Castel Dell'aquila: History on the Cammino della Luce

Castel Dell'aquila combines a historic origin with museums, sacred art and the stages of the Cammino della Luce. Castel dell'Aquila was built in 1294 at the initiative of the Guelph Atti di Todi family as a strategic outpost on the border with the territory of Amelia. Also in 1294, the Chiesa dei Santi Giacomo e Marco was built at the same time as the castle. The altarpiece in the church is attributed to the painter Pietro Paolo Sensini, who came from Todi, and depicts Saint James with a scallop shell and pilgrim's clothing. Those interested in Italian local history and religious visual art will find several specific points of interest here for planning their own trip.

Museums with a rural focus

The Castel dell'Aquila Museum has been permanently housed in the premises of the town's middle school since 1988. The Museo della Civiltà Contadina offers an independent perspective on the rural past: its collection comprises more than 3,000 objects documenting the history and life of the rural communities in this area. The museum also has a permanent exhibition of agricultural tools and equipment. The collection and permanent exhibition focus on different aspects of rural life: its history and communities as well as specific tools and equipment.

Stages on the Cammino della Luce

Castel dell'Aquila is the destination of the fourth stage from Todi, covering 19 km, and the starting point of the fifth stage to Amelia, covering 12.5 km, on the Cammino della Luce. The official stage from Farnetta to Castel dell'Aquila is 21 km long and runs along the edge of the ancient Via Amerina, which is also part of the Cammino della Luce today. At kilometer 7.3 of this route, you will find Big Bench #343 – Castel dell'Aquila in Montecastrilli. The different stage lengths give you a clear basis for arranging your daily sections between Todi, Castel dell'Aquila, Farnetta and Amelia. Those dividing the route into daily sections can take the Big Bench at kilometer 7.3 into account as a specifically marked intermediate point on the 21 km stage when planning their own day.

Mountains and ancient traces in the surrounding area

The mountain Monte Piglio is located in the immediate vicinity of Castel dell'Aquila. The mountains Monte Pianicel Grande, Monte Pian di Nappa and Monte Croce di Serra are also located in the vicinity of Castel dell'Aquila. The ancient site of Rovine di Carsoli is also located in the vicinity of Castel dell'Aquila.

Other historic destinations in the wider region

The castle Castello di Corbara is located in the wider regional surroundings of Castel dell'Aquila. The castle Castello di Prodo and the palace Palazzo Bianchini - Riccardi are also located in the wider regional surroundings.

Other places for regional orientation:Avigliano Umbro, San Venanzo, Foce, Polino, Montoro, Torreorsina, Carnaiola, Porano

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.