Tavernelle
Welcome to Tavernelle: a brief introduction
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to tell you about Tavernelle, a hamlet of the Municipality of Panicale, located in the province of Perugia. This small town develops along the state road 220 Pievaiola, which connects Perugia to Città della Pieve, and is crossed by the Nestore River. Tavernelle has about 2,864 inhabitants and is the most populous center in the municipal territory.
The history of Tavernelle
Tavernelle has origins in the 13th century, contemporaneous with the construction of the castle of Mongiovino Vecchio, becoming an important passage and stopover point for those who traveled from Perugia to Città della Pieve and Chiusi. The original core of the town, initially called "Le taverne di Bartuccio", developed around inns and post stations that offered refreshment and overnight stays to men and horses.
In addition, in 1490 a "domus hospitalis" was built to accommodate foreigners and, subsequently, in 1579, a small church was erected to bury the dead and establish a company under the title of Compagnia della Morte. The little church incorporated a shrine with a late sixteenth-century image of the Virgin with Child and angels on a single altar, which represents the oldest testimony of the village.
Tavernelle has hosted numerous personalities, including St. Paul of the Cross in 1741, to whom the Catholic tradition attributes a miracle in this very place, and Pope Gregory XVI in 1841.
The battle of Mongiovino
The hill overlooking Tavernelle was the scene of the battle of Mongiovino in 1643, in which the Medici troops clashed with the papal ones. The conflict was depicted in a painting by the French painter Jacques Courtois, now visible at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Tavernelle today
With the transfer of the church from the parish of Oro to that of Mongiovino in 1836, Tavernelle was unified and from then on recorded a growing development. Today, the town has a mainly agricultural vocation thanks to the production of high-quality olive oil, wine, and fruit and vegetable products.
Furthermore, Tavernelle offers many opportunities for leisure and culture. The Church of San Luigi Gonzaga, built on the ruins of the previous small church in 1857, is an important center of spirituality and art, preserving works of great value such as Mario Minardi's painting "The Immaculate who holds the Rosary" and the wooden statue of "Madonna del Carmine".
In the summer, Tavernelle becomes a tourist destination thanks to the proximity of important places of interest, such as Lake Trasimeno and the cities of Perugia and Città della Pieve. Moreover, numerous cultural and folkloristic events take place, such as the Autumn Fair, the Feast of Madonna del Carmine, and the Living Nativity Scene.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Tavernelle is a small town rich in history and culture that offers many opportunities for leisure and relaxation. If you are looking for an authentic and characteristic place in Italy, Tavernelle is definitely the right place for you!
