Sellano
Welcome to Sellano: a mountain municipality immersed in the nature of the province of Perugia
Hello everyone and welcome to Sellano, a small mountain municipality located in the province of Perugia, in Umbria. Here nature reigns supreme, with the beautiful valleys of the Vigi stream and the Nera river intersecting to create a breathtaking spectacle. Immersed in this scenic setting is our municipality, which has about 965 inhabitants. In this article, we will talk about the geographical, historical and cultural features of Sellano, an ideal destination for nature and history enthusiasts.
Physical Geography: Between Springs and Mountains
Sellano is located on a clay hill, at an altitude of 640 meters above sea level. This territory is typical of the Umbrian Subapennine landscape and surrounded by untouched nature, offering unique and spectacular landscapes. The Menotre river originates here, which flows into the Topino river in a Foligno fraction called Altolina. In addition, numerous springs are located in Sellano, including the one used by the Fonte Tullia brand and the one that supplies water to the city of Spoleto. Lastly, the climate is classified as E zone, 2312 GR/G.
Origin of the Name: An Ancient and Fascinating History
The name Sellano has raised different interpretations over the years. According to the oldest theory, it would derive from the Roman tribe of the gens Suilla or the Syllinates (Pliny, "Naturalis Historia", Book III). While other scholars would like to trace the name of the town to the followers of Lucio Cornelio Silla who founded it in 84 BC seeking refuge and imposing the name of their leader, hence "Syllanum". Despite these theories, however, the true origin of the name remains a mystery.
History: Between Antiquity and the Middle Ages
The first traces of settlement in Sellano date back to Roman times when it was probably a vicus, as evidenced by some epigraphs found in the territory. Over the centuries, Sellano has had various functions, including that of a court with some Benedictine monastic communities around it, a feudal possession and finally a free municipality, but under the subjugation of the city of Spoleto. Starting from the late ancient period, Sellano assumed an increasingly strategic importance, mainly determined by its geographical location, until it became part of the Papal State in the XIII century.
A Splendid Territory to Discover
Sellano is an ideal destination for those seeking a natural and historical context of great interest. Here you can still admire the traces of the ancient past, such as the Alviano castle, built in the XII century. Moreover, the churches of Santa Maria delle Vigne and San Giovanni Battista are also worth a visit, guardians of valuable works of sacred art. But the wonders of Sellano are also outside the town center. Here there are itineraries that through the Vigi valley connected Valnerina with Foligno and Camerte and reached Spoleto along the Via della Spina. The surrounding nature, then, offers breathtaking landscapes, including the Castello di Pieve Fanonica mountain, with its altitude of 1,488 meters above sea level. In short, the territory of Sellano is a treasure to discover not only for its history but also for its untouched nature.
Conclusions
In this short article, we have tried to illustrate the beauties and curiosities of the municipality of Sellano, located between the valleys of the Vigi stream and the Nera river. A place rich in history, art and nature that deserves a visit from all lovers of beauty and culture. All that's left is to plan a trip to Sellano, immerse oneself in its charm and be enchanted by its beauty. Here you will find a small corner of paradise, far from the chaos of the city and surrounded by lush and relaxing nature.
