Limigiano
Discovering the Limigiano Fraction
Hello friends, today we will talk about the Limigiano fraction, located in the municipality of Bevagna, in the province of Perugia. Limigiano is located at an altitude of 333 meters and has 56 inhabitants (Istat data, 2001). The fraction is located on the northern foothills of the Monti Martani, about 20 km southeast of the capital city.
The History of Limigiano
There are various theories about the origin of the name Limigiano. One theory is that the name derives from "limite sano", as it was located near large swamps that were part of the ancient "lacus Umber" that occupied the Umbra Valley. Another theory is that the name derives from "limes Ianii", due to the sulfur baths already known in Roman civilization. Finally, according to a legend, a noblewoman exclaimed "Lì mi sano!" after being healed by the waters.
Limigiano is famous for the Abbey of Sant'Angelo, mentioned in the Sassovivo Abbey documents as already built in the 9th century. In 1184, Pope Lucius III made it practically independent, while in 1198 Innocent III confirmed it to Assisi. In 1333 it passed directly under the dependence of Sassovivo, which established its own prior. In 1354, an armed intervention was necessary due to the occupation of the monastery lands by the townspeople. At the end of the 14th century, the benefit passed to Sassovivo, which appointed a vicar (still the Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia).
Regarding the adjacent castle, often in conflict with the abbey, it belonged to the Antignano counts until the 13th century, then to the Trinci from Foligno from 1371; after a brief spontaneous passage to Perugia (1377), it was then confirmed again to the Trinci in 1413 by antipope John XXIII.
The Economy and Events
The economy of Limigiano is mainly agricultural, as the village is surrounded by vast expanses of olive groves and there are also small plots cultivated with saffron.
But don't think that there are no events in Limigiano! In the first half of July, there is the "Sagra della torta al prosciutto" where you can taste the famous local cake accompanied by delicious ham.
At the end of September, instead, the village organizes the "Palio del Sasso", a challenge race between neighboring villages. The representatives of the four surrounding castles (Limigiano, Torre del Colle (Bevagna), Collemancio, and Castelbuono (Bevagna)) must hit targets with stones to evoke the events of the 13th-14th centuries. If you are in the area, you absolutely cannot miss it!
Monuments and Places of Interest
Limigiano boasts numerous monuments and places of interest. In particular, I recommend visiting:
- the Monastery of Sant'Angelo, which is a place of great charm and spirituality;
- the Abbey Church of San Michele Arcangelo, dating back to the 11th century and built in a Romanesque style. The structure has undergone several renovations during the Middle Ages.
In conclusion, if you are planning a vacation in Umbria, you cannot miss the visit to the Limigiano fraction. You can admire the beauty of the surrounding nature, taste local specialties, and discover the history and culture of this magnificent territory.
