata” (Roman ceramic)

This itinerary focuses on the Roman remains on the west bank of the river Tiber, in the area between Todi and Orvieto.

  1. Set off from the Agriturismo.
  2. Cross Ponterio, area of scattered but important Roman and Etruscan remains. Today it is a developed area.
  3. On the 448 road (direction Orvieto) drive along the river Tiber, passing by the village of Pontecuti, once a Roman necropolis, but nothing remains today.
  4. Continue on the road to Orvieto, pass the tunnels, turn left on a small road leading to the Eremo della Pasquarella (hermitage), built by the Camaldolesi monks in the XI century. The sanctuary is located in a wide green area, where there are caves dating back to VI and VIII century once used as a place of retreat.
  5. Back on the 448 road and turn for Civitella del Lago, an attractive ancient Roman fortified town.
  6. Brief stop in Scoppieto, to visit the archaeological park discovered in 1995 and built on the remains of an old ceramic centre producing tableware, lamps and tiles. This centre was operating as far back as I century BC until the end of I century AD.
  7. Back on the main road, in the direction of Baschi for a visit to the small Antiquarium, containing the original building material.
  8. Back to the Agriturismo.

Itinerary 4. The Via Flaminia via Massa Martana

This itinerary focuses on exploring Roman traces in Umbria, along the Via Flaminia.

  1. Set off from the Agriturismo towards Duesanti.
  2. Visit the abbey in Viepri.
  3. Brief deviation to visit the abbey of San Fidenzio and San Terenzio (IX-X century) founded by a community of Benedictine monks. The abbey has an interesting facade made of alternating pink and white square stones and a simple door with a Roman arch.
  4. Walk in the old town centre of Massa Martana, located at the foothills of the Monti Martani. The area is rich in Roman and early Christian traces. The old churches represent its artistic heritage.
  5. Visit the Church of Santa Maria in Pantano (VII-VIII century), one of the oldest and most important in Umbria.
  6. Visit the abbey of San Faustino (XI century), built on the remains of a Roman villa and dedicated to San Faustino who was a disciple and friend of San Felice, bishop of the Civitas Martana.
  7. Visit the tomb of San Faustino (III-IV century), unique in Umbria.
  8. Near the tomb are the remains of the Fonnaia Roman bridge.
  9. Back on the main road to the Agriturismo.
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