Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See

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Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See. Rasiglia, often referred to as the “Borgo dei Ruscelli” (Village of Streams), is a small village located in the province of Perugia, in central Italy, 18 km from Foligno.

The municipality of Foligno, situated along the state road SS 319 Sellanese, is a destination for tourists and travelers. It is home to around forty inhabitants and features mills, streams, and waterfalls that cascade against the walls of houses.

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See

Rasiglia is a small medieval village where several streams flow, crossed by wooden bridges, rich in history and magic. Discover Rasiglia in Umbria and its three historical sites.

Rasiglia, the Village of Streams: What to See in Umbria

The village of Rasiglia in Umbria, with its history dating back to the Middle Ages, is also known as the “Little Venice of Umbria” and the “Village of Streams” due to the numerous streams that traverse it.

Discover Rasiglia in Umbria: Three Historical Sites

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See

Discover Rasiglia in Umbria, known as the Village of Streams, a small village located in the province of Perugia.

  • What to See in Rasiglia in a Day
  • Where is Rasiglia located in Umbria?

The village, founded at the beginning of the 13th century by the Trinci lords of Foligno, sprung up at the source of the Capovena River. They saw in the powerful water jets emerging from the ground the ideal place for what is now considered an industrial zone. The water power operated mills, looms, and other machines for the production of cloth and flour.

The History of Rasiglia

Until the late 19th century, the town was rich in commerce and artisanal industries, featuring two wool factories, eight mills, four banks, and even a post office. This all ended around the mid-19th century with the advent of electricity. Rasiglia is rich in history, and three of its most notable sites are its industrial buildings, the ruins of the Rasiglia Castle, and the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie.

Rasiglia Umbria: What to See in the Medieval Village

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Rasiglia Umbria

Nestled in the greenery of the Umbrian hills, Rasiglia features about fifty stone houses built on the slope of a hill. The village is crisscrossed by narrow streets and streams, fed by the waters of the Menotre River. It is easy to understand why the village is also known as the “Little Venice of Umbria.”

Rasiglia’s history can be traced back to the medieval period, with the first records mentioning the village dating to the early 13th century.

At that time, the village was an important settlement due to its proximity to the Via della Spina. This road, much older than Rasiglia as it was established in Roman times, connected the Adriatic coast to Rome. It became a center of rural industry, exploiting the hydraulic power provided by its numerous watercourses.

Initially, the village thrived, but over time, Rasiglia lost its importance, perhaps due to the decline in the significance of the road.

Discover Rasiglia in Umbria: Three Historical Sites

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Discover Rasiglia in Umbria

Castle of Rasiglia: Residence of the Trinci Family

One of the main tourist attractions in the village is the ruins of Rasiglia Castle. The castle is connected to the Trinci family, a historic noble family from Umbria. During the 13th and 14th centuries, when various popes clashed with the Holy Roman Emperors, the Trinci supported the former and became the ruling family of Foligno.

During their reign, the Trinci built many castles to defend their lands, including the Castle of Rasiglia, strategically placed on the hill overlooking the village.

The castle was designed irregularly to fully exploit the natural features of the hill. Besides its defensive purposes, it served as a residence for the Trinci when they visited the village. Over the centuries, however, the castle fell into ruin.

In 2006, some restoration work was done, and today parts of the castle, such as a section of walls with defensive towers and the ruins of the main keep, can be visited.

Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie of Rasiglia

The second attraction in Rasiglia is the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, built shortly after the fall of the Trinci family’s power.

In the 15th century, Corrado III, the last Trinci ruler of Foligno, through his ostentatious display of power, ended up on the wrong side of the Papacy. Consequently, Foligno was conquered by Cardinal Giovanni Maria Vitelleschi on September 8, 1439, and became part of the Papal States.

In 1450, Antonio Bolognini, Bishop of Foligno, ordered the construction of the sanctuary. According to popular belief, a statue of the Madonna was found at the site. Additionally, near the sanctuary, there is a grotto with a spring, whose waters are believed to have miraculous properties, as evidenced by the walls of the church covered in ex-votos.

Although the sanctuary was built in 1450, later additions were made over the centuries. The sanctuary has a simple layout: a single nave with a bell tower. Inside, the semicircular apse is of more recent construction and is located above a crypt. The side walls were raised during the construction of a 16th-century side chapel, and the facade is preceded by a portico.

Despite its simplistic design, the sanctuary is decorated with beautiful frescoes, created by Foligno masters during the 15th century. The oldest of these frescoes, dated 1454, is on the right wall of the building. The fresco depicts the Madonna delle Grazie protecting the faithful from the plague. It is precisely this role of the Madonna as the protector of the local population from the plague that earned the sanctuary its name. Other frescoes include the Crucifixion and various saints.

Rasiglia the village of streams, what to see in the little Venice of Umbria

Despite its decline after the Roman Via della Spina became less significant, Rasiglia managed to reinvent itself as a center of rural industry, exploiting the hydraulic power provided by its streams. This is evident in the remains of industrial buildings such as fulling mills, grain mills, wool factories, and dyeing workshops in the village.

Rasiglia Umbria: Centennial Loom in Rasiglia, Umbria

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Where It Is Located and What to See

Some of these ancient buildings have been restored in modern times and transformed into tourist attractions in Rasiglia, Umbria. The old mill, for example, has been renovated, and besides the crafts on display, visitors can also see the ancient millstone, which remains in its original position.

Another restored building in the small village is the Rasiglia washhouse, which tells the story of the local textile industry.

Penelope in Rasiglia – Event in June

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Penelope in Rasiglia – Event in June

The Penelope Festival in Rasiglia is an annual event that celebrates the textile tradition of the small Umbrian village, paying homage to Rasiglia’s industrial past. The festival is named after Penelope, the mythological figure famous for her weaving skills, and offers visitors a series of activities and experiences related to wool processing and ancient crafts. Here is how the festival usually unfolds:

Historical Reenactments: During the festival, historical reenactments are organized to showcase ancient wool processing techniques. Local artisans and enthusiasts dressed in traditional costumes demonstrate how wool was carded, spun, woven, and dyed.

Workshops and Demonstrations: There are interactive workshops where visitors can learn to spin wool, use looms, and dye fabrics using natural methods. These workshops are often very popular with both children and adults.

Craft Exhibitions: Various exhibitions of local crafts are set up, where it is possible to admire and purchase handmade products such as blankets, scarves, rugs, and other textile artifacts.

Guided Tours: During the festival, guided tours are organized to the main historical sites of Rasiglia, including the old mills, washhouses, and restored wool factories. These tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the village’s history and its industrial tradition.

Shows and Entertainment: The festival is enriched with music, dance, and theater performances that entertain visitors and create a festive atmosphere. There are often performances by local folk groups playing traditional Umbrian music.

Local Gastronomy: There are food stalls offering local specialties such as cheeses, cured meats, bread, and typical Umbrian desserts. It is a perfect opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of the region.

Collateral Events: In addition to the main activities, the Penelope Festival often includes collateral events such as art exhibitions, conferences, and book presentations that deal with topics related to the history and culture of the area.

The Penelope Festival is a special occasion to rediscover and enhance the ancient artisanal traditions of Rasiglia, while also offering visitors an immersive and cultural experience.

Where is Rasiglia Located?

Rasiglia Umbria: Where It Is Located and What to See
Where is Rasiglia Located?

Rasiglia is a small hamlet in the municipality of Foligno, Umbria, located about 40 km from Norcia and 30 km from Spoleto. Rasiglia is a hidden gem, little known even among people living in that region. The small village certainly deserves a trip off the beaten path. Besides its natural beauty, it is definitely worth paying attention to the rich history of Rasiglia.

When to Visit Rasiglia?

The history of the village is not limited to ancient structures and artifacts but is also celebrated in the annual Penelope festival in Rasiglia and the living nativity scene. Each year, other activities during the event are also related to the village’s textile industry, including sheep shearing and wool dyeing.

However, considering that the village nowadays has few inhabitants, one might wonder how long these traditions and ancient crafts will remain alive.

How Long to Visit Rasiglia?

No less than a couple of hours for a leisurely visit.

How to Get to Rasiglia?

Rasiglia can be reached by bus, train, and personal car up to Foligno. The fastest way to get from Naples to Rasiglia is by car, which takes 3h 44min.

  • Directions
  • Province: Province of Perugia
  • Municipality: Foligno
  • Altitude: 648 m a.s.l.
  • Region: Umbria
  • Country: Italy
  • Inhabitants’ Name: Rasigliani
  • Patron Saint: Saint Macarius Bishop

What other medieval towns are nearby Rasiglia?

The region around Rasiglia in Umbria is rich in medieval towns and villages, each offering its own unique historical and cultural experiences. Here are some notable medieval towns nearby:

  1. Foligno: Approximately 18 km from Rasiglia, Foligno is a vibrant town known for its historical architecture, including the Palazzo Trinci and the Cathedral of San Feliciano. It’s also famous for the annual “Giostra della Quintana,” a medieval jousting festival.
  2. Spello: About 30 km from Rasiglia, Spello is renowned for its well-preserved Roman and medieval walls, beautiful flower displays, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which houses frescoes by Pinturicchio.
  3. Montefalco: Located roughly 35 km from Rasiglia, Montefalco is famous for its wine, particularly Sagrantino, and its panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. The town also has several important churches, including the Church of San Francesco, which is now a museum.
  4. Trevi: Around 25 km from Rasiglia, Trevi is a hilltop town known for its olive oil production. It offers stunning views and has a charming historical center with several churches and museums.
  5. Bevagna: Approximately 30 km from Rasiglia, Bevagna is known for its medieval layout and historical buildings, such as the Romanesque churches of San Michele and San Silvestro. The town also hosts the “Mercato delle Gaite,” a medieval festival.
  6. Nocera Umbra: About 20 km from Rasiglia, Nocera Umbra is a small town known for its thermal waters and medieval architecture, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the ruins of the medieval castle.
  7. Assisi: Around 45 km from Rasiglia, Assisi is one of the most famous medieval towns in Italy, known worldwide as the birthplace of St. Francis. Highlights include the Basilica of San Francesco, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and the Rocca Maggiore.
  8. Spoleto: Approximately 50 km from Rasiglia, Spoleto is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Spoleto Festival. Key attractions include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Roman Theatre, and the Rocca Albornoziana.

Each of these towns offers a glimpse into the rich medieval history of the Umbrian region, with unique attractions, historical sites, and charming atmospheres.

Cristina Giordano
Cristina Giordanohttps://appuntisulblog.it
Ciao a tutti, sono Cristina Giordano, una blogger che si occupa di moda, viaggi, tecnologia, alimentazione e benessere.

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