Collelungo
Welcome to Collelungo
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you about a small hamlet in the municipality of Baschi, in the province of Terni, called Collelungo. This village is located at an altitude of 478 meters above sea level and is inhabited by 188 residents (2001 Istat data). Did you know that Memè Perlini, the famous film and theater director who passed away in 2017, lived here? But let's discover more about the history, economy, events, and monuments of Collelungo.
The history of Collelungo
The exact date of construction of the fortified castle of Collelungo is unknown, but we know that it depended on the plebato of the nearby Izzalini di Todi and counted fifteen resident families. In 1297, Collelungo participated in the defense operations of Pompognano, where Todi defeated Orvieto in 1252. Thanks to its strategic position along the Morre pass, Collelungo became an important defense bastion, along with Pigliuto, Fulignano, Acqualoreto, and Cappanni.
Power was assigned to a mayor, assisted by massari and sergeants (military advisors). He had to pay a deposit of 50 silver pounds, at the time of appointment, and had to go to Todi once a year to pay the collected taxes: grazing, woodcutting, guild rights, acorn collection, coal, perches, lime, and bricks.
Among the lords of Collelungo, we remember the Landi, Guelphs, who had to endure the abuses of the Ghibellino Aribello Chiaravalle. Don Giacomo Landi, rector of the church of San Donato, was also magister familiae of the nephew of Paul III, the cardinal of Santa Fiora, Guido Ascanio Sforza di Santa Fiora. In 1571 the population counted 185 units and inside the fortified castle there was a spartan hospital.
An important religious figure of Collelungo was friar Michele (1602-1682). Do you know any other curious facts about the history of this village?
The economy and events of Collelungo
The economy of Collelungo is mainly based on craftsmanship: wood processing and building activities, trade, and agriculture. At the end of July, the festival of Collelungo takes place, a perfect occasion to discover local traditions, taste typical dishes, and have fun with music and dancing. But the real religious festival is that of August 7, dedicated to the patron saint, San Donato, which is celebrated with a solemn procession. In September, there is also a procession in honor of the Madonna Ausiliatrice, organized by the priore.
Monuments and places of interest
If you happen to visit Collelungo, do not miss the church of San Donato, dating back to the thirteenth century, located at the top of the village. It is an ancient Romanesque church, with a single nave and wooden ceiling, which preserves a valuable statue of the Madonna and Child and a crucifix from the fourteenth century. You can also admire the Castle of Vagli, the Church of Santa Lucia, and the magnificent Castle of Todi, which is only a few kilometers from Collelungo. If you are lovers of history and culture, visiting these places of interest will leave you speechless, I am sure!
Other projects
But the beauty of Collelungo does not stop here! There are other interesting projects and local initiatives that aim to enhance the history and tradition of this small village. Are you curious to discover more?
External links
To conclude, if you want to know more about Collelungo and its activities, do not miss the external links that I have inserted below. You can find updated and in-depth information on this extraordinary place that I know very well. Thank you for joining me in the discovery of Collelungo, see you next time!
