Penna in Teverina
Penna in Teverina: The Little Umbrian Town
Penna in Teverina is a small Umbrian town with just over a thousand inhabitants located in the province of Terni. Despite its size, it is a place rich in history and traditions. The ancient name of the town was "La Penna" and derives from the Latin "pinna," which means "top," "height," "peak," highlighting its position on the river terraces of the Tiber Valley.
The town has a predominantly agricultural economy and is an ideal place for nature and tranquility lovers. In fact, the main tourist activities are related to food and wine and trekking on the surrounding hills.
History: From Roman Traces to Medieval Castles
Penna in Teverina has a long history dating back to Roman times. Indeed, numerous remains have been found (including a wine cellar) that testify to the fertility of the place, a source of fine oil and wine. Later, the territory was fortified and the castle was built, with a strategic function for the control of the commercial river routes of the Tiber, but also of the Amerina road and the valley below.
The town was under the rule of the Orsini and Colonna families, through sales or military occupation. In 1354, Penna was occupied by the company of Fra 'Moriale, whose men sacked the city. Then the Cappelletti took over Penna, after occupying the nearby Giove, in 1360. In 1378 the fierce Bretons devastated it, as happened in the fifteenth century by Nicolò Fortebraccio.
The city underwent other sieges and passed under various dominators: the jurisdiction of Amelia, the jurisdiction of Perugia and the direct rule of the Church, before coming under the control of the Colonna. In 1492 Stefano Colonna entrusted the town to the jurisdiction of Amelia.
On December 7, 1502, Gian Corrado Orsini di Mugnano, lord of Bomarzo and conductor of the Republic of Venice, purchased the castle of Penna from Francesco Colonna from Palestrina for three thousand six hundred ducats. At the death of Gian Corrado, the son Maerbale Orsini, the heir, faced a series of expenses for the construction of the palace and its belongings.
Culture and Traditions
Penna in Teverina is also a place of culture and traditions. Every year, on June 25th, Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the town, is celebrated. On this occasion, processions, Masses, and folkloristic parades are organized, accompanied by music from the band.
Additionally, the municipality is famous for its production of extra virgin olive oil, thanks to its fertile soil. The product is so famous that it is tasted all over the world.
Finally, the local cuisine is particularly tasty, thanks to the use of fresh and genuine ingredients. Among the typical dishes are tagliatelle with truffles, oxtail stew, and roasted pork.
Tourism and Attractions
Penna in Teverina, thanks to its position on the Umbrian hills, is the ideal place for those who want to take long walks on foot or by bicycle. Among the main attractions, there is the Etruscan-Roman Museum of Castel di Leva, located just seven kilometers from the town, which collects numerous finds from that period.
For nature lovers, it is possible to visit the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, located a few kilometers from Penna in Teverina, where you can admire breathtaking panoramic views and spot foxes, hedgehogs, porcupines, and numerous species of birds.
Additionally, archaeology enthusiasts can visit the Etruscan necropolises of Tarquinia, about 50 kilometers from the town, or the archaeological site of Vulci, located about 30 kilometers away.
Conclusions
Penna in Teverina is a small Umbrian town rich in history, culture, and traditions. Despite its size, the town is an ideal place for those who want to relax and discover the beauty of Umbria. Its typical products, local cuisine, and the possibility of taking long walks on foot or by bicycle are just some of the attractions that make the town a special place. The archaeological and natural heritage of the area, as well as the numerous tourist activities, represent a great opportunity for those who want to discover this wonderful part of Italy.
