Quadrelli
Welcome to Quadrelli
Welcome to Quadrelli, a charming village in the municipality of Montecastrilli, in the province of Terni. This small town has 549 residents and is located at an altitude of 373 meters. Today I will tell you a little bit about everything there is to know about Quadrelli, from its origins to its history.
Origins of the name
One of the mysteries of Quadrelli is the origin of its name. One of the most widespread theories is that the name derives from its proximity to the main gate of the village, bearing the emblem of the city of Todi. A twenty-meter high tower, called Portella, ends with a single-sloped roof surmounted by a small bell tower; above the arch of the gate there is the Tuderte eagle, holding a square in its claws. From the top of the south side of the tower, it was possible to visually control the boundaries with Portaria, Sangemini, and Narni. Moreover, from there it was possible to control the transits on the ancient Via Ulpiana, today known as the road of the Seven Valleys, which connected Sangemini to Todi.
History
In Quadrelli, history has witnessed various theories about the origin of its name. According to one theory, the castle derived its name from the type of darts, precisely square-shaped, which were produced and given to the militias here. However, this theory does not hold up, as the same emblem is also found on other Tuderti foundations. The second theory would have it that the name Quadrelli was derived from the square shape of the castle with four towers at the vertices, precisely "quater turellis." Instead, the third and most ancient derives the name from the square shape of the ancient Proto-Celtic-Umbrian construction of the Sanctuary (Melanon) and the small votive quadrilaterals on which both the Castle and the Church rest.
Anyway, Quadrelli was the base and sanctuary of the ancient Umbrians, from where they dominated the surrounding valleys. They were facilitated by being very close to the ancient city "Carus Suines," which later became Roman with the name of "Carsulae." Today, Quadrelli has a typically medieval appearance. As already mentioned, it was built on the ruins of pre-existing settlements, of which there are ample testimonies in the town. Numerous are the Proto-Celtic funerary steles (representations of double-bladed axes with the gates of Hades carved in the center), scattered throughout the town and inserted into the wall of the parish church.
Quadrelli over time
Quadrelli was conquered by Todi when this city had the opportunity to expand its territory to the Monti Martani, having been the city of Carsulae first sacked by the barbarians and then definitively destroyed by a violent earthquake (more properly an extensive sinking). With the Arnolfi, Quadrelli became a fortress in the Middle Ages and has been the scene of many historical events.
What to see in Quadrelli
Although Quadrelli is a small town, there are some interesting things to see, such as the Parish Church, the Town Hall, the Portella Tower, and the Sanctuary of Fico Feltro. The Parish Church, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, dates back to the thirteenth century. Inside, you can admire a valuable seventeenth-century altarpiece and a white marble statue of St. Michael the Archangel from the seventeenth century. The Town Hall, located in the main square of the town, was built in the thirteenth century. Nowadays, the palace houses the municipal offices and the Municipal Library. The Portella Tower, which I have already mentioned, is one of the symbols of Quadrelli and is definitely worth a visit.
Finally, the Sanctuary of Fico Feltro is a small religious building that represents one of the rare remaining examples in Italy of pre-Christian sacred architecture. Here you can admire the Fico Feltro, a tree that, according to legend, grows on a miraculous spring and was visited by St. Francis of Assisi.
What to eat in Quadrelli
If you are gastronomy enthusiasts, in Quadrelli you will be satisfied. The town is famous for the production of typical products, including oil, wine, and pecorino cheese. Moreover, here you can taste specialties such as homemade pasta (such as gnocchi alla quadrellana), homemade cold cuts, and wild boar alla cacciatora.
Conclusions
In summary, if you are looking for an enchanting and characteristic place to visit, you cannot fail to include Quadrelli on your list of stops. Here you will find a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature, and you can taste the authentic flavors of traditional Umbrian cuisine. I am waiting for you in Quadrelli to share with you the love for this small Italian treasure.
