Pilonico Materno: Discover History, Culture and a Cycling Route

Villa Montefreddo combines architectural history in Pilonico Materno with a chapter in the protection of art during the Second World War. Villa Montefreddo was built in the first half of the 17th century by Count Angelo degli Oddi as a country residence. During the Second World War, it secretly housed valuable works of art to protect them from damage or loss. For those interested in culture, the connection to the area therefore leads from a 17th-century country residence to an event from the war years.

Church, memorial plaque and historical references in Pilonico Materno

The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta has been documented since the 14th century. On the outer wall of its bell tower is the memorial plaque “Lapide ai Caduti di Pilonico Materno”. It bears a bronze bas-relief of an eagle holding a laurel wreath and a cross in its claws; above it is a star. Four bronze rosette studs attach the plaque to the tower. The parish church dates back further than Villa Montefreddo: its documentary record begins in the 14th century, while the country residence was built in the first half of the 17th century.

Villas, minor nobility and a historic hospice dating from 1389

The historic architectural heritage also includes Villa Poggiolo, a rural residence of the local minor nobility dating from the late 19th century. Another historical reference dates to 1389: in Pilonico Materno, the establishment of a pilgrims’ hospice called “Hospedale de Santa Maria de Monte Morcino” was provided for in a will. Villa Poggiolo dates from the late 19th century and therefore postdates Villa Montefreddo.

Museums and castles around Pilonico Materno

The Museo Paleontologico Luigi Boldrini Pietrafitta is a museum in the area around Pilonico Materno, as is the Museo Storico Perugina. Castello di Montali and Castello di Montalera are castles in the area around Pilonico Materno. Those wishing to distinguish between museums and castles will find two museums, Pietrafitta and Perugina, and two castles, Montali and Montalera, in the area around Pilonico Materno.

Mountains and a specific cycling route, “Itinerario 3 - Pila e Montepetriolo”

The landscape is complemented by four mountains: Monte Vergnano, Monte Malbe, Monte Piantarosa and Monte Città di Fallera are mountains in the area around Pilonico Materno. The four mountains are located in the area around Pilonico Materno, whereas the cycling route passes through the town on its final section. The cycling route “Itinerario 3 - Pila e Montepetriolo” offers another perspective: its final section passes through Pilonico Materno. For cycling travellers, this section provides the route’s specific connection to the town.

More places for planning your trip: Agello, Gioiello, Monte Vibiano Vecchio, Giomici, Compignano, Lerchi, Colfiorito, Umbertide

For the overarching travel overview: Perugia.