Monteleone di Spoleto
Discovering Monteleone di Spoleto
Are you ready to discover the highest municipality in Umbria? We're talking about Monteleone di Spoleto, a small town with 563 inhabitants located in the province of Perugia. The particularity of this city is that it is located in a very elevated position, in fact, it is the highest municipality in the region.
Physical Geography and Geology of Monteleone di Spoleto
The territory of Monteleone di Spoleto is surrounded by mountains made up of marine origin calcareous rocks, Jurassic and Cretaceous. These rocks are present in a widespread way in road cuts and quarries for the use of stone. But the real geological treasure of the town is represented by the discovery of an ammonite fossil called ''Rarenodia'', which has great scientific importance. The fossil is located in a didactic room of the University of Perugia and preserved in a closed showcase that allows its viewing.
The History of Monteleone di Spoleto
Monteleone di Spoleto has been inhabited since ancient times and Villanovan and Etruscan proto-civilization necropolises have been discovered. Among the Etruscan remains stands out the Etruscan Chariot of Monteleone, a chariot dating back to the mid-sixth century BC, decorated with embossed bronze sheets with scenes from the life of the hero Achean Achilles. The artifact is kept at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, but the municipal administration of Monteleone has long been asking for its return.
After the Roman Civilization, the real foundation of the first nucleus of the castle of Monteleone took place after the collapse of the Roman Empire, with the descent of the barbarian invasions from the north. In 880 the noble Attone built the castle of Brufa which was donated to Spoleto. In 1228 the fortress underwent a new destruction by the Saracens. However, given the strategic position, the castle was rebuilt again by the noble Tiberti family in 1265. The area was heavily hit by the Reatino earthquake of 1298, which destroyed the nearby castle of Vetranola.
Activities and Events in Monteleone di Spoleto
Every year in Monteleone di Spoleto, the Sagra della Porchetta takes place, a culinary event where you can taste the delicacies of Umbrian cuisine. In addition, the town hosts the Parco Avventura, an exciting experience for children but also for adults. You can immerse yourself in nature and experience acrobatic courses among the trees.
How to get to Monteleone di Spoleto
Monteleone di Spoleto is located 88 km from Perugia and can be reached by car, bus or train. The nearest railway station is that of Spoleto. The nearest airport is Perugia, 100 km away.
Conclusions
Monteleone di Spoleto is a small Umbrian municipality, but its history, geology, and culinary heritage make it one of Umbria's gems. If you are looking for a relaxing place where you can get in touch with nature, this is the right place. Come and discover the magic of Monteleone di Spoleto!
