Pian di San Martino: History and Trails Full of Traces

Pian di San Martino brings together religious memory, architectural history and a trail that combines nature, local production and historical traces. An old tradition places the birth of San Martino I, pope and martyr, in the location now known as Pian di San Martino. This tradition gives the place a particular historical significance. For those interested in culture, ecclesiastical art, local festival traditions and historic buildings come together in Pian di San Martino.

Church, Villa and Sacred Art

The parish church of San Martino I Papa in Pian di San Martino was rebuilt in 1906 in the Neo-Gothic style, based on a design by Getulio Ceci, on the remains of an earlier building. In 1927, it was completed with the construction of the bell tower and the finishing of the exterior façade. Its architectural history can therefore be understood through two clearly dated stages.

The interior of the parish church of San Martino in Pian di San Martino also contains artistic traces: several tempera paintings featuring a series of angels have been restored. The oldest part of Pian di San Martino is a 19th-century villa. The year 1897 can be read on an architrave; the villa also preserves an open turret structure and a devotional image niche set into the street façade, depicting the Madonna and Child. The parish church dates from the early 20th century, while the villa dates back to the 19th century.

San Bernardino da Siena is solemnly honored in Pian di San Martino every year on May 20 with a long procession. Anyone wishing to place religious traditions and local festival culture in context will find in it a precise reference point for the distinctive character of the place. The date of May 20 connects the procession with a specific date in the religious calendar.

Torre Vecchia and Roman Traces

Immediately outside Pian di San Martino, on the road to Torre Piera, stands Torre Vecchia, a medieval building with an inner courtyard. Remains of a Roman thermal building were also found at the site where Torre Vecchia stands. A Roman columbarium was also discovered near Torrepiera. Medieval architecture and Roman remains therefore lie within a closely connected historical setting here.

Along the Sentiero del Furioso

The Sentiero del Furioso, also known as the Anello del Furioso, begins and ends in the green area of the Pian di San Martino hamlet. Its route passes by the former hydroelectric power plant at Montemolino, considered an example of industrial archaeology, as well as the ruins of old watermills. In this way, the trail connects the landscape with traces of earlier uses, without its stops being limited to a single period. The former hydroelectric power plant and the old watermills are both connected to the use of hydropower.

The Sentiero del Furioso reaches Ponte di Ferro, a bridge for cyclists and pedestrians that crosses the entire Tiber. Along the route, wine cellars, farms and local production come together with the biodiversity of nature, offering opportunities for special experiences. This means that walks, bike rides and trips focused on regional daily life can all be enjoyed along the same route.

Other Destinations

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Pian di San Martino, you can also consider Pozzuolo, Limigiano, Chiugiana-La Commenda, Borghetto, San Terenziano, Pieve, Sant'Anastasio and Norcia.

Return to the main travel overview: Perugia.