Colfiorito: Nature, Archaeology and History on the High Plateaus

Colfiorito combines a diverse natural environment with archaeology, a documented 20th-century history and regional festivals. It is precisely these different themes that give the place its distinctive profile: when planning your trip, you can choose to focus on landscape, cultural history, remembrance or rural traditions.

Landscape between High Plateaus and Wetlands

The Parco Regionale di Colfiorito combines wetlands, forests, pastures and cultivated fields across broad high plateaus and gently rolling terrain. A special feature of this landscape is the Palude di Colfiorito. It is included under the Ramsar Convention and designated by the European Community as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The Palude di Colfiorito is currently the only area of the high plateaus where water remains year-round. At the edge of the wetland there is an observation hut dedicated to birdwatching. From there, rare or endangered species such as the Eurasian bittern, little bittern, purple heron and great reed warbler can be observed.

Archaeology and Natural History

The Archaeological Museum of Colfiorito preserves finds relating to the Plestines, an Umbrian people who settled in pre-Roman times on the karst high plateaus of the Colfiorito Apennine plateau. Its chronologically and thematically structured exhibition traces the history of the Plestines from their origins to Romanization through materials from sanctuaries, tombs, settlements and towns. Around 1,450 artefacts document this civilization from its origins to Romanization.

The Natural History Museum of Parco di Colfiorito presents the geomorphological development, fossil features, and botanical, vegetation-related and faunal characteristics of the Plestine high plateaus. The collection also includes an insect collection, a herbarium and a collection of stuffed birds representative of the park area, the Collezione Piscini.

A Place of Historical Reflection

The Colfiorito Memorial commemorates the history of the monarchist-fascist concentration camp that operated there from 1939 to 1944. It houses a photographic and documentary exhibition as well as video testimonies from people interned by the regime. As a result, this site is one of the important historical topics that can be included in an exploration of Colfiorito alongside experiences of nature and archaeology.

Hiking Trail and Regional Festivals

The Via Lauretana long-distance trail crosses Parco di Colfiorito. For trip planning, this landscape-related theme connects with regional everyday culture: the Mostra mercato e Sagra della Patata Rossa has been held every August in Colfiorito since 1977 and promotes typical mountain products.

The traditional Fiera di Plestia takes place in Colfiorito from May to September on the Monday after the first Sunday of the month. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages or even earlier. Thus, in Colfiorito, nature observation, history, hiking and regional products stand side by side as distinct and clearly recognizable facets.

More Destinations for Orientation

More destinations for orientation: Castel Rigone, Uncinano, Casanova di Torre, Pale, San Giustino, Strettura, Sellano and Fiore.

To the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.