TOURISM AND RELAX NEAR ANCAIANO (Spoleto)
Ancaiano di Spoleto: coordinate: LAT. 42° 38’ 50”N LON. 12° 46’ 24” E
The allure that Umbria holds derives from its rare fusion of art, nature and spirituality.
In fact, it is no coincidence that the peace and serenity emanating from its rolling hills and medieval cities, nestled like precious jewels, served as inspiration for artists in the Renaissance and other eras when they were devising their masterpieces.
Our property is located in the municipality of Spoleto, 20 km from the capital, in La Valnerina.
Spoleto, the theatre city, is known for its “Festival dei Due Mondi” (Festival of the Two Worlds): the extraordinary show that every year displays works of theatre, dance and classical and contemporary music. Visitors can’t help but be fascinated by this city’s historical and artistic heritage: the Roman Theatre; the “Ponte delle Torri” (Tower Bridge); a long aqueduct from the Roman-Lombard era; the “Rocca Alborniziana” fortress; several medieval buildings that once housed nobles such as the “Palazzo dei Baroni Ancaiani”, historic owners of the Mill of the same name; the Duomo and many other churches decorated with frescoes.
The nearest town to the Ancaiano country house is Ferentillo, dominated by the defensive walls that were erected around the city.
Just a short drive away lies the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, dating back to the 8th century. The Abbey is historically linked to the family of Ancaiani Barons.
La Valnerina, unparalleled valley of the Nera river – a tributary of the Tiber -, offers visitors the breathtaking attraction of the “Cascate delle Marmore” (Marmore Falls), the highest waterfall in Europe. This water sports hub owes its existence to the Romans, who created it by intentionally diverting the Velino river. Just a stone’s throw away, one can find the “lago di Piediluco”, considered the largest natural lake in the region after the “lago Trasimeno”. This awe-inspiring lake was an unmissable stopover for several artists taking part in the Grand Tour. It is also home to the headquarters of the Italian Rowing Federation (FIC).
Norcia is situated in the heart of La Valnerina and the “Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini” (Monti Sibillini National Park). Founded towards the end of the 5th century BC by the Etruscans, Norcia (“Norsia” is Etruscan for “Luck”) was hailed by well-known Latin poets and writers such as Livy, Plutarch and Virgil. It is the birthplace of Saint Benedict (Patron Saint of Europe) and Saint Scholastica. Nowadays, it is entirely enclosed within its ancient defensive walls: its most famous monuments – such as the “Basilica” and the “Castellina” – tower over the main square, at the centre of which stands the statue of Saint Benedict.
Spello is a town of extraordinary beauty, considered one of Umbria’s many gems. It is brimming with history, monuments and works of art, including those of Pinturicchio.
An hour’s drive east of here takes us to Cascia, known worldwide as the birthplace of Saint Rita, worshipped by a great number of followers from all around the world.
![[:it]I dintorni di Ancaiano Country House nei pressi di Spoleto (Umbria)[:]](https://static.country-house-in-umbria.it/uploads/2015/06/Duomo-di-Orvieto-vicino-Ancaiano-Country-House-768x1024.jpg)
To the west we find Orvieto, an ancient Etruscan city that rises atop a cliff of tuff. Over the last few decades, many remnants of the city’s Etruscan past have been unearthed. Its enchanting and majestic Duomo dates back to the Middle Ages, when Orvieto was at the peak of its splendour as a free municipality.
Those searching for an unforgettable trip should look no further than the medieval city of Assisi. Recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Assisi represents “an ensemble of masterpieces of human creative genius”, which were made in honour of its most illustrious citizen, Saint Francis, Patron Saint of Italy. La basilica dedicated to this saint has walls adorned with frescoes from the great masters of the Renaissance, artists like Giotto and Cimabue. Assisi has always granted visitors a warm welcome; which is clear from its constant re-evocation of ancient traditions such as the “Calendimaggio” (May Day Festival), when knights and damsels, archers and standard bearers flock to the streets in medieval costumes.
Gubbio is another unique medieval city, with several ancient roads that wind up the slopes of Mount Ingino. It is known for the “Corsa dei Ceri” (Race of the Candles), held on the 15th of May. Suffice it to glance at its famous pottery to grasp the exquisite craftsmanship of Gubbio’s artisans.
Todi, also a medieval city, was built by the Etruscans and subsequently conquered by the Romans. Todi is sheltered within the Tiber valley.
Lastly, we come to Perugia, capital city of the entire province. An important Etruscan city, it flourished in the Middle Ages, leaving behind impressive works of architecture; it is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe as well as the University for Foreigners.
Sports and food and wine activities
The region is brimming with culinary resources and events aimed at promoting them, such as the various festivals, which are held especially during the summer and autumn months. We should mention, among others, the exquisite olive oil produced here, as well as wine from Montefalco and Orvieto, black truffles and other products from the undergrowth, special charcuterie products from Norcia, trout from the Nera river, chocolate from Perugia and confectionary products from Assisi.
Sports activities in Ancaiano, Umbria, Country House Spoleto. The “La Valnerina River Park” is the ideal place for sporting enthusiasts wishing to practice rafting, canoeing and sport fishing in one of Italy’s most unique aquatic environments. One can also take part in more extreme sports such as rock climbing, trekking and mountain biking.
The via Francigena, an ancient road which once led from Canterbury to Rome passing right through La Valnerina, holds a strong historical allure. It is still a hotspot today for pilgrims and hikers crossing immense landscapes on foot and constitutes an ideal journey of self-discovery, to be explored both individually and in groups. Many people are expected to flock here and re-evoke this past tradition during the upcoming Christian Jubilee year. In 1994, the via Francigena was declared a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe”. The lush and vibrant landscapes of its valleys mean that Umbria never ceases to amaze and enthral visitors.