Colle Umberto I
Colle Umberto I: a journey through history and nature
Hello everyone! Today I am taking you to discover Colle Umberto I, a fraction of the Umbrian municipality of Perugia, immersed in a wonderful hilly area 10 km northeast of the city. With its 2,803 inhabitants, Colle Umberto I is an ideal destination for those who want to relax in nature and history.
Physical geography
Colle Umberto I is located on the western side of the Tiber River and is surrounded to the south by the villages of Capocavallo and Mantignana, municipality of Corciano, and to the north by the locality of Maestrello. Here, you can admire the southern slopes of Mount Tezio (961 m), easily reaching the protected natural area of the mountainous terrain from Compresso.
History
The territory of Colle Umberto I, known in the past as "Colle" and then "Colle del Cardinale" in the Renaissance period, was already inhabited in Roman times, as evidenced by several archaeological finds. In the sixteenth century, Cardinal Fulvio della Corgna chose it to build his monumental summer villa, the Villa del Colle del Cardinale, soon becoming a meeting place for illustrious personalities and intellectuals of the time.
Monuments and places of interest
If you visit Colle Umberto I, a fundamental stop is the villa of the Colle del Cardinale, which will enchant you with its architectural grandeur and its history. Not far from the villa, you will also find the parish church of San Giovanni del Prugneto, first known thanks to the diploma of the Emperor Henry IV of Franconia in 1095.
The current building was built between 1777 and 1787, and today features a modanated terracotta façade, with a decorated portal with a broken triangular tympanum with a majolica decoration depicting Saint John the Baptist.
For a day in nature
Colle Umberto I offers a variety of hiking trails, ideal for nature lovers. You can reach the slopes of Mount Tezio to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley. If you are passionate about birdwatching, you can enjoy the spectacle of the numerous species of birds that populate the area.
Where to eat
If you want to taste typical Umbrian cuisine, here are some of the best restaurants in Colle Umberto I: Osteria del Bacco, Il Grillo restaurant, and Bar Trattoria del Teatro. Here you can taste tasty dishes made with local products and with a unique flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Colle Umberto I is a destination where you can immerse yourself in nature and history, discovering a territory rich in surprises. Here you can enjoy a relaxing day discovering historical monuments, hiking trails and unique flavors of Umbrian cuisine. Come and discover Colle Umberto I!
