Casenove between the Menotre Valley and historic routes

Casenove between three valleys

Casenove developed at the intersection of the three valleys of Foligno, Sellano and Colfiorito. The Menotre River reaches Casenove and subsequently forms the Menotre Waterfalls. Its location in several valleys also explains Casenove’s historic role as a necessary passage on the way into the mountains. Until the more recent past, this route through the town was part of its inherited history.

Nature in the Menotre Valley

The Menotre Valley has lush vegetation consisting of beech, oak and holm oak trees. It is home to a great diversity of endemic animal and plant species. As a result, Casenove’s natural side remains closely connected with the Menotre Valley. For day planning, this focus on the landscape can stand alongside the history of the route and the town, without requiring a single nature theme to be the main focus.

On foot between Casenove and Serrone

One specific way to explore the surrounding area on foot is La Passeggiata della Corte. The circular route runs between Casenove and Serrone and is approximately 2 kilometres long. When planning the day, its approximate length can be considered alongside the town’s historical themes. The route can be planned as a separate walking section between Casenove and Serrone. Those who want to combine landscape and history can relate it to Sant’Ansovino or Casenove’s historic routes.

Sant’Ansovino and the history of the church

The parish church of Sant’Ansovino is mentioned in documents from Sassovivo Abbey dating from 1245. The present-day church dates from 1686. Its portal features a lintel bearing the year 1744. For those interested in culture, the early mention, the present church building and the dated portal are specific subjects to explore in Casenove.

Historic routes to Loreto

Until the more recent past, Casenove was a central place on the Via Lauretana. Historically, Casenove was also a resting place for travellers, senior church officials, rulers and ordinary pilgrims on their way to Loreto. The different groups did not follow a uniform form of travel: church officials, rulers and ordinary pilgrims had different historical roles that converged at the same resting place. The route to Loreto is therefore just as much a part of Casenove’s history as its connection to the mountains.

Agriculture, Saint Anthony and the mill

Historically, Casenove was for a long time the venue for a major annual agricultural fair in honour of Saint Anthony. It took place in June on his feast day. A mill has been documented in Casenove since 1079. The fair was tied to a fixed religious feast day, while the mill has its own, significantly earlier historical reference in the history of the town. Together, these two subjects complement the history of the routes and the church with agriculture and craft traditions.

The road to Rasiglia

From Casenove, the SP459 leads south to Rasiglia. For an individual drive through the area around Casenove, this marks a specific southern direction alongside the valley connections.

Discover more places

Onelli, Cerqueto, Petrignano, Scritto, Volterrano, Azzano, Canalicchio Di Collazzone, La Fornace

For the overview of the wider travel area: Perugia.