Discover Casamaggiore: Ridge, Sanctuary and Local History

Casamaggiore is located on a ridge within the municipality at an altitude of approximately 354 metres above sea level. The elevation is the first fixed point of reference for the village. Casamaggiore’s historical themes include churches, ancient religious history and memories of the world wars. Specific sites include the Chiesa della Madonna della Neve, the Sanctuary of the Goddess Cel and the Monumento ai Caduti di Casamaggiore.

Routes and Location

Casamaggiore is located on the road from the main town to the provincial road connecting Gioiella and Pozzuolo. Casamaggiore was also one of the 14 post stations of the Chiugi Perugino. The connection from the main town to the provincial road, along with the locations of Gioiella and Pozzuolo, gives the area a clear geographical context. The Chiesa della Madonna della Neve is located in Casamaggiore on the road to Pozzuolo. For a cultural and historical orientation, both the road connections and the former post station are therefore part of the village’s history.

The Sanctuary of the Goddess Cel

A significant sanctuary dedicated to the Goddess Cel was built near Casamaggiore, just off the ridge road north of Gioiella. Five bronze statuettes are associated with Casamaggiore. They were discovered in 1902 by the landowner Raniero Romizi; three pieces are male and two female. All five bear the same Etruscan inscription, which runs vertically across the garment.

The inscription means in translation: „I belong to Mother Cel at the place of Cel, that is, in the sanctuary.“ The wording takes the form of a dedication in the first person. Thus, alongside their history of discovery, the bronze statuettes retain their religious connection with the Goddess Cel.

Churches Between Construction and Reconstruction

The earliest connection with Casamaggiore concerns the construction of the Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie by Duke Fulvio Iunior Della Corgna. The original Chiesa della Madonna della Neve was built around 1300. After being completely destroyed by bombing during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in 1953. The church also commemorates an extraordinary snowfall in the middle of summer. At the Madonna delle Grazie, the duke is the central figure, while at the Madonna della Neve, construction, destruction and reconstruction take centre stage.

War History and Remembrance

Casamaggiore and the adjacent hamlet of Frattavecchia were scenes of fierce fighting during the Second World War as part of the Battle of Lake Trasimene. The Monumento ai Caduti di Casamaggiore commemorates the fallen of the settlement in the First World War from 1915 to 1918. For those interested in culture, ancient religious history, church architecture and war remembrance are presented here as clearly distinct themes. The historical connections range from the Goddess Cel and the bronze statuettes to memories of both world wars.

More places for your travel planning: Collestrada, Gioiello, Cimbano, Sigillo, Migliano, Collescille, Verchiano, Bonsciano

To the main travel overview: Perugia.