Holiday apartment in Collicello: Medieval history, trails and regional discoveries

If you are considering a holiday apartment in Collicello, it is worth looking at the different sides of the village: medieval walls, paths through the woods, churches with remarkable works of art and a distinctive legume all shape its character. Depending on whether you wish to focus on walks, history, religious traditions or regional cuisine, there are various starting points for planning your stay.

Hiking trails with three distances

The Percorso Circolare di Collicello offers three hiking options: a short route of 5 km, a medium route of 7 km and a long route of 11 km. In addition, the circular trail from Collicello runs through the woods surrounding the village. This provides a clear selection of routes of different lengths for planning your day. A path from the upper part of Collicello leads through the vegetation to the ruins of the Rocca di Canale.

The “AMELIA E I BOSCHI DELL’AMERINO” route also offers specific guidance: Collicello lies at kilometre 10.6 along this route. Immediately before the arch and the tower, turn left and continue climbing towards Frattuccia. Accommodation in Collicello can therefore suit a travel plan that combines paths, woodland scenery and historical sites, without every excursion having to be the same length.

Medieval traces around Collicello

Collicello has largely preserved its medieval appearance. This includes the ring wall, which is in very good condition, the entrance gate with its stone round arch and eight defensive towers. One of these towers faces the destroyed Castello di Canale. Visible remains of the walls and part of a tower survive from the Castello di Canale. In the northwest of Collicello stands a defensive tower built in the 14th century, opposite the Castello di Canale.

The construction of the Castrum of Collicello dates back to 1295. The ruins of the Castello di Canale and the fortified walls of Collicello are associated with some of the bloodiest battles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines in Umbria. Those choosing a holiday apartment in Collicello with an interest in historical impressions will therefore find several specific themes to explore.

Churches, frescoes and Franciscan traditions

The centrally located Church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Collicello preserves an old pipe organ. Its apse fresco depicts the Madonna and Child, along with Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint John the Evangelist, together with a view of Collicello. Benedetto Cascianelli created the fresco in 1948.

The rural church of Madonna delle Grazie stands just outside Collicello. It contains large fresco panels dating from the first half of the 17th century, as well as numerous votive offerings attached to the walls. The feast in honour of Madonna delle Grazie in Collicello is celebrated every year on 16 July.

According to tradition, Francis of Assisi spent time in prayer and meditation in the still-visible grotto located beside the Franciscan hermitage. In the village of Galisciano are the ruins of a Franciscan monastery called Speco di S. Francesco; according to tradition, Francis of Assisi stayed there.

Fava Cottòra as a regional speciality

Fava Cottòra is recognised as a Slow Food Presidium. Eight producers are associated with this distinctive legume. Anyone wishing to discover Fava Cottòra should make their way to Collicello and Frattuccia. This culinary discovery thus complements the village’s historical and natural themes.

Discover more places

If you would like to extend your discoveries to other places, you can find Allerona, Castel Giorgio, Cantone, San Gemini, Montecchio, Vagli, Rotecastello and Stroncone here.

For the overarching travel overview: Terni.