Amelia: the oldest village in Italy

Arriving in Amelia means stepping into a small glimpse of Paradise. This is the feeling one gets when entering a perfect union of ancient architecture, natural splendor, and the timeless beauty of a land that has always looked ahead. Amelia, therefore, is not simply the oldest village in Italy, but a synthesis of what our country truly represents: a marvelous concentration of art, scenic grandeur, and peace.

Let’s discover this village in the heart of Umbria!

Amelia: the oldest village in Italy

Amelia, as is now clear, is considered the oldest village in Italy. Founded in the 3rd century B.C. by King Amerone, the Umbrian town represents a wise intersection of different eras and ages.

Of particular importance are the city walls (built between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C.), which still today form the majestic polygonal entrance to the town. Among them stands the surviving Porta Romana, the main gateway to the historic center. Amelia is also a true testament to the presence and history of the Romans in Italy.

Equally impressive are the Roman Cisterns, an example of the extraordinary engineering skills of the Caesars’ era, which also served as an escape route for citizens in case of enemy attack. It is practically an underground city, finely constructed. At the Archaeological Museum, Amelia also displays the most important find discovered in the area.

The bronze statue of Germanicus (1st century B.C. – 1st century A.D.), Roman general and designated successor of Emperor Augustus, is preserved here. This precious artifact has an entire room dedicated to it and fascinates visitors with its intact beauty.

But Amelia is not limited to its ancient Roman core of Roscio Amerino: it goes far beyond in time. Among alleys and natural views rise Renaissance and 18th-century palaces. Noteworthy is Palazzo Farrattini, which served as a preparatory model for the more famous Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

Amelia has also been a film set for important movies: Comencini’s Pinocchio and Il Marchese del Grillo with Alberto Sordi were filmed at the Teatro Comunale. This 18th-century theater is still intact in its wooden structure, with original stage machinery preserved. Sacred architecture is also remarkable, with the beautiful Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, the latter attributed to Donatello’s school.

Amelia: an Arcadian landscape

If ancient poets set their narratives in idyllic, imagined landscapes, it is probably because they had never seen the natural setting of Amelia.

The Amerino area features a harmonious succession of valleys irrigated by the Rio Grande, hills covered with olive groves and vineyards, and the Amerini Mountains clothed in oaks, chestnuts, and maples. All of this flows gently, forming one of the most intact areas of the Mediterranean landscape.

The Rio Grande stream, thanks to a 13th-century dam, forms an artificial basin known as Lago Vecchio. This enchanting lake, once used to power windmills, is surrounded by woods and can be reached via a cycling and walking path.

On its shores, small boats can be rented for excursions on the water, where one can observe aquatic animals such as wild ducks and herons. On the left bank of the stream, there is a beach and a picnic area.

From here, trails lead into the surrounding nature, to the old medieval Para Dam, and to areas for outdoor sports. In other stretches, the Rio Grande has carved spectacular natural formations with sheer rock walls, such as the Scoglio dell’Aquilone, which rises dramatically above the stream.

Equally significant is the food and wine tradition. With golden and red wines and, above all, Rajo, a variety of olive oil produced only in Amelia and the Amerino area, the Umbrian village captivates both visitors and locals with its richness and authenticity.

If you want to admire true Beauty, you cannot miss Amelia!