Corciano
Discovering Corciano: a gem among the hills of Umbria
If you find yourself in Umbria and in search of a picturesque place to spend time immersed in nature, you cannot skip a stop in Corciano, a town of just over 21,000 inhabitants located on a hill 12 km northwest of Perugia. In this text we will talk about the various aspects of this beautiful Umbrian village.
Physical geography
Corciano is a vast and diverse municipality from a natural point of view, with a climate classification of zone E, 2204 GR/G. The town is located on a hill at 408 m above sea level and borders only with Perugia to the east and south and with Magione to the west and north.
History
According to an ancient legend, the city was founded by the mythical companion of Ulysses, Coragino. The oldest traces of human presence date back to the Neolithic period, while the discovery of two cinerary urns attests to the presence of settlements dating from the 9th century BC to the 8th century BC. After this period, Corciano is described as a city mainly dedicated to agriculture and craftsmanship, also thanks to the increasing use of travertine.
The city was officially founded only after the year 1000 and was then confirmed in 1136 by Pope Innocent II as the "Castrum de Corciano". It was involved in the defense struggles of Perugia against the occupation of Todi, and its troops, in 1310, managed to repel the Tuderti to the gates of their city.
Historical figures
Corciano was the protagonist of an epic clash against one of the most famous characters in Italy: Braccio da Montone. Between 1415 and 1416, the Captain of fortune arrived in Umbria with his troops to try to conquer the city, but the town defended itself valiantly and put Braccio's troops to flight. As compensation, the magistrates of Perugia exempted Corciano from any taxes for five years.
Modern age
In the 14th century, Corciano joined the State of the Church together with most of Umbria and became a fiefdom of the Dukes of Corgna, who had their residence in the current Palazzo Comunale. During the Napoleonic rule, it was elevated to "Mairie" in 1809. Then, on November 9, 1860, the plebiscite for the annexation of the Province of Perugia to the Kingdom of Italy was published and Corciano made no exception, choosing to join.
What to see in Corciano
Corciano is also a town famous for its beauty, which has allowed it to be included among the "Most beautiful villages in Italy". The municipality offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, including a series of churches and historic buildings, as well as numerous parks and nature reserves. One of the most iconic places in Corciano is the Palazzo Comunale, located right in the heart of the city. It is a fifteenth-century palace that in the past was the residence of the Dukes of Corgna and that today hosts various exhibitions and cultural events.
The territory of Corciano is also rich in natural beauty, which represents an important attraction for tourists and visitors. The Umbrian hills surrounding the town are very suggestive, while its territory extends largely on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, which offers numerous opportunities for leisure, including picnic areas and outdoor activities.
Events and gastronomy
Corciano also offers a wide range of events and festivals, which take place throughout the year. One of the most famous events is the Wine Festival, which is held every year in September and attracts visitors from all over Italy. The city boasts a very strong gastronomic tradition and offers a wide range of local products such as extra virgin olive oil, chestnut honey, truffles and many other typical products of Umbria, which you can taste in the numerous restaurants and trattorias scattered throughout the town and its surroundings.
Corciano is therefore a municipality where history, culture, nature and good food come together to offer visitors a rich and complete experience. If you have not yet visited it, don't miss the opportunity to do so and to discover everything that this wonderful Umbrian village has to offer.
