Discover Collicello: Medieval Heritage, Forest Trails and Churches

Collicello between medieval walls and forest trails

Collicello has largely preserved its medieval appearance. This includes the remarkably well-preserved town walls, the gateway with its stone round arch and eight defensive towers. One of these towers faces the destroyed Castello di Canale. In this way, the village combines a clearly recognizable fortified structure with a landscape explored along paths through the forests surrounding Collicello.

Traces of castles and medieval conflicts

The construction of the Castrum of Collicello dates back to 1295. In the northwest of the village, there is also a defensive tower built in the 14th century, facing the Castello di Canale. Visible remains of the walls and part of a tower survive from the Castello di Canale. The ruins of the Castello di Canale and the fortified walls of Collicello are associated with some of the bloodiest clashes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines in Umbria.

Churches, frescoes and religious traditions

The Church of San Giovanni Evangelista stands in the center of Collicello. It houses an old pipe organ. Its apse fresco depicts the Madonna and Child, as well as the Archangel Michael and John the Evangelist, together with a view of Collicello. Benedetto Cascianelli created the fresco in 1948.

The rural church of Madonna delle Grazie stands just outside Collicello. Large fresco panels inside date from the first half of the 17th century; there are also numerous votive offerings mounted on the walls. The feast in honor of Madonna delle Grazie in Collicello is celebrated every year on July 16. According to tradition, Francis of Assisi sought time for prayer and meditation in the still-visible grotto next to the Franciscan hermitage.

Hiking options around Collicello

The Percorso Circolare di Collicello offers three hiking options: a short 5 km route, a medium 7 km route and a long 11 km route. The circular trail runs through the forests surrounding the village. Another path from the upper part of Collicello leads through the vegetation to the ruins of the Rocca di Canale. The different route lengths provide a clear basis for adjusting your daily plans to the desired scope of the hike.

The “AMELIA E I BOSCHI DELL’AMERINO” route also passes through Collicello following a clearly indicated trail: the village lies at kilometer 10.6. Immediately before the arch and tower, turn left and continue climbing toward Frattuccia. In Galisciano are the ruins of a Franciscan monastery called Speco di S. Francesco. According to tradition, Francis of Assisi stayed there.

Fava Cottòra and regional character

The village’s culinary specialties include Fava Cottòra, which is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. It is associated with eight producers. If you would like to discover this distinctive legume, the route leads to Collicello and Frattuccia. This firmly rooted local specialty thus complements the destination’s medieval, religious and natural themes.

Further places to include in your travel plans are Vasciano, Coppe, Fabro Scalo, Narni Scalo, Visciano Di Narni, San Carlo, Avigliano Umbro and Benano.

For the overview of the broader destination: Terni.