Casa Pietrina

How long have you owned the property?
We purchased the property in 2024 from the previous owners of Casa Pietrina. 

What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
My wife and I were married in Umbria outside of the city of Assisi.  We wanted to recreate the dreamy ambiance of our wedding in our private home.

Are there any interesting stories in its history?

The Castle of Silvignano- Silvignano was once a fortified village, and its history is closely tied to the presence of a medieval castle that served as a defense point and a symbol of the feudal power structure in the region. The castle, like many in Umbria, was part of a network of fortifications that protected the inhabitants from invasions and local conflicts. These fortifications were vital during the period of the Lombard invasions and later during the internal conflicts between different city-states and feudal lords.

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo- Another historical gem in Silvignano is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a testament to the village's religious and cultural heritage. This church, with its Romanesque architecture, dates back to the 12th century and showcases the architectural style and religious art of that era. It served as a spiritual center for the community and a place of refuge during turbulent times.

Silk Production in the Middle Ages- Silvignano was also known for its involvement in the production of silk during the Middle Ages. The fertile land and the mulberry trees cultivated in the region supported the silkworms needed for silk production. This industry was significant for the local economy and contributed to the wealth and development of the village.

The Influence of the Papal States- During the Renaissance, Silvignano and much of Umbria came under the influence of the Papal States. The region was strategically important, and its towns and villages, including Silvignano, were often caught in the power struggles between the Papal States and other Italian city-states. The legacy of this period is still visible in the architecture and historical records of the area.

For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do? 

Explore the Historic Town of Spoleto, known for its ancient Roman architecture, medieval fortresses, and vibrant cultural scene. Key highlights include:

Rocca Albornoziana: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Ponte delle Torri: An impressive Roman aqueduct and bridge.

Spoleto Cathedral (Duomo di Spoleto): Featuring beautiful frescoes by Filippo Lippi.

Wine Tasting in Montefalco- Montefalco is renowned for its Sagrantino wine. Visiting local wineries such as Arnaldo Caprai and Scacciadiavoli for tastings and tours is a must. You can learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the scenic vineyards.

Truffle Hunting in the Umbrian Countryside- Participate in a truffle hunting expedition, which typically includes a guided hunt with trained dogs followed by a truffle-based meal. This is a unique and immersive way to experience the culinary traditions of the region.

Visit the Medieval Town of Assisi- Assisi is famous for being the birthplace of St. Francis. Key sites to visit include:

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning frescoes.

Santa Maria degli Angeli: Home to the Porziuncola, a small church within a church.

Hiking and Nature Walks- Umbria offers numerous hiking trails that traverse through rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Notable trails include those in the Monte Subasio and Sibillini Mountains. These trails often lead to ancient ruins, historic churches, and offer breathtaking vistas.

Attend the Umbria Jazz Festival- If you visit in July, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia is a must-attend event. It features world-class jazz performances in various venues throughout the city, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Olive Oil Tasting in Trevi- Trevi is famous for its high-quality olive oil. Visit local producers for tasting sessions to learn about the production process and sample some of the best olive oils in Italy.

Visit Mount Sibillini National Park- the park offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, bird watching, and exploring natural landmarks like the Grotto of the Sibyl and Lago di Fiastra. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts and offers stunning landscapes.

Marmore Falls- A short drive away, Marmore Falls is one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world. The falls are set in a lush park with several hiking trails and viewpoints. It’s a spectacular sight and offers great opportunities for photography and nature walks.

Local Festivals and Culinary Experiences ike the "Festa della Cipolla" (Onion Festival) in Cannara or other seasonal food and wine festivals. These events offer a deep dive into the local culture, traditions, and cuisine 

Must eat?

• Truffle Dishes
• Tagliolini al Tartufo: Thin egg pasta with a simple truffle sauce, highlighting the rich flavor of the truffles.
• Truffle Bruschetta: Grilled bread topped with truffle paste.
• Porchetta
• Wild Boar (Cinghiale)
• Cinghiale alla Cacciatora: A rich stew made with wild boar, tomatoes, wine, and herbs.
• Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Wide ribbon pasta served with a wild boar ragu.
• Lentils from Castelluccio
• Sagrantino di Montefalco Wine
• Torta al Testo
• Strangozzi alla Spoletina
• Olive Oil from Trevi
• Local Cheeses

Must see?

1. Spoleto

Rocca Albornoziana: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of Spoleto and the surrounding countryside. It’s a significant historical site and often hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Ponte delle Torri: An impressive Roman aqueduct and bridge, ideal for a scenic walk and photography.

Spoleto Cathedral (Duomo di Spoleto): Known for its stunning frescoes by Filippo Lippi and its beautiful Romanesque architecture.

2. Assisi

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this basilica is the burial place of St. Francis of Assisi and features frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.

Santa Maria degli Angeli: This basilica houses the Porziuncola, a small church within the church, and is an important pilgrimage site.

Wine Tasting: Montefalco is renowned for its Sagrantino wine. Visiting local wineries such as Arnaldo Caprai and Scacciadiavoli offers a chance to sample this robust red wine.

4. Trevi

Olive Oil Museum: Learn about the history and production of olive oil in Trevi, known for its high-quality olive oil.

Historic Center: Wander through the narrow streets of this charming hilltop town and enjoy the panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside.

5. Norcia

Mount Sibillini National Park: Perfect for hiking and nature lovers, this park offers stunning landscapes, including the mystical Grotto of the Sibyl and Lago di Fiastra.

Culinary Delights: Norcia is famous for its truffles, cured meats, and cheeses. Visit local markets and shops to sample these specialties.

6. Perugia

Historic Center: Explore the medieval streets, the Etruscan well, and the Fontana Maggiore. Perugia is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and the annual Umbria Jazz Festival.

National Gallery of Umbria: Located in Palazzo dei Priori, this gallery houses an extensive collection of Umbrian art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

7. Marmore Falls

Cascata delle Marmore: One of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world, Marmore Falls is a breathtaking sight. Enjoy hiking trails, viewpoints, and guided tours that explain the history and engineering behind the falls.

8. Gubbio

Roman Theater: This ancient theater dates back to the 1st century BC and is still used for performances today.

Palazzo dei Consoli: A Gothic building housing the Museo Civico, which includes artifacts from Gubbio’s rich history.

9. Lake Trasimeno

Isola Maggiore: Take a boat trip to this island on Lake Trasimeno and explore its medieval village and tranquil landscapes.

Lakeside Towns: Visit Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno for their charming historic centers and lakeside views.

10. Todi

Piazza del Popolo: One of the most beautiful squares in Italy, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palazzo del Capitano and the Palazzo dei Priori.

Todi Cathedral: Located at the top of a grand staircase, this cathedral features a stunning Romanesque facade.

• What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?

An insider tip for visitors to the Silvignano area is to explore the lesser-known hiking trails that offer stunning views and a more intimate experience of the Umbrian countryside. One such trail starts near the village and leads to the ancient Roman aqueducts that are hidden in the hills. These aqueducts, though not widely advertised, are a remarkable historical site and provide a serene, off-the-beaten-path experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Insider Tips:

Private Olive Oil Tasting: Arrange a private olive oil tasting with a local producer in nearby Trevi. This can often be organized through local contacts or recommendations from the owners. Trevi is renowned for its high-quality olive oil, and a private tasting session can provide a deeper understanding of the production process and the opportunity to purchase premium olive oils directly from the source.

Visit the Hidden Corners of Spoleto: While Spoleto is well-known for its historical and cultural landmarks, take some time to explore its hidden corners. Wander through the less frequented backstreets to find quaint cafés, artisan shops, and local trattorias that offer authentic Umbrian cuisine away from the more touristy areas. The Rocca Albornoziana fortress also provides incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is less crowded early in the morning.

Truffle Hunting Experience: Participate in a truffle hunting expedition with local experts. These hunts can be arranged in the forests surrounding Silvignano and offer a unique and immersive experience. It’s a seasonal activity, best enjoyed in the autumn, and often ends with a truffle-infused meal prepared by a local chef. This is a fantastic way to engage with the local culture and enjoy one of Umbria’s most famous culinary delights.

Explore Montefalco’s Wine Cellars: Montefalco is known for its Sagrantino wine, but to truly appreciate it, visit the smaller, family-run wineries that are often more flexible with personalized tours and tastings. Many of these vineyards have been in operation for generations and offer a personal touch, allowing you to learn about the winemaking process directly from the vintners.

Seasonal Festivals: Time your visit to coincide with one of the many local festivals. For example, the "Festa della Cipolla" (Onion Festival) in nearby Cannara celebrates the local onion harvest with food stalls, music, and cultural events. These festivals provide a lively and authentic taste of local traditions and community spirit.

What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?

A fantastic place just to relax, unwind and enjoy the unrivalled local food, wine and culture.

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