Travel Time:
60 minutes by Bike | 120 minutes on foot | 25 minutes by car

Our Opinion: To visit

The itinerary we suggest is one that winds around Monte Croce di Serra (994 m. above sea-level) for about 60 km.; requires a full day.

Journey Description

On leaving Lugnano in Teverina take the road for Alviano, a distance of about 5 km., where you can visit the Castle and small historic centre. Then take the road for Guardea a town built on the slopes of Monte Croce di Serra as too are Tenaglie and Montecchio: three enchanting small old towns, their historic centres unspoiled, with well-restored stone houses, and stunning views over the Tiber Valley.

After Montecchio head towards Melezzole, a distance of about 20 km. This scenic route winds upwards around the slopes of Monte Croce di Serra, providing a splendid view over that part of the Tiber that gives way to the artificial lake basin of Corbara, the town of Civitella del Lago and the hilly region around Todi.

The road then plunges into woodland and for several kilometers you have the impression of being in another world. Suddenly, everything changes: you come out into the open with a view of Todi and the Central Apennines, the towns you visited at the beginning of the journey are behind you.

On arriving at Melezzole, leave the car outside the town walls as the historic centre is tiny and the only vehicles allowed are those which are strictly necessary.

The town of Melezzole is nothing more than a castle with its walls still perfectly intact. Entrance is through a gateway, and then just wander along its winding lanes and alleyways. You can catch some really fascinating glimpses of picturesque nooks and panoramic views, perhaps you will be amazed by the perfectly restored paving and houses which faithfully respect their original structure and Umbrian tradition.
After your visit continue along the same road which winds its way upwards through woods, and in just a few kilometers you will come to Toscolano and Santa Restituta. The former is very similar to Melezzole, while the latter consists of a flight of steps up the mountain, along either side of which the village has grown and developed. Here, the silence is even more astounding than the panorama.

Continue along the same road towards Avigliano Umbro and the neighbouring villages of Sismano (this too is a Castle) and Dunarobba (famous for the Fossil Forest).
Then turn back in the direction of Amelia. This town is certainly the most well-known and a longer visit is required especially to see the historic centre, enclosed by polygonal walls dating back to Roman and Medieval times, with its characteristic narrow streets leading to the Cathedral. The Cathedral tower dates back to the year 1000.

From Amelia head towards Lugnano in Teverina, a distance of about 10 km. This last part of the itinerary will again take you through woods. If you have time, stop off to visit the village of Porchiano del Monte where a different view can be enjoyed of Lugnano in Teverina and the Tiber Valley.