Ficulle between churches, ceramics and pilgrimage routes

Historic centre and religious buildings

The medieval historic centre of Ficulle includes ancient fortification walls and two rocche for defending the town. It is also home to churches from different periods. Two historical layers thus meet in the historic centre: the town’s defence through walls and rocche, and the religious architecture of the churches.

Santa Maria Nuova is a parish church from the beginning of the 17th century, built in the late Renaissance style. A remarkable wooden choir is located behind the main altar. The Antica Pieve di Santa Maria is also known as Chiesa di Santa Maria Vecchia. It is the oldest church in Ficulle’s historic centre; its history dates back to 1292. Thanks to its good acoustics, it is considered a suitable venue for concerts.

In the countryside north of Ficulle lies the Camaldolese Abbey of San Niccolò al Monte Orvietano, a few hundred metres from the Chiani River. The Sentiero delle Croci connects the town with this abbey.

Routes between Ficulle and the surrounding area

The Sentiero delle Croci is a wooded Stations of the Cross route connecting Ficulle with the Abbey of San Niccolò al Monte Orvietano and is entirely accessible on foot. The route therefore leads from Ficulle to an abbey located a few hundred metres from the Chiani.

The Via Romea Germanica passes through Ficulle. One stage of this route runs from Ficulle to Orvieto. The destinations differ depending on the route chosen: the Sentiero leads to the Abbey of San Niccolò al Monte Orvietano, while one stage of the Via Romea Germanica leads to Orvieto.

On the Feast of the Madonna della Maestà on 21 November, numerous worshippers from the entire Orvieto area and farther afield come to the sanctuary; on this day, it is a destination for pilgrimages. Anyone wishing to include the feast in their stay should plan around 21 November. For those interested in culture, the date is a specific religious occasion.

Mountain biking, ceramics and cuisine

The area around Ficulle is particularly suitable for mountain-bike excursions. The routes range from asphalt to gravel. Their profile includes gentle hilly climbs, demanding descents and subsequent climbs. When planning a tour in Ficulle, asphalt or gravel can be combined with the respective elevation profile of the route. Asphalt and gravel represent different road surfaces, while gentle hilly climbs, demanding descents and subsequent climbs shape the route.

Ficulle’s very old ceramic tradition includes vases as well as ceramic items for the table and kitchen. The ceramic makers in Ficulle are called “cocciari”. The range therefore extends from vessels to items for everyday use. Ceramics are thus part of everyday life as well as the town’s history.

Traditional dishes from Ficulle include umbrichelle. Anyone incorporating local cuisine into their travel plans can note this dish as a specific culinary reference to Ficulle.

Further destinations: Montegiove, Macerino, Foce, Attigliano, Collelungo, Ripalvella, Gualdo, Canale Nuovo

To the higher-level travel overview: Terni.