Castelleone
Castelleone: the medieval Umbrian village with breathtaking views
Castelleone is a small community fraction of Deruta, a town located in the province of Perugia in Umbria. This charming village is situated on a hill 398 meters above sea level, which provides visitors with a stunning view of central Umbria.
The village is famous for its medieval hamlet, its characteristic stone houses, and its ancient fortifications dating back to the 12th-14th centuries, when the walls were erected by Perugia in war against Todi. Three votive frescoes remain visible today, originally covering the entire village: a "Madonna with Child", "St. Francis with Donor" and a "Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine."
History
The church of San Donato, the patron saint of the village, was a Camaldolese priory dependent on the large monastery of Duomo di Sansepolcro from the 13th to the 16th century. Outside the village, along the road that connects the hamlet to Deruta, you can still admire the ruins of an old church dedicated to St. Martin, built by Alessandro Pascoli, brother of the more famous Lione Pascoli, in 1731. According to some studies, the uniqueness of the construction would come from the fact that another adjacent building was the work of the famous architect Luigi Vanvitelli or one of his pupils.
Castelleone was also the place where a young partisan commander, Mario Grecchi, led the partisan brigade known as the "Leoni" during the Italian Resistance. In his honor, every April 25th, local authorities place a wreath on the commemorative plaque.
Economy and events
Castelleone hosts the "Pasquarosa" village festival, dedicated to patron saint San Donato. This festival takes place over two weeks, usually the first two weeks of July and limited to the last few days of the week. The local olive oil tradition also provides the olive oil festival, which takes place in early December and consists mainly of an oil tasting evening.
Curiosities
The village is famous for the production of extra virgin olive oil and has attracted numerous personalities, including Gabriele D'Annunzio, who was passionate about this precious liquid and sang its praises. In addition, Castelleone was the birthplace of Napoleone Comitoli, a jurist of the Sacra Rota and the longest-serving bishop of Perugia.
Archaeological finds demonstrate the existence in the immediate vicinity of a Neolithic settlement, the so-called "Perugia Vecchia," located on ground about 650 meters above sea level, known for its panorama.
The life of the castle proceeded for much of the eighteenth century, alternating by hereditary succession among the principal families of the place, such as the Crispolti, the Della Penna, and the Del Buon Tromboni.
Castelleone developed around the fortified castle, which was one of the main defenses against enemy raids during the Middle Ages. Today, the village is a tourist destination where you can admire history, culture, and nature.
