Bevagna, one of the most amazing art cities in Italy

Bevagna, the Medieval Umbrian village 26 miles sud-est of Perugia, is one of the most amazing art cities in Italy

Art City - Central Italy - Umbria

Itinerary: Perugia, Bevagna

Bevagna is one of the most beautiful art cities in Italy. It is a peaceful small town 26 miles sud-est of Perugia at the bend of the river Tigna and at the foot of the hill where the town of Montefalco is located. (popular for its red wine).

Bevagna has preserved its Medieval urban structure which has mainly followed the planimetry of the ancient Roman city (pic. n°3). Its long history has been marked into the white stones of the historic buildings and now lots of different architectural styles are facing the quiet streets where many styles, stories, and times are mixed creating a unique harmony. Life is simple and quiet here and you can walk safely along the narrow streets where no car passes.

Its original name of Mefania was transformed into Mevania by the Romans, which arrived here in 300 B.C. Later, it was part of the Kingdom of Lombards, then passed under the rule of Papacy. During the battles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines the town was destroyed and has been rebuilt many times and ruled alternately by both of them. From 1100 to 1860 it passed several times under the rule of the Papal States, the Duchy of Spoleto and the Duchy of Perugia until the Constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, in 1861.

Bevagna is surrounded by ancient walls (pic. n°1) full of towers and ramparts, interrupted by Medieval gates accessing the old town. In the heart of Bevagna, you can find out many signs of the old Medieval city. (pic. n°5). Here, is still alive the tradition of the characteristic craft shops that open their doors onto the narrow streets or the many small chairs lined up against the walls where the local people spend time chatting during the evenings.

The large, irregular and bright square named Piazza Silvestri (Silvestri Square) (pic. n°2) is the main square of the town. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings in white sandstone and majestic churches. You should not miss Palazzo dei Consoli (pic. n°6) which is now home to the Torti Theatre or the Church of St. Michael (pic. n°4) and the beautiful doorway of Basilica of San Domenico. Just a few steps from the square's center you can find a mock-Gothic fountain and a Roman column with Corinthian capital creating an especially charming atmosphere all around the square of the old, historic times.

How to get to Bevagna: take the highway SS75 from Perugia to Foligno, then turn to SS316 (see the map below)

Some pics of Bavagna:

The ancient walls of Bevagna (pic. n°1); Piazza Silvestri - Silvestri Square (pic. n°2); The ancient Roman city (pic. n°3); The Church of St. Michael (pic. n°4); Signs of the old medieval city (pic. n°5); Palazzo dei Consoli (pic. n°6);