San Giovanni del Pantano
San Giovanni del Pantano: a hamlet surrounded by the nature of Umbria
San Giovanni del Pantano is a small and welcoming hamlet located in the Umbrian province of Perugia, Italy. The town takes its name from the Pantano State Road 728, which crosses the hills around Mount Tezio and connects the northeast area of Perugia with the Upper Tiber Valley up to Umbertide.
With only 83 inhabitants, San Giovanni del Pantano is an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility away from the city noise. In this article, we discover the history, monuments, and economic aspects of this suggestive hamlet in the Umbria region.
History
According to the historian Ciatti, the first settlements in San Giovanni del Pantano date back to the Roman period, precisely during the siege of Perugia by Augustus through Lucio Antonio. Over the centuries, a Benedictine religious settlement was built in the locality of Antognolla, a castle, and a villa.
The name of the hamlet derives from the Perugini Antognolla of Civitella Benazzone, who were made counts of the Antognolla feud in 1399. In 1404, the exiles from Perugia took refuge in San Giovanni del Pantano, while in 1480 the Baglioni family regained the area with weapons. In 1628, the castle passed to the Oddi counts, and then to the Marquis Guglielmi in 1836.
During the 20th century, the castle of Antognolla came under the control of the Agnelli family, becoming later a luxury resort and golf course.
Monuments and places of interest
San Giovanni del Pantano is rich in monuments and places of interest. Among these, the castle of Antognolla, dating back to the 13th century, with a majestic tower around which the rest of the castle was built. The structure, restored in the 90s and converted into a resort and golf course, is one of the main tourist attractions of the area.
Nearby is the church of Sant'Agata in Antognolla, dating back to the 16th century, built in Romanesque style and restored in 1787. Inside the church, there is the crypt of Sant'Ercolano, with frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Not far away, you can also admire the Etruscan Tomb of Faggeto, discovered accidentally in 1920, excavated in sandstone and containing the funeral urn of Arnth Cairnina.
In the heart of the hamlet, there is the church of San Giovanni Apostolo, ancient dating back to the Middle Ages, which was restored after the earthquake of '97. Inside, there are Gerardo Dottori's frescoes over the altar in the apse. There is also a statue of the historical parish priest of the church, dedicated by the locals and located in the small square in front of the church.
Economy
Aspects related to agriculture and forestry are essential to the economy of San Giovanni del Pantano. In fact, the surrounding area is rich in forests and natural resources. Furthermore, luxury tourism represents one of the most important activities in the area, thanks to the presence of the golf course.
In the 80s, oil prospecting was carried out on the surrounding hills, but they have not been exploited until today.
Sports
For sports lovers, San Giovanni del Pantano offers an 18-hole golf course, surrounded by nature and with a breathtaking panoramic view.
Conclusions
San Giovanni del Pantano is an enchanting place where nature blends with history and culture, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The hamlet is the ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility, but also for those who want to practice sports and enjoy the beauty of the Umbrian nature.
