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Piazza Filippo Silvestri, 06031 Bevagna PG, Italy (September 2020)
Bevagna
Bevagna, a charming town located in the Umbria region of central Italy, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval heritage and picturesque landscape. Nestled along the Clitunno River, Bevagna offers a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and architectural marvels that attract visitors from around the world. Bevagna’s history dates to Roman times, and its ancient roots are still evident in the town’s layout and structures. The town was known as Mevania in Roman times and was an important centre during the Roman Empire. Remnants of its Roman past can be seen in the archaeological remains scattered throughout the town, including the ruins of a Roman theatre and baths. The medieval period profoundly shaped Bevagna’s character. The town flourished during the Middle Ages, and many of its historical buildings and fortifications from this era are still intact. The medieval walls surrounding the town, along with several well-preserved towers and gates, offer a glimpse into its historical fortifications. One of Bevagna’s most notable features is its beautifully preserved medieval architecture. The town’s main square, Piazza Silvestri, is a stunning example of medieval urban planning The Church of San Michele, with its Romanesque façade and gothic bell tower, is particularly noteworthy. Inside, visitors can admire ancient frescoes and a serene atmosphere that speaks to the town’s religious and cultural heritage.
Bevagna is also known for its artisanal traditions, particularly its medieval textile and paper-making crafts. The town hosts annual events such as the “Mercato delle Gaite,” a historical reenactment festival where residents dress in medieval attire and showcase traditional crafts, food, and activities. This event provides visitors with an immersive experience into the life and customs of medieval Bevagna. Surrounding Bevagna is the scenic Umbrian countryside, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The region’s natural beauty enhances the town’s charm, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the tranquil landscape. The Clitunno River, flowing nearby, is known for its clear waters and serene environment, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation. Bevagna is a quintessential Umbrian town that encapsulates the essence of Italy’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural traditions, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a captivating destination. Whether exploring its historic sites, participating in local festivals, or simply enjoying the picturesque landscape, visitors to Bevagna are sure to experience the timeless charm and historical depth of this enchanting Italian town.
Worth a Visit
The Chiesa di San Francesco in Bevagna stands serenely at the highest point of this picturesque Umbrian town, embodying a harmonious blend of historic faith, Franciscan simplicity, and later Baroque elegance. Built in 1275 atop an oratory originally dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the church occupies a site once used for a Roman temple, emphasizing its spiritual centrality through the ages. Its exterior manifests classic early Franciscan restraint, marked by a gabled façade and a dignified polystyle marble portal with foliated capitals. A slender bell tower nearby hints at later medieval additions, but overall, the exterior honours the austere tradition of the mendicant order.
For more information about the
Chiesa di San Francesco, click the image.
Piazza Filippo Silvestri, commonly known as Piazza Silvestri, is the historical and architectural heart of Bevagna, nestled in the Umbrian landscape. Embodying a vivid tableau of medieval urban life, its layout dates to the 12th – 13th centuries and unfolds with a deliberate irregularity that evokes the organic evolution of the town it anchors. Originally named for King Umberto I, the square was renamed in 1949 in honour of Filippo Silvestri, a native entomologist renowned for pioneering work in agricultural pest control, honoring both a local son and global scientific accomplishments. At nearly the centre of the piazza stood an octagonal cistern that provided water through the medieval period; this was replaced in 1896 by the neomedieval fountain that blends harmoniously with the surrounding architecture.
For more information about the
Piazza Filippo Silvestri, click the image.
Photo Gallery of Walk in Bevagna – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi to Corso Amendola
Approximately 0.72 km – 0.45 miles
The walk starts in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Chiesa di San Francesco, Vicolo S. Francesco – Vicolo S. Francesco – Piazza S,Francesco – Corso Giacomo Matteotti – Piazza Filippo Silvestri – Corso Amendola – Piazza dell’Asilo – Via S. Maria – Corso Amendola
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