Capitone: Castle History, Churches and Wide Valley Views

Capitone lies on a gentle hill and preserves remnants of its former fortifications. The hilltop setting shapes the route between the town center and the surrounding area. Those choosing Capitone as a destination for an independent trip to Italy can focus on a walking tour in which the walls, churches, gates and views are closely connected.

Fortifications and History in the Town Center

The surviving entrance gate of the original fortifications is a gate with two arches from the 14th century, set into a square tower. It is one of Capitone’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Because of its location between Narni and Amelia, Castello di Capitone was disputed and remained under the rule of the Capitone family of the same name for many years. The history of the town is therefore also shaped by its position between two important points of reference.

In the historic center stands the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, the most important religious building in Capitone. S. Andrea Apostolo is a parish in Capitone. The first document to mention the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo is the “Redditus in Episcopatu Nar.” from 1191. For visitors interested in culture, the church thus offers both a specific location in the center and a historical connection reaching far back in time.

Churches and Art Outside the Walls

Notable traces can also be found outside the fortifications. The small Chiesa di Sant’Angelo is located outside Capitone’s walls near the cemetery and has a portal dated 1484. Inside is a 15th-century Madonna and Child, which some attribute to Pier Matteo d’Amelia. The church of Madonna delle Sbarre lies outside the ancient Castrum Capitonis, in the immediate vicinity of the boundary stones between Narni and Amelia. Those including both outlying churches in their visit should therefore plan for destinations beyond the fortified walls of the town center.

Just outside the historic center there is also a watchtower that is now integrated into the buildings of a farm. Together with the entrance gate, churches and remnants of the fortifications, it forms a townscape in which Capitone’s development can be traced through several individual structures, without requiring a large or extensive sightseeing itinerary.

Exploring Capitone on Foot and Continuing to Narni

Capitone can be explored on foot; the car can be parked outside the fortified walls. When switching from the car to the walking tour, the fortifications remain the spatial boundary between the approach and the historic town center. For a visit to Castello di Capitone, parking near the main entrance is recommended. From Narni Scalo, Via Capitonese (SP29) leads to Castello di Capitone.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to combine Capitone with other places, you can also visit Acquasparta, Orvieto Scalo, Toscolano, Rotecastello, Macerino, Arrone, Montoro and Canino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.