Holiday Apartment in Ossaia: Roman Villa, Routes and Tradition

Ossaia combines Roman history, religious traditions and several culturally themed routes. Those choosing a holiday apartment in Ossaia can plan their days according to whether the Roman Villa, a historical re-enactment, trails or museums are their main focus. There are also mountains and an island nearby. This combination helps you take your desired balance between culture and landscape into account when choosing where to stay.

Holiday Apartment in Ossaia: Roman Villa and Routes

The Roman Villa of Ossaia has preserved sections of the outer walls and a large cistern for collecting water; the remaining structures were covered over again for conservation reasons. The main building dates from the late Republican period, namely the 1st century BC, covers approximately 1,000 square metres and was inhabited until the beginning of the Middle Ages in the 5th century AD. The surviving parts and the long period of habitation give the villa a clear historical focus.

The Roman Villa of Ossaia is incorporated into the MAEC cultural route “Sentiero di Annibale”. The MAEC audio guide route “Via Teutonica” leads to the church of “San Biagio and Christopher” in Ossaia; the church is a stop on the route. Near the church, a bilingual panel in Italian and English provides information about the routes and invites visitors to follow the Sentiero di Annibale. The Via Lauretana runs towards Ossaia and then on to Montalla. For your planning, these trails can be considered according to different interests: cultural and historical themes alongside orientation around various routes.

Tradition and Museums in the Surrounding Area

The historical re-enactment of the Passion, death and Resurrection in Ossaia takes place every three years and involves more than 100 participants. The procession in Ossaia ends with a depiction of the Crucifixion near the excavations of the Roman Villa. The Passion procession can be dated to the second half of the 15th century. For a trip with an interest in history and local traditions, this event offers a second thematic approach to Ossaia alongside the ancient site.

The Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca and the Museo Diocesano Del Capitolo are museums in the immediate vicinity of Ossaia. The Museo della Civiltà Contadina di Fratticciola is a museum in the area around Ossaia. Also in the vicinity of Ossaia is Villa Guglielmi- Isola Maggiore, a palace. This allows you to take a broader view of your cultural interests when choosing a holiday apartment and incorporate different focuses into your travel planning.

Mountains and Island as Further Points of Reference

Several mountains are located around Ossaia: Monte Castel Giudeo, Monte Maestrino and Alta San Egidio. Isola Maggiore is an island in the area around Ossaia. This range can be important when choosing a holiday apartment if you would like to combine cultural interests with mountain or island themes. Ossaia therefore offers specific points of reference for incorporating your desired mix of ancient history, religious tradition, routes and landscape into your choice of location.

Further places for your travel planning: Fratticciola, Campaccio, Col Di Morro, Sant'agata, Barullo-Centoia, Camucia, Monsigliolo, Montanare

For the higher-level travel overview: Cortona.