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12) ITINERARIES OF GENERAL INTEREST
only by booking in
advance
THE
ABBEY OF SAN PIETRO IN VALLE AND THE FORTIFIED CENTRES OF THE
VALLEY
(half day)
Interesting
itinerary visiting one of the most important abbeys of the
zone, founded in the VIII century by the Lombard Duke Faroaldo
II on the site of a previously existing hermitage and
remarkable for its excellent cycle of internal frescoes and
the marble remains found there. The tour continues along the
striking Valnerina and the most important fortified points of
medieval origin are pointed out; at the end of the tour there
is a pause at Ferentillo, famous for its natural cliff that
attracts climbers from all over Europe and for the famous
Museum of Mummies, where some bodies that have undergone a
process of natural mummification due to the particular
chemical-physical characteristics of the terrain have been
preserved. The tour ends with a visit of the two centres of
Precetto and Matterella, which are particularly interesting
for the original architectural characteristics of their
fortifications.
THE
OLD MILLS OF THE VALLEY
(whole day or half day without lunch and the tour of the
Monterivoso Museum)
This
is a purely anthropological itinerary that follows the course
of the Nera River and its tributaries in the middle and lower
section of the Valnerina. A visit to an old and important mill
of the valley is included on the tour where the machinery used
of yore to grind cereals and produce oil are still all present.
There will be a brief walk along the green banks of the
torrent that passes the little town of Pontuglia. After the
tour of the old factory and the brief excursion, continuation
of the journey and a stop for a meal with typical local
products. On the way back a visit to a modern factory for the
production of oil where it is possible to carefully observe
the modern technological characteristics of production; there
is also a chance to purchase there olive oil of local
production and other typical products.
THE
VALNERINA AND HERMITAGES
(whole day or half day without lunch and the afternoon tour)
This
itinerary of a purely historical and religious nature begins
with a tour of a zone that is interesting both for its
important medieval centres and for the intense presence of
hermitages that date from the remote past. After a tour of the
interesting medieval centre of Scheggino you will continue
until arriving at S. Anatolia di Narco, ancient centre of
medieval origin, but that was already inhabited in prehistoric
times because of its particular characteristics of a river
terrace; you will depart from the old station to go along the
old railway where a quaint mountain train used to pass until a
few decades ago and arrive shortly at the church of S. Felice
di Narco.
This jewel of Umbrian art is a marvellous example of Romanic
architecture, conserving in its interior the remains of the
Syrian hermits Felice and Mauro, founders of the ancient
anchorage. There is a pause for lunch in a local farmhouse
restaurant where the food they serve is produced on their own
land and it is possible to purchase typical products of the
Valnerina. In the afternoon there is a tour of the picturesque
centre of Vallo di Nero, in which it is possible to visit the
famous frescoes of the Eggi artist.
SCHEGGINO
AND THE PRODUCTION OF TRUFFLES
(whole day or half day without lunch and the pause at the
sources of the Valcasana)
An
interesting itinerary because of the great local tradition
connected to the harvesting of truffles.
After visiting the medieval centre of Scheggino,
particularly evocative with its ancient fortification guarding
the valley, you will continue in the direction of S. Anatolia
di Narco and drive along a hauntingly lovely mountain road to
reach the two centres of Caso and Gavelli, which are found in
one of the most beautiful country sides in Umbria. Return to
Scheggino and lunch with typical local products made with
truffles. In the afternoon there is a visit to the marvellous
sources of the Valcasana where it is possible to do some sport
fishing; before ending the tour there will be a stop where you
will be able to acquire typical local products made with
truffles.
THE
MARVELLOUS FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE OF S. URBANO
(whole day or half day without lunch and the tour of the small
town of Stroncone)
A
particularly interesting itinerary from the naturalistic point
of view because of the beauty of the chestnut groves present
in the zone and because of the fascination of the final
destination, the famous Hermitage of S. Urbano of Narni,
silent witness of the passage of the great Saint from Assisi.
After a visit to the Convent of S. Francesco of Stroncone,
where it is possible to admire one of the most faithful
portraits of S. Francis, you will continue in the direction of
the Meadows of Stroncone where the itinerary continues among
oaks and centuries old chestnut groves. After a pleasant and
restorative walk, there is a pause in the town of Stroncone
where you will make a brief tour of the oldest sector. Lunch
with typical local products and in the afternoon the itinerary
continues in the direction of S.Urbano. Passing through a
breathtaking countryside you arrive shortly at the S. Speco of
Narni, famous for being the " Canaan of Umbria". It
was here that S. Francis stayed and according to what was
written by Tommaso da Celano, worked one of his famous
miracles changing water into wine.
There are special
discounts for clients staying in accommodation which have
prearranged agreements with the Association or forthose taking
part in two or more initiatives.
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