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Bevagna

PRIVATE GUIDED TREKKING TOUR
The ring of the village of Giano

A route up through the Martani mountains, from the picturesque village of Giano with unrivalled panoramic views across the region

from 90€ Per person
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WINE TASTING
Umbria and its organic wines: a small tasting

A tasting of some of the most representative organic wines in Umbria

25€ Per person
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WELLNESS AND BEAUTY TREATMENT
Wellness treatment in Umbria with wine

A wellness treatment with wine in Umbria in the name of relaxation, perfect for couples!

125€ Per person
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WINE TASTING
Wine tasting in Umbria: vineyards and Roman ruins

Wine tasting in Umbria: horses and carriages, amongst the vineyards and exploring ancient Roman remains. With tasting!

80€ 80€ Per person
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Discover Bevagna

Discover Bevagna with us 

If you want to immerse yourself in the past, the beautiful village of Bevagna is what you are looking for. It is a typical Umbrian village of about 5000 people and its fortifications on the ancient consular road Flaminia remained intact throughout the centuries. Its current name derives from the ancient EtruscanMefana” which later became “Mevania” during the Roman period, in 90 BC.

The Romans regarded it as an important commercial hub due to its port on the river Tevere that connected the village with Rome.

It fell under the rule of the Longobards with the Duchy of Spoleto and from 1371 to 1439 it was governed by the Signoria of the Trinci.

 The beauty of its monuments and landscapes, its products, and traditions are a source of great pride for the local population.

It was listed as one of the 100 most beautiful ancient villages of Italy and amongst the Orange Flags (“Bandiere Arancioni” in Italian: a recognition of quality awarded by the Touring Club Italiano to small towns in Italy for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment) and is the ideal destination for anyone who loves history, culture, art, and nature. It is also perfect for couples looking to spend some quality time together, families on vacation, groups of friends, or who want to experience an authentic ancient Italian Borgo.

It is no coincidence that Bevagna was also awarded with the title of Gem of Italy, for its fascinating alleys and timeless monuments that recall a distant pass rich of important events.

Despite its mostly medieval looks, a wide range of different architectural styles can be appreciated, including: Romanic, Gothic, and Baroque. This Borgo also gave its name to precious paintings called “bevagne”, created in the past by skilful and talented hands.

If you are serious about Medieval history, Bavagna is the place for you! The village is renowned for its Mercato delle Gaite.

During this event that takes place in the last ten days of June, the citizens revive the life of their ancestors who lived between the years 1250 and 1350, wearing medieval clothes, cooking and eating the typical dishes of the time, rediscovering ancient arts, trades and pastimes.

The celebration is named after the Gaite, from the ancient word Watha meaning “Guides”, and dates back to the Longobard domination. They were the four districts of the city: S. Giorgio, S. Giovanni, S. Pietro, and S. Maria, which challenged each other for the control of administrative offices. Today the four Gaite compete in the races of Trade, Craft, Cooking, and Archery. Each Gaita has its defining trades and abilities, for example the Gaita of S. Giorgio is famous for metallurgy, iron working and minting and excels in lute making. The Gaita of S. Giovanni stands out for its refined glass artefacts and the manufacturing of  “Bambagina” paper, made from rags. The Gaita of S. Pietro excels in the arts of dying and the making of parchment codices and their most important shops include the bakery, the spice shop, the distillery, the herbalist, and the wax laboratory. Finally, the Gaita of S. Maria specialises in hemp working for the production of canvases and ropes.

The celebrations begin with the opening ceremony of Piazza Silvestri, which culminates with a great party for the members of the four Gaite and all the inhabitants and tourists that will participate. Traditional dances, archery competitions, jugglers, jesters and musician are going to liven up the evening. One can dine in one of the various taverns that offer traditional dishes and the finest local wines (also celebrated by Plinius and Juvenal in their writings), such as the Sargantino, produced in the ancient territories of Mervania. All around banners, traditional costumes, dances, plays, workshops, and culinary and trade contests amongst the four Gaite. The highlight of the event are the markets where each Gaita has its own stands with local products and crafts. Visitors can buy fresh food such as bread, cheese, or fish, hand-crafted goods like wickerwork, wrought-iron objects, fabrics and canvases, and paper and candles crafted according to the tradition. The closing ceremony marks the end of the celebrations when the winner is proclaimed and prizes are handed by the Podestà. Thanks to the statutes drafted in the XVI Century and the information they contained, it was possible to accurately re-enact the economy, daily life, production and sale techniques, arts and trades of medieval Bevagna.

Another important event in Bevagna is the Medieval Spring, that takes place every year between April and May and is considered a prelude to Mercato delle Gaite. Arte in Tavola celebrates the culinary and wine-making traditions of Bevagna and includes tastings, seminars held by experts, music, folklore, and local artists. Also Agosto Bevanate focuses on local foods and wines, culture, folklore, music and concerts to cheer the end of summer.

Bevagna is famous for its first-rate oil and wine. Vineyards and olive groves thrive on the surrounding hills and are the pillars of the local culinary and wine-making traditions; the Sagrantino Docg wine is one of the most precious fruits of the ancient region of Mevania. Another protagonist of Bevagna’s cuisine is the truffle, a delicacy that can be tasted in various local recipes such as bruschettas, pasta and rice dishes like Strangozzi or tagliatelle, or meat like the black truffle lamb.

Discover What to see in Bevagna 

If you want to experience the Medieval character of the village in full, a stroll in the old town ending in Piazza Silvestri mandatory. This is the most important square in Bevagna and one of the most characteristic in the whole region. Looking on it, are some of the most significant monuments of the city, such as Palazzo dei Consoli, the suggestive Church of S. Silvestro, the majestic Church of S. Michele Arcangelo with its imposing bell tower and the Church of SS. Domenico e Giacomo. The keyword is “perspective”. In fact the buildings do not follow any symmetry or frontal arrangement creating various perspectives of irregular harmony. Teatro Francesco Torti – located since 1886 inside Palazzo dei Consoli – is a hidden treasure of the city definitely worth visiting. There, one can also admire beautiful frescoes by Piervittori and Bruschi.

Another interesting place to visit is the “Valcheria” Paper Mill, where the ancient medieval traditions are still preserved. Here is where the “Bambagina” paper is made according to ancient procedures where rags and offcuts of various materials such as cotton, linen, and hemp are macerated in lime.

We also recommend visiting the stone where Saint Francis stood during his Sermon to the Birds in Pian D’arca and the Church of Saint Francis uptown. Another interesting spot is the Roman Thermal Complex with its well preserved Mosaic Floor.

On the highest part of the village of Bevagna, 225 metres (700 feet) above sea level, sits the Church of S. Francesco. It was built in 1275 on the grounds of an oratory previously built in honour of Saint John the Baptist. The complex also includes a convent.

The building can be reached after climbing a steep staircase, due to the findings it is believed that a Roman temple might have stood there before the church.

The original exterior reflects the typically frugal Franciscan style. The entrance is a clustered portal enriched by capitals and floral decorations, while the lavish insides pose a clear clear contrast with the humble outsides. The first underwent heavy restoration in 1756. The church has one nave and to lateral chapels, namely the Chapel of Gisberto Ciccoli and the one dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto, probably designed by the architect Galeazzo Alessi.

The church is famous for holding the stone on which Francis stood during his Sermon to the Birds in the village of Pian d’Arca. According to the legend, his celestial voice and delicate manners enchanted the small animals so much that they all diligently stood in front of the saint listening to his words.

The stone is kept in the chapel next to the altar inside of a protective grid.

A special mention shall be made also for the paintings of Dono Doni (1500- 1575), a Pietà by his follower Ascensidonio Spacca called  Il Fantino (1560-1646) and the “Immacolata, Trinità e Santi” also by Spacca.

The vault of the dome of one of the chapels embellished by maiolica is particularly beautiful.

The church of S. Michele Arcangelo is located in Piazza Silvestri, in front of the church of S. Silvestro.

It was built at the end of the XII Century, a few years after the facing “twin” church of S. Silvestro which also was realised by the Masters Binello and Rodolfo, as stated in the inscription next to the portal, and stands out due to its massive and majestic belfry.

It was the first cathedral of Brevagna, but in 1248 Frederick II stripped it of its title making it a collegiate church. Five centuries later, Pope Paul V would declare it the city cathedral again. In 1666 the Bishop of Spoleto sanctified the new church.

Looking at the structure of this church, it is easy to imagine what S. Silvestro would have looked like if its bell tower had ever been completed.

Although, while the church of S. Silvestro – despite being incomplete – kept its original aspect throughout the centuries, the church of Michele Arcangelo underwent heavy modifications following certain restoration works that conferred a mainly baroque look to the building. In the middle of its facade, stands out a large rose window that replaced the smaller original one which was placed in a lower position.

The top portion of the bell tower – built at the end of the XII Century – was modified also using materials recovered from the previous construction.

Also the roof was modified by the order of Prior Bernardo Eroli. Other restored elements include the floors, the capitals of the columns (in an attempt of restoring their original beauty ruined by coats of stucco), the internal staircase leading to the presbytery, and the wooden lining consisting in sloping surfaces.

Like S. Silvestro’s the facade is made of travertine blocks. In the upper part we find three-lancet windows. In the lower part there are three portals: two of the same size on the sides and positioned on the facade symmetrically and a central one, bigger, embellished with a wood bas-relief depicting Saint Micheal in the act of striking the dragon. The angel figures chiselled on the capitals are also noteworthy; the angel on the right is holding a cross and a scroll and the one on the left is piercing the dragon with a sword.

Like the church of S. Silvestro, inside there are three naves divided by the columns and an underground crypt under the raised presbytery.  The crypt mirrors the structure of the church plan and has three naves but the central one is divide by six additional thin columns forming 12 aisles with cross vaults.

Notable works of art include a “Crucifix” by Francesco Providoni, with images of Madonna, Mary Magdalen and Saint John, some frescoes by Andrea Camassei, and a silver statue of Saint Vincent by Peter Ramoser (1785).

Not all places of worship rise on sites that enhance their beauty and are capable of awakening a deep sense of inner peace in the hearts of their visitors. The Church of Madonna delle Grazie is surely one of these places. The church is framed by the thriving nature, vineyards and olive groves of the hill of Colpulito. On the top of the hill one can enjoy a beautiful view of the valley from the park in front of the church.

Its construction was ordered by the bishop of Spoleto Pietro Orsini and Cardinal Riarioin in 1583 after some miracles were believed to have occurred in that area in 1462 and 1582. It is plausible, then, that the church was built mainly as a tribute to the Virgin Mary (who had performed the miracles), but it was also a way to remember the importance of the Catholic Church to the believers. Those were indeed the times of Martin Luther’s protestant reform which was a cause of serious frictions in the catholic world.

The church was built along via Flaminia, the old road that connected Rome to the Adriatic sea.

The building was designed by the Italian architect Valentino Martelli,  rises on a Latin Cross plan, and has an octagonal ceiling. It should have enclosed a dome, as the ancient floor plan shows, but it was replaced by a lantern. Moreover, the bell tower was never completed. On the external brick facade, one can notice the binary pilaster strips and Doric capitals.

Inside we find the fresco of Madonna delle Grazie (dating back to the first miracle) and some works by Ascensidonio Spacca, better known as il Fantino.

The church was damaged during the 1997 earthquake, fortunately the damage has since then been restored.

The church of S. Silvestro is the oldest of the three churches in Piazza Silvestri, in Bevagna. It was built in 1195 by Master Binello, as stated in the inscription near the entrance.

The structure, in Romanic style, was never completed and does not have a bell tower.

The bottom part of the building is in travertine, while the top part is in red and pink stone and boasts a three-mullioned window in the middle and two double lanceted windows on the sides. The entrance portal is decorated with a frieze with classical and geometrical elements serving a deeply allegorical purpose: on the left the mount represents Christ, the four creeks symbolise the four Gospels, and the vine and animals respectively stand for the Church and its followers. The dragon on the right symbolises the Devil.

The interior is divided in three naves and a few stairs lead to the raised presbytery, to make the underlying crypt look more spacious and deep. The imposing columns with Corinthian capitals delimit the spaces of each nave.

The inside of the church of S.Silvestro is rather frugal and the few decorative elements do not flaunt any material opulence. Simplicity is what makes this church so beautiful and unique. The light penetrates through few small windows, but it seems to project and illuminate the interior – especially the central nave – with great precision and solemnity.

The church was restored between 1953 and 1954 and in 1987.

Palazzo dei Consoli (the Palace of Consuls) is one of the many monuments that look over Piazza Silvestri, in the Old Town. This structure has an important political value, since it represented the power of the State in the square, in juxtaposition (but at the same time in balance) with the power of the Church symbolised by the churches of S. Silvestro, S. Michele Arcangelo and S. Domenico e Giacomo.

The palace was built in 1270 and its Gothic design is probably ascribable to Master Prode, who is also believed to be the architect of the city hall of Spello. Made of travertine and sandstone, the building is embellished by Gothic double lancet windows.

An ample staircase leads to the upper floor, which develops on an elegant loggia with cross vaults. A large coat of arms, placed on what is believed to be the ancient entrance to the palace, shows the heritage of the Trinci family and its Signoria, which ruled over Bevagna from 1371 to 1439.

The building was connected to the adjacent church of S. Silvestro in 1560, when an ample vault was built to allow the consuls to access the church directly in order to attend religious services.

Since 1886, Palazzo dei Consoli has been home to the small but incredibly beautiful Francesco Torti Theatre.  The theatre features frescoes by Bruschi and Piervittori.

Since March 30, 1996, the Civic Museum of Bevagna has been housed in the second floor of Palazzo Lepri on Corso Matteotti, the ancient via Flaminia..

The building was designed by the architect Andrea Vici in the XVII Century.

Its collection is divided in three sections: archaeological finds, documents and historical-artistic heritage.

The first section consists in pre-Roman finds and exhibits from the Republican and Imperial periods. It includes remains of decorations and funeral urns, ancient Roman coins and other items found in Bevagna that show the millenary history of the city.

The second section features Medieval parchments, while the third includes paintings made between the XVI and XVIII Century by artists such as Corrado Giaquinto, Dono Doni, his follower Ascensidonio Spacca called Il Fantino, Andrea Camassei, the German Joseph Esperlin and other artists who worked in the area.

The most notable works are “the Adoration of the Magi” by the Neapolitan painter Corrado Giaquinto (1703 – 1765), who was one of the main exponents of Italian painting in XVII Century Europe and “Madonna with Child”, by the famous Assisian artist Dono Doni.

The collection also includes the wooden model of the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, created by its architect Valentino Martelli for the developers.

Piazza Silvestri is definitely the most important and characteristic square of the village.

Looking at the square and the buildings surrounding it, time seems to have stopped in the Middle Ages. The silent beauty of the square and the elegance of its building – despite not complying with the aesthetic standards of symmetry and frontal aliment – provide a unique sensation of peace.

The churches of S. Silvestro, S. Michele Arcangelo, and S. Domenico e Giacomo and Palazzo dei Consoli dominate the landscape in a perfect balance of Church and State power. They all have been built between the XII and XII Century.

In the middle of the square there is also a Medieval looking fountain built in 1896, which replaced an ancient well used to supply the city centre with water. From here, one can also spot the Roman column of S. Rocco.

Piazza Silvestri is also famous for an event renowned in the whole region: Il Mercato delle Gaite. This incredible celebration takes place every year at the end of June and recreates the daily life of Medieval Bevagna. Ancient craft stores and workshops come back to life, the citizens wear medieval costumes and the four districts, called “Gaite”, challenge each other in various athletic, trade, culinary, and market competitions.

Discover What to do in Bevagna 

Whether you are art enthusiasts or want to know more about the history of Bevagna, you should go down-town and visit the Civic Museum, where you can admire numerous archaeological finds from the Roman and pre-Roman periods, the valuable medieval parchments and precious paintings and sculptures that constitutive the millenary heritage of the city.

If you love nature and are looking for adventure, we recommend the mountain bike excursions along the numerous mountain, hill, or plain paths, suitable for beginners and experts alike, as well as horseback rides, where you can explore little known territories and enjoy the beauty and variety of their landscapes.

To those who don’t love bikes but would like to spend some time in beautiful nature, we suggest trekking on various paths, or a simple walk in the open air, like a visit to the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, located on the Colpulito hill and surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves. From here one can glance over the whole Umbrian valley in all its splendour. Along the itinerary we also find the Santuario della Madonna della Valle and the Castle of Torre del Colle, a suggestive ancient settlement.

Another great walk is a stroll along the perimeter of the city wall, stretching out for over 1700 metres (one mile). The old Roman wall and the medieval one built on top of it are both still very well preserved. You could also practice some sports such as archery, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.

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