Tour of Bevagna.
Tour by car.
Bevagna is a charming town located on Via Flaminia, a 15-minute drive from Spello, the ancient Roman road leading from Rome to modern-day Rimini. Filled with history and monuments from Antiquity and the Middle Ages, Bevagna is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful borgos.
The first settlement on the site of the modern town was founded in the pre-Roman era by the Etruscans. The earliest references to Bevagna date back to the 3rd century B.C. Bevagna flourished until the 3rd century A.D. The town’s importance then began to decline. Then the importance of the town began to gradually decline. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo – in the VI century Bevagna was sacked by the Lombards and in the VIII century became part of the Duchy of Spoleto.
Piazza Silvestri is the heart of the city and the fulcrum of its development in the Middle Ages. It is an ancient square of the 12th-13th century, which is one of the most striking and outstanding architectural sites in Umbria.
After entering the city through the gate on the Foligno side, you can see the Roman and medieval walls, which are quite well preserved and include towers of various shapes.
Cannara Gate – passing through the gate, you can see the ancient medieval church, which is now partially destroyed. It is dedicated to the Madonna of the Snow and is located near an ancient Roman temple dating back to the 2nd century AD, dedicated to Saturn or Hercules.
The Cathedral Church of San Michele Arcangelo is one of the symbols of Bevagna, a magnificent Romanesque building begun in the second half of the 11th century. The church is built in travertine, has a beautiful portal and an imposing bell tower dating from the 15th century.
San Silvestro is a medieval basilica on the square of the same name, which dates from the 12th century. The church is very well preserved and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Palazzo dei Consoli is a 13th century Gothic palace. In the XIX century the palace was converted into a theatre.
Museum of the city with art gallery and archaeological department is located in the Lepri Palace, built in the late XVII.
The Church of San Domenico and San Giacomo – the building was built in the late XIII century and contains several ancient frescoes.
The Church of St. Francis – in this area is also located the Romanesque church of St. Francis with bell tower, built in the XIII century. A small door on the right leads to an inner chapel with 16th-century frescoes.
In front of the church you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre from the first century, which had a seating capacity of about 10,000 spectators.
In June, Bevanye hosts the market of Gaites (meaning district). You can visit medieval stalls and see how wax, paper, wicker baskets and other things are made.
