Discover Ferentillo: Fortresses, Culture and Nature

Ferentillo lies in the Valnerina ternana, in a gorge overlooked by two fortresses. The Ferentillo area is located within the Parco Fluviale del Nera. Steep rock formations and historic buildings therefore jointly shape the town’s landscape.

The Castello di Ferentillo consists of two imposing fortresses on opposite slopes of the valley. Its steep walls descend towards the two districts of Matterella and Precetto. The division of the castle complex defines Ferentillo’s appearance.

Ferentillo between Fortresses and Churches

In Matterella, the Chiesa di Santa Maria dates back to the 13th century. The church adds an independent sacred focal point from the town’s older history to the fortress theme.

The Museo delle Mummie di Ferentillo currently contains 24 human mummies, 10 preserved heads and more than 270 skulls. The museum is located in the crypt of the Chiesa di Santo Stefano in the Borgo di Precetto.

The Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle comprises the abbey church and the Benedictine cloister. The church also contains the Lombard altar frontal attributed to Ursus Magester. For those interested in culture, the complex brings together architecture and a specific historical testimony.

Le Rocche Raccontano is an annual historical reenactment. It takes place on the last two weekends of August, with 14 tableaux vivants presented in the streets, lanes and squares of Ferentillo. Anyone planning to attend this event should schedule their stay for one of the two August weekends. Choosing the weekend is therefore a separate planning step for this festival.

Rock, Climbing and a Circular Trail

The Parco Fluviale del Nera thus provides the specific landscape setting for the town’s natural surroundings.

The Falesia di Ferentillo has climbing routes ranging from 15 to 120 m. The five sectors are called l'Isola, le Mummie, lo Strittu, il Balcone and il Gabbio. The range of route heights provides a clear selection criterion for planning: climbers can first decide on their preferred height and then choose one of the five sectors. The meter specifications also help structure the climbing day in advance.

The circular trail to the Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle begins in Ferentillo. Anyone planning a hike to this destination can use the town as the starting point for the day’s itinerary. The trail can therefore be scheduled as a separate activity.

Regional Cuisine in Ferentillo

At the Sagra del Cinghiale, pappardelle with wild boar sauce, wild boar ragù and wild boar sausages and other cured meats are served, accompanied by local wines and craft-brewed beers. The three savory options distinguish between pasta, ragù and sausage products while retaining the common theme. Wine and beer are also offered as two different accompaniments.

More Places to Discover

Civitella Del Lago, Toscolano, Lugnano In Teverina, Visciano Di Narni, Itieli, Ficulle, Castel Dell'aquila, Corbara

To the higher-level travel overview: Terni.