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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
The Castle of Pupaggi is a unique structure immersed in the stunning natural scenery of Umbria’s green heart. From an old fortified castle, apartments of varying sizes have been created, complemented by numerous shared spaces for guests. The ancient village of Pupaggi took shape in the 11th century around the Church of St. Sebastian. It is a typical villa situated on the namesake plateau, featuring a large internal courtyard overlooked by both the church and the agritourism complex, dominated by a pigeon tower. This long weekend is dedicated to nature lovers and those seeking to escape the chaos and savor farm-to-table cuisine.
Welcome to the Castle of Pupaggi, located in the SCI area IT5210044-BOSCHI DI TERNE-PUPAGGI, which spans approximately 1,500 hectares northwest of Sellano, reaching nearly 1,000 meters in altitude and hosting vast woods of Turkey oaks, hornbeams, and chestnut trees.
Arrival and Accommodation
Begin with a short walk around the beautiful structure to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. Then, participate in a cooking class to learn how to design and create one or more menus, skillfully pairing ingredients and selecting the perfect accompanying wines. The course includes both theoretical and practical sessions focused on traditional Umbrian cuisine. Simplicity, essentiality, and authenticity characterize the Castle of Pupaggi’s culinary approach, blending straightforwardness with refined execution, elevated by the high quality of ingredients. Recipes may include torta al testo and handmade Umbrian pasta (umbricelli). Dinner follows in the castle’s restaurant, converted from the old dungeons.
The murder mystery dinner (or murder party) is a role-playing game centered on a detective theme. Guided by a “director,” participants will uncover the culprit and unravel the event’s dynamics based on clues provided at the beginning or revealed throughout the evening. This interactive game requires a structured script (known only to the director), interpretative skill, and group collaboration. The Castle of Pupaggi provides the perfect setting for staging a mystery, enriched by the legends surrounding it.
One such tale involves the Bella Pupa, a young maiden of the castle. Her beauty spurred bloody battles among local noble families. When conflict triumphed over love, the Pupaggi villagers safeguarded her true love in the castle’s high tower. This romantic yet violent tale, still told by local shepherds, inspired the name Pupaggi, in memory of the noble and beautiful maiden. Let the investigation begin!
In the morning, travel by car to Ponte Santa Lucia and begin the hike. Follow the trail into the woods, taking the left path at the first junction. Marked with red and white “Sent. C1” signs, the path ascends gradually before descending via a dirt road along Campolungo. It eventually intersects a paved road with a picnic area featuring a historical washhouse and fountain. After 200 meters, arrive at the Abbey of Santa Croce in Sassovivo, perched in a serene natural landscape. Founded in the late 11th century, the abbey boasts significant historical and artistic treasures, including a Romanesque cloister by Pietro de Maria, remnants of 15th-century frescoes, and the Crypt of Saint Maron, a 4th-century Syrian-Babylonian hermit.
Afternoon: NORCINERIA WORKSHOP
Norcia is the birthplace of norcineria, the traditional art of pork processing. Participants will join a master butcher to actively learn the craft, from meat selection to seasoning, mincing, and stuffing. The session ends with tastings of sausages, salami, coppa, and pancetta. Open to all cured meat enthusiasts, this workshop offers a deeper understanding of Norcia’s culinary heritage.
This hike explores the Altolina area, where the Menotre River cascades through a series of waterfalls between the villages of Pale and Belfiore. Begin in Pale, a small cluster of houses, ascending the path to the Benedictine Hermitage of Santa Maria Giacobbe, nestled among the rocks. Built in the 13th century, this sanctuary served as a therapeutic pilgrimage site for those suffering from rheumatic pain. Inside, admire stunning frescoes (visits by reservation).
Descend back to the parking area and follow the Via Lauretana, a historic-religious route connecting Assisi to Loreto’s Sanctuary of the Black Madonna. Return to Pale along the scenic trail featuring waterfalls, a Roman aqueduct, and remnants of an ancient paper mill.
Optional Excursion: Visit the Grotte dell’Abbadessa caves (by reservation). Conclude the day with a short drive to Rasiglia, a charming village known as the Borgo dei Ruscelli (Village of Streams), just 10 minutes away.
Truffles are one of Valnerina’s treasures, with three varieties—Black Norcia, Summer, and Winter truffles—thriving in its forests. This adventure takes you truffle hunting with an expert guide and their trained dogs. Experience the earthy scent of the forest floor, the thrill of discovery, and the joy of unearthing these precious fungi.
End the experience with a truffle-based tasting at the castle.
End of Services.
Via Catanelli 70 | 06135 | Perugia