Giano dell’Umbria: a rural village with a medieval flavor

We often hear the saying “All roads lead to Rome.” Of course, not literally all, but many did. Among them was the ancient Roman consular road, the Via Flaminia, which connected the Caput Mundi with Rimini and still exists today as a state road. And it is precisely near the Via Flaminia that we find the village we are about to discover: Giano dell’Umbria.

From probable Roman origins to medieval development

Located in the province of Perugia, in the heart of the Umbrian countryside overlooking the Martani Mountains, Giano dell’Umbria joined the list of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy in 2023.

Its name derives from the pagan deity Janus (Giano in Italian). The village likely has Roman origins: the oldest evidence is a Roman villa discovered in the excavations at Toccioli.

The village flourished in the Middle Ages thanks to its strategic position along the Via Flaminia. The Castle of Giano was contested between Foligno, Todi, and Spoleto, and was part of the so-called “Normandy,” an Umbrian area occupied by the Normans during their clashes with the Duchy of Spoleto.

Destroyed by the Lombards and rebuilt in the 10th century, Giano became part of the Duchy of Spoleto in the 13th century. Apart from the Napoleonic period, it remained under Spoleto’s administration until the 19th century, despite several local uprisings. It became an autonomous municipality in 1930.

Traces of its Roman and medieval past are still visible: remains of a Roman wall crown the hill where the Palazzo Pubblico stands, while the spiral-shaped medieval layout, with gates, towers, and walls (12th–13th century, built in local limestone), still defines the town.

Places to discover

• Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall): once the residence of the Lords of Giano, later the Palazzo della Comunità (13th century). The basement housed the grain store and pawn bank, while the upper floors were for the podestà. Today it is the Town Hall and preserves archaeological finds from Toccioli, including a travertine cippus and a terracotta dolium (1st–2nd century AD).
• Abbey of San Felice: dedicated to the patron saint of Giano, it stands at the foot of the Martani Mountains. Built on the burial site of Bishop San Felice, martyred under Diocletian, it preserves an intact crypt with capitals carved with stylized animals from medieval bestiaries.
• Castle of Morcicchia: isolated on the Martani Mountains, reachable by dirt road. Tradition says it was a fief of the Litaldi family, later ceded to the Church in 1078. Today, towers, houses, and part of the walls remain, along with the Church of San Silvestro (14th century).
• Other churches:
  • San Francesco: one of the earliest Franciscan churches in Umbria, possibly built at the saint’s request.
  • San Michele Arcangelo: preserves frescoes from 1501, typical of Spoleto’s artistic culture.

Local specialties

Giano dell’Umbria is part of the Strade del Sagrantino, the wine route promoting Umbrian wines.

• Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG: an indigenous red wine, robust and structured, perfect with grilled meats and game.
• Colli Martani DOC wines: whites based on Trebbiano, reds from Sangiovese and Montepulciano, both suitable for long aging.
• Truffles: the area is rich in truffles, including summer and autumn scorzone and the prized black truffle, used in bruschette and the local pasta dish strangozzi.

Giano dell’Umbria is a hidden gem where Roman traces, medieval architecture, sacred art, and culinary excellence meet. A village that invites you to slow down, taste, and explore the authentic Umbrian countryside.

Photo credit  Visit Giano dell'Umbria