If you love snow and want a worthy alternative to skis, we suggest an increasingly popular sport: the “ciaspolata” or, snowshoeing.

The most suitable area in Umbria to try out this experience is the area of Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini near Castelluccio di Norcia. The Piana di Castelluccio, beautiful and enchanting not only during the ‘fiorita’ (flowering) in summer, is frequently covered with snow (the plain is at circa 1350 meters above sea level) as is the adjacent Monte Vettore. The temperatures in winter are very cold and can even reach -30 degrees centigrade. These ideal conditions ensure there are heavy snowfalls, creating fantastic expanses suitable for snowshoe hiking. In this area you can choose between various trails and snowshoe hiking experiences, which will allow you to discover corners of the plain, or follow specific circular routes that surround the mountains.

You can choose whether to dedicate yourself to the pian Piccolo, from where you can see the village of Castelluccio and discover the beautiful woods that surround it, or whether to climb the trails along Vettore, which are more difficult with a greater difference in altitude. Alternatively, why not try one of the excursions organized at night or just as dusk settles: you will always remember the colors of the sun on the snow as it sets in one of the most enchanting landscapes in Italy.

We also suggest a snowshoe hike up to the Pantani di Accumoli. The trail starts at the parking lot of the Genziana Refuge, with your back to Mount Carrier. You walk towards Monte Signori up to the Pantani di Accumoli where the sky meets the earth in the small lakes hidden in a valley immersed in the snow. The Pantani di Accumoli are lakes of glacial origin located on the border between the Sibillini Mountains and the Monti della Laga, nestled in a small valley surrounded by pastures and panoramic landscapes. 

Another choice is a walk in the Colfiorito di Foligno swamp near Perugia. It is a protected natural area and the smallest regional park in Umbria. The Piani di Colfiorito, or Plestine Plateaus, are made up of seven karst basins, occupied in distant times by lakes. The Palude di Colfiorito is currently the only area of ​​the highlands where the water remains all year round. It is the reference point for a large number of birds, which build their nests in the reeds, reproduce and feed. The trail is of medium difficulty, starting from the swallow hole of the Colfiorito swamp. It will lead you to reach the CAI path 308, climbing and skirting the Monte Orve, up to the pass of the hamlet of Annifo.

Or, you can hike up Monte Terminillo, on the border between Umbria and the province of Rieti. The hike will take place in one of the most beautiful and uncontaminated places in Terminillo, from the Sebastiani Refuge to the Vallonina amphitheater. The walk will lead to the Sebastiani refuge, from where you can admire the highest peaks of the area: Mount Elefante, the valley of the Sun, the three peaks of Terminillo, the east wall. You can then continue up to the Chiaretti saddle to admire the walls of Terminillo from below and from very close, to then descend towards Vallonina, skirting Monte Porcini.

Going around these locations with snowshoes “forces” you to walk slowly and fully savor every detail of the experience: the breath-taking scenery, the silence that surrounds you, the softness of the snow under your feet. These are all the hallmarks of a unique and unforgettable experience.

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The highest Tibetan bridge in Europe was officially opened in Sellano in the heart of Umbria. It crosses the valley floor at a height of 175 meters (575 feet). The bridge is almost 518 meters (1,700 feet) long. In around 40 minutes, daredevils cross the 1,023 steps at a dizzying height.

The structure connects Sellano with Montesanto. Crossing the bridge is only permitted in a secured manner. According to the newspaper “La Repubblica”, a maximum of 75 people are allowed on the structure at any one time.

Tickets to gain access to the bridge are now on sale here. The price per person is 25 Euro. Children who want to cross the bridge must be at least 1.20 meters (4 feet) tall.

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In addition to the cultural and historical importance of the places, sustainable aspects of the tourist infrastructure, an intact old town without car traffic, the preservation of the architectural fabric, living traditions as well as the promotion of the quality of life play a significant role in the award as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

14 new Villages in the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” association

Called the village of churches, Badolato is a medieval village characterized by narrow and winding alleys that intersect between the houses close to each other. Badolato is situated on a hill a few kilometers from the Ionic coast in Calabria. The hill dominates the wide valley of the torrent Gallipari, whose harsh strokes and the beauty can be admired in all their splendor. The road to the mountain and the plateau of Serre connects the ancient village with the s.s. 106 thus allowing the visitor to go in just a few minutes from the hot amenities of the ionian coast to the charm of a mountain still unspoiled. It divides in Badolato Village (or higher) and Badolato Marina. In Badolato’s ancient village you can visit 12 churches (the other 2 are located in the hamlet of Marina) that, for their position, seem almost to protect the country from all four sides.

Bagno di Romagna in Emilia-Romagna is a renowned center for thermal cares and nature tourism. It is located 56 miles southeast of Bologna. The nearby national park Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna offers woodlands, miles of paths in the woods, mountains and a major artificial lake.

Borgo Valsugana, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is situated between Levico and Primolano and not far from the idyllic Val di Sella in Trentino. It is the vibrant center of the Valsugana and features a characteristic river landscape. Not only historic buildings and portals characterise Borgo Valsugana, but also frescos and other decorative elements, which provide the village a Venetian style. Moreover the Brenta river which crosses Borgo, splits the village into two parts.  Well deserved being among the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”

Castagnole delle Lanze is a small Piedmontese village located in the province of Asti, embedded between the hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, in an area with a strong vocation for tourism and a deep-rooted winemaking tradition. Included within the World Heritage areas of southeastern Piedmont according to UNESCO, Castagnole delle Lanze is nestled among enchanting hills, long rows of vineyards and hazelnut groves typical of the area. The Piedmontese village is also an Orange Flag, an initiative that has been marking tourist excellence on Italian territory since 1998, and is a symbol of sustainable tourism, hospitality and high quality itineraries, thanks to the presence of a valuable natural, artistic and cultural heritage.

Celle Ligure is a small jewel of the Western Ligurian Riviera, overlooking the sea. The village has colorful houses lined up along the coast, sandy beaches and characteristic alleys overlooked by buildings of great artistic value, including Palazzo Ferri, the current Town Hall. Its historic center still retains the charm of the ancient fishing village. To fully enjoy the beauty of the country, there is nothing better than getting lost in the alleys and squares.

Golferenzo is an ancient village in the hills of Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardy, with magnetic charm and excellent food and wine. Curious tourists will find delicious and unusual panoramas in Golferenzo with vineyards nestled into the hillsides making excellent wines and Riesling and Pinot in particular.

Guarene in Piedmont, is a beautiful ancient town, perched on a hilltop with stunning views on the vineyards of the Langhe and Roero territories, recognized as a World Heritage site by Unesco. Large part of this old town is occupied by the Castle of Guarene, a finely designed baroque palace built between 1726 and 1775. Today, the palace continues to make people’s dreams come true. Preserved as it was in its heyday, with all its works of art intact, it is now also home to a top-class hotel. 

Malcesine, a picturesque village overlooking the Veronese shores of Lake Garda, dominates the lake and mountains with its castle: the ancient stronghold rises below the hills planted with olive groves; all around develops the village, rich in history and culture, while just outside the center, you can see natural beauty to be reached on foot, by boat or by cable car. The village of Malcesine actually extends over a large area, which includes coast and hill, protected behind by Mount Baldo: an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture. Malcesine definitely deserves to be on the list of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”.

Discover the town of Ossana in Val di Sole, Trentino. Walk through the streets of the village with 1000 nativity scenes and visit Castel San Michele. Ossana lies at the mouth of the Val di Peio valley, at the foot of the peaks of the Presanella chain. The village is dominated by the Tower of the Castle of S. Michele (1191), which is nestled in a hill that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

Ronciglione is a ‘dual’ village: medieval, the village above, Renaissance the one added in 1500 by the Farnese family. The town in Latium, not far from Viterbo, boasts one of the 10 most beautiful Carnivals in Italy. It is also a stop on the Via Francigena North. Now, Ronciglione has been named as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

Where flavors become emotions! Sammichele di Bari in Apulia is located on the Murge Plateau and is built primarily on agriculture. On the last weekend of September, there is a festival called Sagra della Zampina, to promote the local products. The town’s castle houses the “Museo della civilltà contadina” in which there are pictures, utensils, and clothes concerning farmer’s life in the 19th century.

San Donato in Poggio is located in the middle of the classical Chianti territory of Tuscany.  The town has maintained much of its classical medieval architecture and has incorporated delicious restaurants, charming B&B accommodations and hosts several fun events throughout the year. Treat yourself to exploring a piece of the Tuscany that played an important role in the rise and fall of the Florence and Siena powers and contributes to the culinary and wine cultures of today.

By now, I am sure, you have noticed that mostly medieval towns have been included in the most beautiful villages in Italy. Stroncone in Umbria is another one. The historic center has preserved intact its enchanting medieval atmosphere, with narrow winding streets, beautiful stone doorways and an ancient well, which is just inside the walls near the beautiful gate called Porta del Borgo. At the entrance to town there is a monumental 17th-century fountain with an elegant design. 

Tempio Pausania is an enchanting, large town in the heart of Gallura, in north-eastern Sardinia, a “granite temple” surrounded by water and greenery, famous for its carnival, cork and moscato. The town is famous for working granite and cork, to which the cork machinery museum is dedicated, for its wines (Vermentino, Karana and Moscato), and for lu carrasciali timpiesu, an allegorical carnival par excellence that attracts 100,000 visitors every year. 

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The association of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” (I Borghi più belli d’Italia) has gained twelve new members. A total of 325 villages, each with unique characteristics, now belong to the network, which is committed not only to promoting tourism but also to preserving and restoring the historic fabric of the villages.

In addition to the cultural and historical importance of the places, sustainable aspects of the tourist infrastructure, an intact old town without car traffic, the preservation of the architectural fabric, living traditions as well as the promotion of the quality of life play a significant role in the award as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

12 new villages in the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” association

As one of the newly awarded villages, Alberobello is probably one of the better-known destinations on the tourist map. Located in the Itria Valley in Puglia, the “City of the Trulli” was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1996 for its characteristic architecture.

On the eastern shore of Lake Como in the province of Lecco lies Bellano, a small fishing village with narrow streets and colorful houses. Not far away is the impressive “Orrido di Bellano”, a deep natural gorge that can be crossed along paths carved into the rock.

Sicily is home to two of the newly awarded villages: in the province of Siracusa, in the heart of the Monti Iblei, lies Buccheri, rich in evidence of a long history marked by the ancient Greeks, Romans Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. In the province of Enna, on the other hand, is the small village of Calascibetta, which also scores with its archaeological heritage, such as the necropolis of Realmese from the Iron Age.

Campiglia Marittima, in the province of Livorno in Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: it is located on a hill in the Val di Cornia with a wide view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding countryside.

The Lazio region is represented by Castelnuovo di Porto in the province of Rome, where the important 13th century Castello della Rocca is located. The ancient village is located on a tuff spur and is of Etruscan origin.

Crecchio, in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on a small hill near the Arielli River and is dominated by the Ducal Castle, which today houses the “Byzantine and Early Medieval Museum of Abruzzo”.

Not just a village, but a small island: La Maddalena, capital of one of the most popular islands of Sardinia in the archipelago of the same name, captivates with its historical center and its natural beauty and is now also one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia”.

Further north, the province of Trento can also boast 2 new additions: Luserna is a true natural balcony and one of the most historic and traditional municipalities of Trentino, where Cimbric, an ancient German language, is still spoken. Pieve Tesino is located on the southern slopes of Monte Silana and extends over the Tesino basin. The village is also known as the birthplace of the Italian statesman Alcide De Gasperi.

Nocera Umbra, in the province of Perugia, was founded by the Umbrians and later conquered by the Romans, who made it an important stop on the Via Flaminia. Its origins as a defensive fortress are still witnessed by the immense castle walls.

In the Marche, Petritoli was chosen as the new borgo in the province of Fermo. Situated on a hill, it overlooks the green and fertile Aso Valley and offers a breathtaking panorama from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic coast.

Find out more about all the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” here: www.borghipiubelliditalia.it

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Eremo delle Carceri

Not far from Assisi, surrounding a cave where St. Francis loved to retire in prayer and immersed in the nature of Mount Subasio, you will find the Eremo delle Carceri, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A very small primitive church, a monastery expanded over the centuries with a well in the middle of the courtyard whose water would have gushed out due to a miracle of the Saint, and the boulevard in the wood where various places of worship tell the story of this hermitage full of spirituality and mysticism.

The Eremo delle Carceri is a fascinating place that can be found partway up Mount Subasio, starting from Assisi. The hermitage is built around a cave where St. Francisco used to take refuge for praying. In 1215 the Benedictines donated this place to him. The hermitage was enlarged from its original architecture by Bernardino da Siena in 1400.

You enter in a small triangular courtyard with a well in its center. The legend narrates that water flowed thanks to a miracle of St. Francis. From the parapet behind you can observe a beautiful view through a gorge that opens onto the plain of Spoleto.

UNESCO World Heritage

The fifteenth century church rises in front of the courtyard; it preserves above the altar a fresco of the Umbrian-Senese school of the mid-15th century (Crucifixion); in the altar stone, another fresco of the 1500s with the coat of arms of the Monti di Pietà; on the back wall is a small fourteenth-century stained-glass window of French production.

Through an iron gate you enter the very small Primitive Church, dedicated to Santa Maria delle Carceri, heart of the Sanctuary, probably a cave adapted as a chapel: at the altar, there is a beautiful fresco, the Madonna with Child and St. Francis, of the sixteenth century, above a thirteenth-century Crucifixion.

Descending to the right through a staircase and tiny doors you enter the Cave of St. Francis, currently divided into two rooms: one contains the bed of stone on which the saint slept; in the other, on the right wall you can see a stone on which probably St. Francis sat to meditate and pray. On the wall that closes the cave, a faded fourteenth-century fresco depicts the traditional episode of the sermon of the birds: legend has it that the birds sat to listen to the saint on the ancient holm oak visible at the bridge thrown over the ditch. A wall covers a crevasse known as the “devil’s hole”, into which the devil is said to have fallen, defeated by the prayers of St. Francis. Next to it there is also the “dry ditch”, to whose waters the saint asked not to disturb with their gurgling the prayers of the friars.

Following the path you reach a bridge, at the end of which there is a bronze with St. Francis releasing the turtledoves, by Vincenzo Rosignoli. The “viale di San Francesco” begins, an evocative woodland walk where there are various places of devotion. Among these, the Cave of the Blessed Leo, which is accessed by a stepped path, the caves of Blessed Bernard of Quintavalle, Blessed Egidio, the Blessed Sylvester and, a little further away, the Blessed Andrea da Spello.  Following the bridge, you can climb to the chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena, where the blessed Barnaba Manassei, creator and founder of the Monti di Pietà, has been buried since 1477.

Assisi and Perugia make perfect basis to explore Eremo delle Carceri and its surrounding places.

https://www.santuarioeremodellecarceri.org/en/home.html

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