Discover Toscolano: Art, Churches and Chestnut Forests

Anyone considering a holiday apartment in Toscolano as part of their holiday plans will encounter a place with a strong connection to its landscape and culture. Toscolano lies on Monte Croce di Serra and is surrounded by centuries-old chestnut forests. Between nature, church art and local traditions, this creates a diverse setting for days when you can combine different interests.

Art and Churches as Special Discoveries

An unusual feature of the townscape is the permanent work of art “Pila Thinkerwiller”, installed at two locations in Toscolano. It consists of two engraved plates: one made of copper and one made of zinc. The plates are located at the northern and southern ends of the town. The copper plate contains a compilation of ideas collected by the artist from the residents during their stay in Toscolano. Those who explore the town attentively can therefore encounter this work of art at various points.

Just outside the centre of Toscolano, in the municipality of Avigliano Umbro, stands the single-nave church of Madonna dell’Annunziata. Inside, a large fresco, a “Maestà”, can be seen. Federico Zeri attributed it to Piermatteo d’Amelia; the fresco is dated to approximately 1481 to 1483. The church adds an art-historically interesting destination to a visit to the town, with its classification made tangible through the artist’s name and approximate dating.

The church of Sant’Apollinare stands directly behind the entrance gate to Toscolano. It forms part of the characteristic ring of walls surrounding the castle and is therefore an immediate part of the fortified townscape. Inside the church is a painting of the Madonna del Rosario with the saints and the Mysteries. The work is dated 1593 and attributed to Pietro Paolo Sensini. The relics and finds from the mid-17th century can be viewed by prior appointment.

Nature, Hiking Trails and Autumn Traditions

Toscolano is a stop in the Lago Tiberino area, which is characterised by hiking trails and nature. Together with its location on Monte Croce di Serra and the old chestnut forests, this creates a clear focus for anyone who would like to include landscape and physical activity in their days. At the same time, there is room for shorter cultural excursions to the churches and the work of art, meaning that interests in nature and culture do not have to be considered separately.

Chestnuts also shape a culinary tradition. In connection with the chestnut festivals in Melezzole and Toscolano, communal meals open to everyone are held in autumn. These include, above all, chickpea and chestnut soup. This seasonal connection makes the chestnut tangible not only as part of the landscape but also as part of local festivities.

Getting There and Choosing the Focus of Your Holiday

From Terni, you can reach Toscolano by car via the SS Amerina towards Amelia and the Avigliano Umbro exit; the stated journey time is 25 minutes. From Orvieto, the route by car leads via the E45 towards Terni and the Acquasparta exit; the stated journey time for this route is 40 minutes. These two documented travel connections help you place Toscolano within your personal plans.

When choosing your accommodation, you can first consider which experiences should define your stay: hiking trails and chestnut forests, the two churches with their works of art, the unusual “Pila Thinkerwiller” or the open meals in autumn. A holiday apartment in Toscolano fits into these plans as your accommodation base, while the specific daily itinerary can alternate between nature, the townscape, art and regional tradition.

For further regional orientation: San Carlo, Polino, Cesi, Parrano, Fornole, Baschi, Rotecastello and Montoro.

For the overarching travel overview: Terni.