Costacciaro
Discover Costacciaro, the small Umbrian village
Costacciaro is an Italian municipality located in the province of Perugia in the region of Umbria. The village has a population of 1081 inhabitants and is mostly known for its ancient defensive castle located on the slopes of Monte Cucco. Today, Costacciaro is a small village belonging to the diocese of Gubbio and is part of the protected natural area of the Monte Cucco Park.
Physical geography
The climate of Costacciaro is classified as zone E, with an annual average of 2403 GR/G. Its location on the slopes of Monte Cucco makes the village an ideal place for hiking and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
History
Along the Via Flaminia
Although the exact date of the village's foundation is unknown, it is believed that the origin of Costacciaro is linked to the proximity of the Via Flaminia, the Roman consular road that connected Rome to Rimini and Ravenna. Along this important communication route, various buildings developed rapidly, ranging from religious buildings to baths, taverns, houses, and castles. Costacciaro was fortified by the Guelfs of Gubbio and Costacciaro, which perhaps dates back to the conflicts between the Lombards and the Byzantine Empire for the protection of the so-called "Byzantine corridor."
Gubbio and the Montefeltro family
The first traces of Costacciaro date back to the 13th century when the Eugubines made the village their bridgehead for defending the territory. Costacciaro was the most important castle in the district of Gubbio and was located in a strategic position on a hill owned by a certain Stacciaro. Initially, the castle was called "Castrum Collis Stacciarii" (Castle of the Hill of Stacciaro) but in 1300 the name was changed to "Castrum Costacciarii". The village was affected by internal struggles in Gubbio, especially before its dedication to Urbino. In the 14th century, the magistracy of the podestà settled in Gubbio, which gave a certain autonomy to all the castles.
Tourist attractions
Costacciaro offers visitors numerous historical and artistic landmarks. Among these attractions are the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and Sant'Antonio Abate, dating back to the 15th and 13th centuries respectively. Additionally, the village is home to a beautiful stone fountain, while the nearby Abbey of Sant'Eutizio, founded in the 11th century by Benedictine monks, is a must-see for all art and architecture enthusiasts.
Local cuisine
Costacciaro is also an ideal place for foodies thanks to its local cuisine. Among the specialties, you can find "crescia al formaggio," a typical bread stuffed with delicious local cheeses, and "trippa alla ghiotta," a dish of tripe cooked with tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. Among the wines produced in the area are Rosso di Montefalco and Sagrantino.
Events
The village organizes numerous events throughout the year, including the Festival of the Madonna del Buon Viaggio in the spring when a procession accompanies the sacred statue from the church of Santa Maria del Popolo to the chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Buon Viaggio.
Hospitality in Costacciaro
Costacciaro is an ideal place to spend a relaxing holiday immersed in the nature of Umbria. Thanks to its strategic location, you can easily reach other art cities in the region, such as Perugia, Assisi, and Gubbio. In the surrounding area, there are also numerous farmhouses and bed & breakfasts that offer comfortable and traditional hospitality.
In conclusion, Costacciaro is a village with ancient history and a unique charm, where culture, beauty, and good food come together in a unique experience. A perfect place to immerse yourself in the history and tradition of the Umbrian region.
