Tordibetto
Exploring Tordibetto: the history of the Assisi hamlet
Located about 255.5 km northwest of Assisi, Tordibetto is a hamlet of the municipality of Assisi that surprises with its fascinating history. The village revolves around a castle that was built to protect the city in the 13th century. Currently, Tordibetto has 509 inhabitants and stands out for its average population density.
The Castle of Tordibetto, one of the best preserved in the entire Assisi territory, was a tower owned by a man named "Bectus Menneci" who decided to use it to store wheat. This tower was later enlarged and converted into a castle in the 14th century. Finally, in the mid-15th century, the castle took on its current form, characterized by four mighty towers dominating the valley below.
Throughout the 15th century, the castle was under the control of the one in "Beviglie", a locality located at an altitude of 295 m, incorporated within the borders of the Tordibetto hamlet. According to legend, there is a hermitage of Saint Francis here and it is where Friar Elia, the builder of the Holy Convent of St. Francis in Assisi, was born.
Economy and Events in Tordibetto
Tordibetto is distinguished by its great craft tradition, particularly for embroidery on canvas, made with the traditional "Franciscan stitch". Not to be missed are also the "frascarelli", a particular pasta made from flour and water. Agriculture in the Tordibetto area is mainly centered on the cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil.
From an events perspective, Tordibetto has a rich history full of traditions to discover. In 1957, the village celebrated Mother's Day for the first time in Italy, on the initiative of the then parish priest, Don Otello Migliosi. Since then, the village has celebrated this important event every year with great enthusiasm and numerous initiatives. Other not-to-be-missed events include the Ascension procession, which takes place from the church of Bernardino da Siena to the church of the Immaculate Conception, located in the Beviglie castle, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the church of the Holy Crucifix, and the Feast of St. Martin, which takes place in November.
Monuments and Artistic places
Tordibetto is a small gem rich in monuments and artistic places. One of the greatest is certainly the Castle of Betto di Menico, located in the heart of the village. The castle is surrounded by walls, moats and drawbridges and is quadrangular in shape, with four circular perimeter towers. In a private room that until a few years ago was used as a mill, a fresco of Matteo da Gualdo was discovered depicting St. Roch. Other frescoes are currently being recovered.
Another castle of great artistic and historical interest is the Castle of Beviglie, located in an enviable panoramic position. Here too, the shape is quadrangular, with four circular towers, but only two of them are still standing.
Tordibetto is a perfect place to discover the history, art and tradition of the Assisi territory. Losing oneself in its streets and enjoying the beauty of the castle and its surroundings is an unforgettable experience.
