La Ciriola

Places of interest easily reachable from the Agriturismo "La Ciriola"

Cascata delle Marmore - Marmore Falls

The falls are a result of man's work in 271 b.C.; the Roman consul Manlio Curio Dentato ordered to open in the stone a channel 2 km. long making the Velino waters flow into the underlying Nera river. Afer many interventions, in 1788 took its definitive aspect, that is, three falls thoroughly 165 m. height.
Through guided visits, it is possible to admire this rare beauty. By the meeting point with the Nera river, the falls waters are challenged by lovers of rafting and kayak.

Distance: ca. 9 km.

Lake of Piediluco

Lake of natural origin with a noticeable resemblance with the Alpine lakes, from its shores emerge mounts Luco and Caperno.
In spite of its reduced size, it is particularly charming. Its waters (maximum deep 20 m.) are used since many years as a national centre of canoeing; while during the appropriate season it is possible to make visits on ecologic boats. Piediluco, from which takes its name, is the only village (mediaeval) on the lake shores. On the mount Luco there is the Rock, whose ruins are still visible and suggest how important  it was for the control and defence of the territory during the period of the Duchy of Spoleto.

Distance: ca. 2 km.

Ferentillo

Ferentillo is a centre of mediaeval origin, visited by tourists mainly because a particular characteristic: the Mummies of Ferentillo, a peculiar phenomenon, unique in its type, as it is the result of a completely natural process of mummification, owing to specific micro-organisms that exist in the ground, and particular climatic conditions.

Distance: ca. 14 km.

In the last years, taking advantage of the particular morphologic characteristics of the area it has been created a well-furnished structure for free climbing at the highest levels, that every year attracts many amateurs of this sport.

Carsulae

Near the Parco della Fonte di Sangemini (Park of Sangemini Springs), the pre-Roman city of Carsulae appears today as a mysterious abandoned town. Built by the ancient Via Flaminia, its origins, probably Celtic, are still unknown. Nevertheless, it may be considered as a typical Roman municipium, closed in the North by a threefold arch. Today are recognizable the small area of the forum with several buildings, not all of them identifiable, the basilica with access to the Via Flaminia, two twin tetra-style temples ,the theatre, entirely rebuilt, the amphitheatre, as well as other structures like private houses, shops and monumental tombs.

Distance: ca. 33 km.

Narni

The earliest historic information about Narni, "Nequinum", date back to 600 b.C. In 299 b.C. was a Roman colony, and in 233 b.C. became an important garrison for the construction of Via Flaminia. Narni was exposed to the barbaric invasions owing to its key position, and became a free municipality in the XI century. During the Renaissance was visited by artists of great fame. Narni presents numerous monuments of relevance. In the immediate outskirts of the town, there is the "Rocca Albornoz", recently restructured, and August's Bridge, built in 27 b.C., 160 metres long, of which remains an arch 30 metres of height.

Distance: ca. 29 km.

Spoleto

The city grew larger and it was necessary to build a new wall ring (1296) that is still existing.
In 1359-70 it was built the majestic Rocca Albornoz, residence of important characters like Lucrezia Borgia.

Besides the architectural richess, Spoleto is renowned at international level because of the "Festival dei Due Mondi" (Two Worlds' Festival), important event that takes place every year by the end of june and beginning july.

Distance: ca. 40km.

Spoleto is an ancient town, founded by the Umbrii around 1000 b.C.
In the III century b.C. became a Roman colony (Spoletium). Having achieved in overcoming the siege by Hannibal was a faithful ally of Rome in the Punic Wars. In the second century b.C., Spoleto was defined a splendid city.
In 576, it was founded the Duchy of Spoleto, Lungobard. Two of its dukes were crowned emprerors of the Germanic Sacred Roman Empire.

Todi

Todi was founded by the Umbrii in 2700 b.C. and was subsequently occupied by the Etruscans and then the Romans (III century b.C.), who had left numerous and relevant traces.
After the barbaric invasions underwent a period of decadence, that ended with a revival during the Renaissance. 

Todi may undoubtedly be considered one of the jewels of the mediaeval Umbrian architecture.

Distance: ca. 60km.

Gubbio

Gubbio is one of the most beautiful towns of Umbria. City-state during the Middle Ages, had an autonomous life regarding the rest of the region, developing strong links with the Marche.
The splendour of the city is manifest by "Piazza della Signoria", in the midtown. At the edges of the square there are the buildings that represent the free municipality: "Palazzo dei Consoli" and "Palazzo Pretorio" (or "Palazzo dei Priori"). Palazzo dei Consoli is considered one of the worthiest mediaeval monuments  in Italy. Its "Sala Maggiore" (Great Hall) hosts the Civic Museum, and in the first floor there is the "Pinacoteca Comunale".
At the opposing edge of the square there is "Palazzo Pretorio", and by the northern side of the square, "Palazzo Ranghiasci-Brancaleoni", from which is reached "Via Ducale", at whose right side there is "Palazzo dei Canonici" (XIV century) through mediaeval paths and tunnels. The palace, recently restructured, hosts the Pottery Museum, by which Gubbio is renowned.

Distance: ca. 95 km.

Orvieto

Orvieto was one of the earliest Etruscan cities. It was subsequently annexed to Rome until the fall of the Empire.
During the Middle Ages it reached its maximum development and important buildings and palaces were built, among which the famous Cathedral, that dates back to 1263, undoubtedly the most important architectural work of the city, with its splendid Gothic facade and richly decorated internal chapels.
Another interesting site in this town is "Pozzo di San Patrizio", built in 1527.

Distance: ca. 75 km.

Assisi

The marvellous town of St. Francis....

Distance: ca. 65 km.

Labro

The earliest information available about the castle of Labro, built according to the style of the Rocca of Spoleto, date back to 956, when the feudal history of the village began. Labro fought numerous wars against the neighbouring castles, mainly against the Rocca di Luco. 

Particularly interesting are the architectural and decorative elements that embellish many facades of the houses. Labro is a jewel of architecture and landscape conservation.

Distance: 5 km.