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- Try this experience now !
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- Try this experience now !
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- Try this experience now !
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- Try this experience now !
CONTATTI - CONTACT
Indirizzo - Address
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia
Podere Casenuove is an ancient cluster of finely restored stone houses. It sits in close contact with nature, surrounded by an array of scenic, religious, and cultural treasures, while also just minutes away from the modern conveniences of main centers in the Valtiberina region, such as Sansepolcro and Città di Castello
Abbey of Montecorona Loop: We start at the Montecorona Abbey, a beautiful complex founded by Saint Romualdo in 1008. This abbey was an important monastery: a center for meditation, prayer, culture, and research with its own pharmacy, and a vital place of hospitality for pilgrims and travelers… like us!
We follow the cobbled road known as “La Mattonata,” built in the 16th century, nearly two meters wide, paved with sandstone blocks, connecting the Hermitage to the Abbey. We continue along this path until reaching the summit, where the Monte Corona Hermitage, built in the 1500s, stands. A monk will guide us through accessible areas, illustrating the history and life in the hermitage, and most importantly, immersing us in the peace of the place. Leaving this enchanted spot, we descend along paths and mule tracks to the medieval hamlet of Santa Giuliana, a perfectly preserved village complete with a drawbridge. It consists of homes owned mainly by foreigners who first discovered and preserved the beauty of these places.
On gravel roads and mule tracks, we return to the Abbey, where we can finally tour the church and crypt, which has Byzantine-style decorations, including columns with varied ancient capitals.
At the end of this revitalizing adventure, those interested can learn about bees with Professor Fernando from the Montecorona Apiary, a passionate and knowledgeable expert on this precious insect. This is followed by a honey tasting with two pairings of local cheese, a lovely chance to purchase excellent local honey.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Difficulty Level: E
Length: 12 km
Elevation gain: +575 m
ARCHEOTREKKING ON MONTE ACUTO (Natura 2000 Protected Area): This loop hike takes us through the Monte Acuto Park. We start our climb towards the mountain, passing through olive groves and a medieval tower. The trail ascends steadily under an oak grove, leading to summit meadows. From here, we climb to the “hump” of this towering giant of the Upper Tiber Valley until we reach the summit cross, offering sweeping views from Gubbio with its Palazzo dei Consoli to Lake Trasimeno and Mount Subasio. Near the summit, we pass an archaeological site uncovered in the 1980s, which revealed a sanctuary from the 6th–4th centuries BCE. The site yielded small bronze votive statues with human and animal forms. Finally, we descend on the mountain’s south side, passing the ancient settlement of Galera, before returning to the starting point.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Difficulty Level: E/EE
Length: 11 km
Elevation gain: +600 m
CYCLING EXCURSION: This scenic bike ride begins in Selci Lama, where rented bikes can be picked up. We immediately enter the cycle path, initially following the Lama stream, then reaching the Tiber and continuing alongside it to Città di Castello. This beautiful Valtiberina town, known for its historic center and its connection to the artist Burri, makes for a perfect break, allowing visitors to enjoy its rich cultural heritage. In the afternoon, we return along the same cycle path. The route is entirely relaxing, traffic-free, shaded, and follows the natural Tiber, with frequent sightings of local birdlife like herons, egrets, and night herons in a natural environment featuring typical riverside flora under poplars, willows, alders, and black locusts. This is an easy path with practically no elevation gain.
Length: about 24 km
Elevation gain: +85 m
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CASTLE! ARTGARDEN visit to Bufalini Castle. We transfer to San Giustino for a tour of Bufalini Castle, a rare gem with intact rooms, furnishings, and a lovely Italian garden surrounding it. This visit focuses on plants painted in frescoes (by Gherardi, who also frescoed the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence) and in the stuccoes in the castle rooms, followed by a live observation of the same plants in the garden. This cultural and botanical tour provides fascinating insights into art and the local history. We recommend finishing with lunch at one of the many typical local restaurants to enjoy a cuisine that blends Umbrian and Tuscan flavors. A visit to nearby Sansepolcro and the Civic Museum, which houses works by Piero della Francesca, is also recommended.
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia