The best traffic-free bike rides around Gualdo Cattaneo

terrace with breathtaking views of Todi, its surroundings and the middle Tiber Valley

Bevagna / Region – Umbria / Province – Perugia (PG) The town, surrounded by a city wall with towers and gates, has an intact medieval structure (12th-13th centuries). In the upper part of the town, numerous Roman remains can still be seen: the ruins of a temple, the theater, and a thermal bath complex, of which a frigidarium with a magnificent black and white floor mosaic depicting marine figures from the 2nd century AD survives. The medieval town structure, with its squares and noble houses, developed over the Romanesque foundations: The magnificent Piazza Silvestri is home to the Palazzo dei Consoli (1270), which houses the Torti Theater, the Romanesque churches of San Silvestro and San Michele Arcangelo, both from the late 12th century, and the church of San Domenico e Giacomo (1291). Worth seeing is the Palazzo Comunale (late 18th century), which houses the historical archives, the library, and the art gallery. The Baroque churches of the Monastery of Santa Margherita and San Filippo are also very interesting. At the highest point in the town stands the Church of San Francesco (late 13th century). Next to the altar, one can see the stone on which St. Francis knelt when he preached to the flock of birds at Pian d'Arca. The 18th-century Palazzo Lepri houses the Museum of Bevagna, with works that tell the story of the town from pre-Roman times to the 18th century: archaeological finds from the ancient city of Mevania, medieval documents, and paintings by Dono Doni, Fantino, and Corrado Giaquinto. In the surrounding area, the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie (late 16th century), the Sanctuary of Madonna della Valle, and the Monastery of Annunziata (11th century), formerly a defensive castle, rise up against the hillsides. Text / Source: Umbria Tourism.it contatti@umbriatourism.it https://www.umbriatourism.it/de/bevagna

San Damiano Via San Damiano, 7, 06081 Assisi PG, Italy The Place and the Fraternity The monastery and sanctuary of San Damiano, where the Friars Minor have lived since the 13th century, is one of the Franciscan shrines of Assisi—along with the Porziuncola, the Hermitage of the Prisons, and the New Church—guarded by the Friars Minor of the Seraphic Province of St. Francis of Assisi. The monastery is currently a house of formation for novices, that is, for young people who, in their zeal to follow Jesus on the path of St. Francis of Assisi, are experiencing the "year of trial": in Franciscan habit, they deepen his charism through a life of prayer, penance, and fraternity, with a view to their first profession of religious vows. The confraternity, currently composed of 16 brothers, is committed to various services for the Order's province and the local Church, including the formation of novices, the care of the shrine, and the reception and accompaniment of the thousands of pilgrims who pass through this holy place each year. The recent history of this place is quite turbulent. Following the subversive laws of 1860, the place was first forfeited by the Italian government and then sold by the municipality of Assisi in 1879 to Lord G.F.S. Robinson, Marquis of Ripon. It later passed into the hands of the Kerr family. The last owner, Lord Peter Kerr, Marquis of Lothian, returned it to the Order of Friars Minor with a notarial deed dated September 22, 1983. Lord Lothian, who wished that St. Damian's remain a place of prayer, silence, and peace, included several conditions or fees in the notarial deed of gift. Among them is a limited time for visits. The wording of the condition or obligation is as follows: "Tourist visits are prohibited before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. In winter, from 5 p.m. onwards. Text/Source: Seraphic Province of St. Francis of Assisi of the Friars Minor of Umbria https://www.santuariosandamiano.org/home.html

Monastery and Church of San Damiano The church and monastery of San Damiano are located just outside the old town of Assisi. The church, built between the 8th and 9th centuries in honor of the holy doctor, was an important Benedictine priory in 1030. It was gradually abandoned in the following period. It was here that St. Francis first heard the voice of the Lord. The crucifix, now kept in the Basilica of Santa Chiara, spoke to the saint: "Francis, go and restore my house, which, as you see, is already completely dilapidated" (referring to the crisis of the Church). The saint drew strength and confirmation of his vocation from these words. The first restoration of the church of San Damiano was carried out by Francis himself, who welcomed St. Clare and her companions there in 1212 and composed the Cantico delle Creature (Canticle of the Sun by St. Francis). The Poor Clares built a small dormitory and remained in San Damiano until 1260, shortly after St. Clare's death. Description A spacious portico is built in front of the simple façade; the door opens at the top of the wall, from which St. Clare appears. Text / Source: Umbria Tourism.it https://www.umbriatourism.it/de-DE/-/convento-e-chiesa-di-san-damiano

Not a particularly challenging climb, except for a small stretch before the final climb to the top of Martano. The descent towards Spoleto is on a mule track for the first few kilometres. I recommend getting off the asphalt road if you go up on a racing bike.

This church in Bevegna has a patronal name that is truly on everyone's lips, but only a few will know the person behind it: San SILVESTRO's feast day is December 31st. He lived at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth century and was Bishop of Rome when Emperor Constantine recognized Christianity as a religion with the Edict of Milan - known as the "Edict of Toleration" - and thus ended (at least temporarily) the period of bloody persecution of Christians.

Outside the historic city walls of Assisi, in a very picturesque location surrounded by fields and olive trees, we are at the place where Francis was called: when he prayed for the right path and - according to tradition - Christ spoke to him from the cross. A little later, a monastery was built here and became the spiritual home of Saint CLARA and her companions. Over the centuries, San Damiano has remained a spiritual place and continues to fascinate modern people today.

This church was featured on one of the old lira banknotes and was visited by Prince Charles after the 1997 earthquake. It is beautiful in its simplicity with its tower on the front and side. The interior with the crypt is very interesting. The best photos of the church are from the steps of the theater opposite.