Discover Guardea: Fortress History, Sacred Sites and Nature

Guardea and its fortress history

Castello del Poggio brings together several historical layers. It was built by the Normans in 1034 on the site of an existing Byzantine fortress dating from the 7th century. In the 16th century, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger restored the complex, adding, among other features, a portico, loggias and stairways, and giving it a rectangular layout.

Access to Castello del Poggio must be arranged through the municipal administration.

The ruins of Guardea Vecchia stand on the hill immediately behind Guardea, in one of the most panoramic locations in the Amerino area. A defensive system of eight towers is largely preserved: six are square and two are semicircular. There is also a large central keep. Guardea Vecchia is privately owned and can only be visited by prior arrangement with the owner of the ruins.

Churches, hermitage and spiritual history

The parish church of San Pietro e Cesareo was built in the first decades of the 18th century on the site of an older rural church dedicated to Saint Cecilia.

The church of San Pietro e Cesareo is open continuously during the day.

The Eremo di Santa Illuminata was founded around 1006 by Saint Romuald. Saint Francis of Assisi stayed there several times for prayer and contemplation. Restoration work has turned the hermitage and its church, after a long period of decline, back into a destination for pilgrims, scholars, walkers and those interested in slow tourism.

The Arco della Coscienza Planetaria

The Arco della Coscienza Planetaria was created through the collaboration of the Municipality of Guardea, Club of Budapest Italia and a group of sculptors. Access to the site is via Via Vittorio Emanuele. At the war memorial, turn right onto Via del Giuoco. Admission to the Arco della Coscienza Planetaria is free.

Nature observation in the Alviano WWF Oasis

The Alviano WWF Oasis protects 900 hectares within the Tiber River Park. The park extends across the municipalities of Guardea, Alviano, Montecchio and Civitella d'Agliano.

For walking and nature observation, the oasis has two nature trails, birdwatching hides, an observation tower and a panoramic observation platform. One trail is a 1.5-kilometre accessible loop; the other is 3.5 kilometres long and more natural in character. The oasis is used for birdwatching and nature photography. A total of 250 bird species have been recorded there, and the area is also part of an important migratory corridor for birds.

A festival with a culinary connection

The Sagra degli Gnocchi was held in August, reached its 33rd edition and is one of Umbria's oldest festivals.

More places to discover

More destinations in the same selection: Finocchieto, Narni, Montegiove, Sismano, Monteleone D'orvieto, Benano, Vigne and Arrone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.