San Martino In Colle: Hills, History and Umbrian Landscape

San Martino In Colle combines the tranquil Umbrian landscape with a remarkable religious and castle history. The village is located on one of the hills surrounding Perugia and developed around the medieval village of the same name.

Landscape around San Martino In Colle

San Martino In Colle is part of a landscape area of considerable public, ecological and scenic interest. The village is visible from the SS 317, from the Pila–San Martino in Colle road and from other viewpoints at lower elevations. This spatial relationship makes the hillside location an important part of the perception of the village.

Churches and historic center

The historic center is home to the Chiesa di San Martino, located along the old route of the Marscianese. The present-day Chiesa di San Martino in Colle was built by the architect Giovanni Santini between 1859 and 1863 and consecrated in 1869. At the same time, the Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo is one of 54 Leonine churches built in the Diocese of Perugia by Bishop Gioacchino Pecci, the future Pope Leo XIII. The old bell tower stands above visible remains of the original church site. This ensemble is complemented by the 14th-century Oratorio del Feltro and the Chiesa della Madonna del Feltro, which is affiliated with the parish of San Martino in Colle.

A medieval trace of the town's defenses

The political history of the village also goes back a long way. In 1310, the magistrates of Perugia decided to build a powerful castle with seven towers in San Martino In Colle to defend the city. This date and the planned size of the complex give the local history a clear medieval connection.

Museums, mountains and natural formations in the surrounding area

Several museums are located around San Martino In Colle: the Museo del vino, the Museo Storico Perugina, the National Archaeological Museum of Perugia and the Studio Moretti Caselli. The surrounding area also includes the natural arches Mandorlàs Arch and Arco dei Gigli. Both are natural formations associated with San Martino In Colle. The mountains Monte Veduta del Lago and Monte Vergnano are also located nearby.

Route and regional orientation

The route “Itinerario 4 – Da Pila a Torgiano e Deruta” reaches San Martino In Colle after crossing Via Settevalli via a well-maintained unpaved road.

Wine and chestnuts as a time-limited event reference

For the Festa del Vino e delle Castagne di San Martino In Colle 2024, ten days of wine tastings at the Cantina del Castello were planned. The reference explicitly concerns the 2024 event year and describes a planned event duration, not a permanent offering.

Other places in the same area

If you would like to combine San Martino In Colle with other places, here is a compact overview: Collesanto Di Magione, Fighille, Bettona, Macchie, Giano Dell Umbria, Cecanibbi, Porto and Colvalenza.

For the broader travel overview: Perugia.