Discover Torchiagina: History, Cuisine and the Chiascio

Torchiagina between history, riverside landscapes and cuisine

Torchiagina combines historical traces, religious art and culinary traditions with the landscape along the Chiascio. When choosing a hotel for your trip to Italy, you can view the town from different perspectives: its history stretches from the 3rd century BC to the early modern period, while religious art and religious processions add further highlights. Umbrian cuisine is also one of the themes that shape Torchiagina and the surrounding area.

The Tower and the Chiascio

From the 14th to the 16th century, the Tower of Torchiagina played a strategic role as a border outpost of Assisi in the direction of Perugia. The ancient Torre Chiascina stands on the right bank of the Chiascio in a landscaped park in the Torchiagina area. Historically, the river was a waterway for communication and trade; wood, food and animals were transported along it. Thus, this landscape brings together the medieval history of the border and the former importance of a transport route.

Archaeological traces in the area

Traces of a pagan temple have been found in the Torchiagina area. Fragments of columns, mosaics, capitals and funerary urns point there to an Umbrian-Roman settlement dating from the 3rd century BC. A sarcophagus discovered in the same area is kept at the Museo Romano di Assisi.

Religious Art and the Miniature of Assisi

The parish church of Madonna del Rosario – S. Carlo e S. Gregorio in Torchiagina contains an apse painting by the artist Francesca Capitini. It depicts God the Father, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, Christ crucified and the Virgin Mary presenting the rosary.

In Torrenova di Assisi, you can also visit a miniature of Assisi arranged across five levels. It depicts the city in the 13th century, at the time of Saint Francis. Giancarlo Bocconi built this miniature, which he calls “La Città del Sole,” entirely by hand over 18 years, using pink stone from Monte Subasio as well as other materials. Torrenova di Assisi should be understood as a separate location and not as part of the church in Torchiagina.

Umbrian Cuisine and Announced Dates

The 54th Settimana Gastronomica Torchiaginese 2026 was announced to focus on the Sagra dell'Oca Arrosto, typical Torchiagina culinary specialties and handmade gnocchi. The Sagra dell'Oca Arrosto was announced in Torchiagina both for the period from July 29 to August 7, 2022, and for the period from July 31 to August 9, 2026. For your planning, you should regard these dates as announced event periods. The Osteria della Torre in the Country House Torrenova di Assisi complex serves traditional Umbrian cuisine.

Religious References

Following the procession in Torchiagina, the week of the Peregrinatio Cordis Matris was opened. On March 13, a procession carrying the relic of the heart of Blessed Maria di Gesù Santocanale reached the parish church of Madonna del Rosario e San Carlo in Torchiagina. Together with the apse painting, this points to the religious themes that become visible in the town.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

For further orientation, you can also include Deruta, Pietralunga, Castiglion Fosco, Monteleone Di Spoleto, Bastia Umbra, Vitellino, Paciano and Limigiano in your plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.