Traveling is an art. It can change your life. It is different than simply moving from one place to another or taking a vacation. Traveling is about getting to know everything about your destination: its colors, flavors, people, sounds and noises.
Some people enjoy to improvise and leave on a last minute trip, others like to plan every second. There are those who prefer to take refuge in the quiet of the countryside and those who are overwhelmed by the rhythm of the metropolis.
One thing is for sure: if you are willing to take some time for yourself, away from the chaos and rush, then you should be looking at our beloved Umbria, the land of hills and medieval villages, small and splendid masterpieces tailored to man. Holy Umbria, warrior Umbria, green Umbria: all adjectives that describe this region, one of the smallest in Italy, but great in history, nature and culture.
It is here, in the green heart of Italy, that our Gualdo Tadino is located: a picturesque town at the foot of the Apennines also known as “the city of ceramics”. Squares, alleys, churches, palaces, fountains, bell towers and landscapes: let us advise you on the treasures of our city.
We can only start from the Rocca from which our craft beer takes its name: Rocca Flea, the ancient defensive architecture that has now become a symbol, which has dominated from above since the Middle Ages. The fortress was rebuilt by Frederick II in the mid-thirteenth century and restored by Biordo Michelotti in the fourteenth century. After being the luxurious residence of the Cardinal Legati in the sixteenth century, it now houses the Municipal Art Gallery and the Ceramics Museum.
Speaking of the latter, the origins of this production date back to the fourteenth century, when local potters exported their products to Umbrian fairs and markets, but it was from the nineteenth century that it became the most important Italian center. From then on, many inhabitants of the town identified themselves in this discipline, giving their contribution to the technical-artistic evolution, up to bringing ceramics from the artisan workshop to the small industry. A perfect testimony is undoubtedly the Rubboli Museum, set up in the ancient nineteenth-century premises of the factory, which houses an important collection of Rubboli luster majolica, ranging from 1878 to the sixties of the twentieth century.
Another gem is the historic center, with its streets and meeting points for the inhabitants of the city. This is where the Church of San Benedetto stands, built in the 13th century. The building has a characteristic facade with three portals and a beautiful Romanesque rose window. Inside you can appreciate the beauty of the altar with the bas-reliefs dedicated to the Saint and the urn with the remains of Beato Angelo.
Many tourists are attracted by the magnificent natural scenery surrounding Gualdo Tadino, a remarkable heritage of woods, pine forests, wide expanses of meadows and important mountains such as Monte Penna, Monte Nero, Monte Maggio and Serrasanta: ideal locations if you love trekking, hiking and mountain biking, but also cross-country skiing and horse riding. This area is also perfect for those who love picnics and relaxation.
A few kilometers from us there is also Valsorda, an extraordinary valley that connects to some of the aforementioned peaks and offers unspoiled landscapes of rare beauty. There are many paths, with breathtaking views and an amazing variety of vegetation.
In addition to all this, the essence of Gualdo Tadino also lies on its most rooted traditions, the most known is that of the “Giochi de le Porte”. It is a historical re-enactment that takes place on the last weekend of September, in the three days of the palio the city is completely immersed in a medieval atmosphere, reviving the ancient palio of San Michele Arcangelo patron saint of the city. The streets are tinged with the colors of the four “porte”: San Benedetto (yellow tower on a blue background), San Donato (yellow tower on a white background), San Facondino (yellow tower on a green background) and San Martino (yellow tower on a red background). They all compete for the Palio and the privilege of burning the effigy of the Bastola, the “witch”, an ancient enemy of Gualdo, to whom the terrible fire that destroyed the city has been attributed.
There is one more topic to discuss that is extremely important for our region. Umbria, in fact, boasts a noteworthy culinary tradition: from “torta al testo” to truffles, passing through other sweet and savory delights. Gualdo Tadino’s cuisine is the legacy that our grandparents left us, and that have been passed on by the generations that came before. It is the heritage of the typical peasant culture: extra virgin olive oil from Nostrale di Rigali, black and white truffles, homemade pasta such as tagliatelle and cappelletti, simple sauces or game, butchery, crescia and many dishes to satisfy every palate.
Our craft beers are the perfect match for these dishes, adapting to every flavor. If you are any near us for a weekend full of taste, here are our best suggestions on where you can try the typical specialties of Gualdo Tadino together with Birra Flea:
- Ristorante Clelia
A lodge surrounded by the greenery of Valsorda and immersed in the sounds of nature, with wooden tables outside, ideal to enjoy some fresh air in the summer, but also equipped with large indoor spaces. - Ristorante da Lucignolo
Umbrian specialties with a view: in summer, from the restaurant terrace, you can enjoy your lunch or dinner enjoying a splendid view from above on Gualdo, while for the colder seasons the large indoor room is just as perfect. - Ristorante Gigiotto
Perfect for those who want to try dishes with locally sourced ingredients and immerse themselves in the most typical atmosphere, the restaurant is in fact located in the alleys of the historic center, a stone’s throw from the church of San Benedetto. - Gargotta Burger & Pinsa
A novelty with a western turn for our Gualdo Tadino, with a menu based on “pinsa” and burgers, for a special dinner. - Caffè del Corso
Dedicated to aperitif lovers, this bar offers colorful platters to be tasted, perhaps, at sunset and in the best company. - La Terrazza di San Guido
Located in the green of the Pineta di Gualdo Tadino at an altitude of 600 meters, it offers a typically Umbrian cuisine with dishes that respect the local tradition. - Ristorante Cibarium
Located in the alleys of the historic center, recommended to enjoy a glass with an aperitif or directly dine with delicious dishes. - Pizzeria Il Palio
For lovers of a nice dish of pasta or a good pizza, to satisfy every taste and to savor food in the heart of the city, with both indoor and outdoor spaces for the summer.
Scrolling through the gallery below, you will see some examples of the best pairings with local delicacies!
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