Allerona: from the strawberry tree comes the name of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Allerona, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, owes its name to the strawberry tree – lerone in the Umbrian dialect – which grows luxuriantly in the woods surrounding the town, located at the border between Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany. The village boasts an ancient history, with probable Etruscan origins, linked to the old Roman routes of the Cassia and the Traiana, of which stretches of paving and two milestone columns still remain. In the Middle Ages it became an important castle allied with Orvieto, still preserving today its urban layout, parts of the medieval walls, and the historic Porta del Sole and Porta della Luna. Walking through alleys and little squares, one discovers churches, palaces, and artistic testimonies that recount centuries of community life and spirituality.

The wonders of the village

Among the main highlights of Allerona is the Feast of Saint Isidore, patron saint of farmers, which has roots in ancient pagan cults linked to Ceres, goddess of the fertility of the fields. Every third Sunday of May the village comes alive with the parade of the evocative Pugnaloni, allegorical carts topped with a poplar sapling. The scenes of rural life, crafted in wood and clay by farmers, are enriched with agricultural ornaments, holy cards, ribbons, and colorful decorations. A permanent exhibition housed in the former Dopolavoro preserves their memory.

In the Selva di Meana, nestled among the ridges of the Paglia valley, stands Villa Cahen, built in 1880 in Liberty style by the financier Edouard Cahen. Its landscaped park, designed by the French Henri and Achille Duchêne, hosts four gardens: Italian, Japanese, English, and exotic. Finally, in the archaeological area of Sant’Ansano one can admire the remains of two Roman funerary monuments from the 2nd century AD, precious testimonies of the ancient history of the territory.

Events in the village

Among the most cherished traditions of Allerona is the Living Nativity, which enlivens the historic center every December 26. In the height of summer, between late July and mid‑August, the village hosts the National Festival of Amateur Theatre “Stella d’Oro,” which attracts companies from all over Italy. Also in August comes to life “The Night of Stories,” an event dedicated to children, with readings and storytelling in streets lit by torches. For nature lovers, the Villalba Park, at over 600 meters above sea level, offers woods, picnic areas, and a lodge with a restaurant.

Photo credits Grifone97