Spedalicchio: Rocca di Rasina, Hiking Trail and Rural History

Spedalicchio is of interest to you if, during your trip to Italy, you would like to combine historic sites, rural landscapes and a challenging hiking trail. Around the village, the highlights range from the Rocca di Rasina, documented as early as 1223, and the vacant Santuario di Maria Santissima Assunta in Rasina to Molino Vitelli and the route to Preggio. Here, visible traces of former use meet nature and hiking experiences.

Rocca di Rasina and Santuario in Rasina

The Rocca di Rasina stands on a promontory near Spedalicchio in the municipality of Umbertide. As a castle, it is documented as early as 1223. It therefore adds a medieval connection to the exploration of Spedalicchio and particularly appeals to visitors who appreciate historic buildings in a rural setting.

The Santuario di Maria Santissima Assunta in Rasina has stood completely vacant for many years and is overgrown with vegetation. At the same time, Francesco di Giorgio Martini is believed to have designed the building. This creates a place where a presumed architectural authorship meets a clearly altered state.

Hiking with clear requirements

The CAI 163 hiking trail begins in Spedalicchio and ends in Preggio in the municipality of Umbertide. The Spedalicchio–Preggio hiking trail requires a good sense of direction, hiking experience and an appropriate level of fitness; suitable equipment, especially suitable footwear, is recommended. You should therefore plan this activity with a realistic assessment of your own experience and fitness.

Landscape and Valley Views

The hike to Spedalicchio begins on a comfortable gravel road lined with tall cypress trees and stately oaks. It winds uphill in switchbacks toward the Rocca di Rasina and offers views of the Niccone Valley. The route is also associated with various natural habitats, including pastureland. Tall trees, open spaces and views into the valley give this section a distinctly rural character.

Traces of Molino Vitelli

The Molino Vitelli watermill is located in the immediate surroundings of Spedalicchio, on the road from Umbertide to Spedalicchio and onward to Mercatale or Lisciano Niccone. It was used to grind grain and olives until 1955. Parts of the bottaccio and the outflow channel are still visible there, although they have been filled with earth.

What Makes Spedalicchio Special

Spedalicchio appeals to a range of travel interests: the Rocca di Rasina and Molino Vitelli represent the history of historic buildings and their former uses, while the routes to Preggio and the Rocca place nature observation and hiking at the center.

Discover More Places

You can explore additional destinations via the following links: Grotti, Ponte Centesimo, Verchiano, Matigge, Ferriera, Pompagnano, Castiglione Della Valle, Palazzo.

For the overarching travel overview: Perugia.