Compignano: village, terracotta and routes through the countryside

Compignano is situated on elevated ground, overlooking the Nestore Valley. The agricultural landscape stretches from quiet hills into a more rugged area in the western part of the Marsciano area. For Compignano in the Marsciano area, the quiet hills and the more rugged western area should be considered separately. This creates a destination where the architectural history of a medieval village, traditional terracotta craftsmanship and various routes can be combined in an individual travel plan.

A medieval village with a preserved layout

The medieval village of Compignano has preserved its original layout. Its architectural heritage includes the Castello di Compignano, which still retains its historic grid layout within the well-preserved circular walls. For a tour of Compignano, both the grid layout and the course of the well-preserved walls should therefore be taken into account. Another specific trace of the village's history is the Chiesa della Madonna del Crocifisso, a small church made of terracotta bricks. It was built at the end of the 16th century and restored in 1966. Those interested in architecture and local history will encounter here various forms in which Compignano's past is revealed.

Terracotta and brickworks in Compignano

The connection between architectural history and craftsmanship is reflected in the small museum site of the Museo dinamico del Laterizio e delle Terrecotte in Compignano. It contains a workshop where the traditional skills and working methods of terracotta processing are taught. The production sites of Compignano are integrated into a tour through the entire municipal area, starting from the Museo dinamico del Laterizio e delle Terrecotte. The workshop focuses attention on the individual stages of craftsmanship, while the tour focuses on the production sites throughout the municipal area. The ancient brickworks of Compignano document pre-industrial brick production. Near Compignano, a restored old brickworks also bears witness to the historical importance of brick production in this area. This allows your visit to focus on materials, production and the history of regional craftsmanship.

Cycling tours and a break at the Fornace

Cyclists can also include Compignano in their travel plans: the village is a stage of the 47-kilometre cycling tour “Media Valle Tour – Tra i lecci e le querce della valle del Tevere”. On this cycling tour, after about 11 kilometres, you reach a turnoff at the level of the “Fornace di Compignano”. Another route, “Compignano–Montelagello–Mercatello”, recommends taking a short break at the Fornace site to learn about local brick production from the information panels.

Road connections and local history

For local orientation, Compignano connects the hill road with the extension of Via Sette Valli, the ancient Via Orvietana.

Further destinations for orientation: Vitellino, Ospedalicchio, Fratticiola Selvatica, Pierantonio, Cerreto Di Spoleto, Cerro, Pezza, Tordandrea

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.