Olmeto
Discovering Olmeto: a panoramic village in Umbria
Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you to discover Olmeto, a hamlet of the municipality of Marsciano, in the province of Perugia. This charming village is located on a hill and overlooks the Genna river valley, offering breathtaking views of the Umbrian landscapes.
Origins of the name
The name Olmeto comes from the presence nearby of a grove of olive trees, called Ulmus in Latin.
History
The first records of Olmeto date back to 1377, when the inhabitants of the village asked for help from the city of Perugia to build a castle to protect themselves from enemy raids. Over the centuries, Olmeto went through various vicissitudes, including the siege of the League army in 1527 and the arrival of 400 infantrymen sent by the Duchy of Urbino in 1534. However, today the village offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in history thanks to the numerous monuments and places of interest.
Monuments and places of interest
In this small medieval village you can visit the Church of S. Maria Assunta, dating back to the 18th century and containing the famous painting of the "Madonna della Misericordia" from 1525, the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, demolished and rebuilt inside the castle, the medieval well with the pyramid-shaped red brick cover, and the remains of the castle perimeter walls. Moreover, for those who love hiking, you can walk the Via del Giogo, renovated with fountains in 1507, which leads from Olmeto to Sant'Elena.
Society
The village has only 219 inhabitants, but the community is very active and welcoming.
Culture
In September, the "Sagra dell'arvoltlo" takes place, a traditional festival dedicated to Umbrian cuisine, where you can taste local dishes prepared with local products.
Economy
Agriculture and livestock farming represent the main economic activities of Olmeto, with the Genna valley hosting a large sewage treatment plant.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Olmeto is a true gem of the province of Perugia, a treasure to be preserved and definitely visited if you want to discover the history, culture, and beauty of the landscapes in the heart of Italy. If you have the opportunity, don't miss the chance to visit this splendid village!
