Paciano, the Umbrian village dedicated to Janus

Paciano, a charming village in Umbria, preserves fascinating origins and a millenary history. Its name has three possible explanations: the most evocative links it to the Latin god Janus, with the variants Pax Iani (peace of Janus), Passus Iani (passage to the temple of Janus), and Pagus Iani (village dedicated to Janus). Another interpretation connects it to Pagus Dianus, meaning “bright village,” while a third derives it from the Roman Pacius, tied to rustic estates.

The first documented traces date back to the 9th century with the curtis of Pacciano Vecchio, while the current village was founded in the 14th century around a feudal castle. Over the centuries, Paciano passed under the control of Chiusi, Perugia, the Papal States, and even Tuscany. Since 1860 it has belonged to the Kingdom of Italy, maintaining the charm of its origins.

What to see in the village of Paciano

The village of Paciano, dating back to the 13th century, has a fascinating fan-shaped layout with three parallel streets and orthogonal alleys, enclosed by 14th-century walls with eight towers and three gates: Fiorentina, Perugina, and Rastrella. Entering through the latter, you encounter Palazzo Cennini (14th century), richly decorated and connected to Rocca Buitoni, a private residence with 16th-century frescoes. In the center are also the Etruscan well and the water route, along with medieval fountains and washhouses.

The religious heritage is rich: the Church of San Carlo Borromeo (17th century) houses a wooden Christ from 1620, while the Church of San Giuseppe, now the Parish Museum, preserves 14th- and 15th-century works, including the Madonna delle Grazie from the workshop of Benedetto Bonfigli and frescoes rediscovered in 2000. Next door, the Art Gallery holds masterpieces such as the Crucifixion by Francesco di Castel della Pieve (1452) and the Sparapane polyptych.

In Piazza Repubblica stand the Town Hall and the Sega la Vecchia Theater, while Palazzo Baldeschi today hosts a library, the TrasiMemo museum, and a cultural center. Outside the walls, worth visiting are the Church of the Assunta, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella, and the trails connecting Paciano to Città della Pieve and Panicale, among Perugino-like landscapes and ancient convents.

Events and traditions

Paciano is alive year-round with traditions and events. Among the most evocative is the Infiorata del Corpus Domini, when the brick-paved streets are transformed into artistic floral carpets with religious and traditional themes, created by the Infioratori of Paciano.

In mid-August, the village lights up with Millennium Paciano, a week of historical reenactments, neighborhood games, music, food and wine, and the spectacular Corsa dei Carretti, where colorful handmade wooden carts race through the historic center.

On September 2, Mille & Una Umbria – ItinerArte takes place, an itinerant lunch through the streets of the village, accompanied by music, workshops, guided tours, shows, and markets.

In autumn, the Festa dell’Olio celebrates the olive tree and the new oil with tastings, cultural events, music, and workshops.

Throughout the year, the TrasiMemo cultural center hosts author meetings, festivals, and thematic days (such as International Women’s Day or Holocaust Remembrance Day), as well as craft workshops and programs dedicated to local knowledge, keeping the territory’s identity alive.

What to see around Paciano

The surroundings of Paciano offer landscapes and villages that combine nature, art, and history. Just a few kilometers away lies Lake Trasimeno, ideal for walks, boat trips, and visits to the islands, including Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese. Trekking enthusiasts can follow panoramic trails linking Paciano to Panicale and Città della Pieve, crossing hills, olive groves, and views reminiscent of Perugino’s paintings.

Not to be missed are the medieval villages of Castiglione del Lago, with its walls and lakeside promenade, and Panicale, known for the Church of San Sebastiano and Renaissance frescoes. The area also offers tastings of typical Umbrian products, including extra virgin olive oil, wine, and cheeses, along with cultural itineraries to immerse yourself in local history and traditions.

Paciano remains a jewel of Umbria, where history, art, and tradition blend harmoniously, offering visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.

photo credits Alessandro Zappalorto