Sellano: the village of peace among the woods

Sellano is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, located at 640 meters above sea level, with a dominant position over the valley of the Vigi River. The name probably derives from an ancient Latin landholding, but it could also refer to a “saddle,” that is, a mountain pass, as suggested by the town’s coat of arms depicting Saint Michael above a saddle.

The village boasts ancient origins, with traces of pre-Roman and Roman settlements, and was an important center in the Middle Ages under the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Spoleto. Despite disputes with neighboring towns, Sellano long maintained its autonomy until its inclusion in the Italian State in 1861.

Today, Sellano is a mountain municipality immersed in an unspoiled natural environment, characterized by small hamlets, castles, and isolated farmhouses. Its historical economy was based on wood, charcoal, sheep farming, and agriculture, and many churches and chapels still preserve precious decorative elements.

What to see in Sellano

Sellano is a late-medieval village that has managed to rise again after numerous seismic events, preserving a historic center rich in artistic and architectural works. Among its highlights is the 16th-century parish church, which houses a precious painting of the Madonna of the Rosary and a 17th-century wooden tabernacle. At the entrance to the town stands the Church of San Francesco, an elegant 16th-century octagonal temple dedicated to a Marian image.

The streets of the village, still surrounded by ancient walls, feature palaces with carved stone portals and windows, including the Town Hall with 16th-century frescoes. Near Sellano, the fortified village of Postignano has been carefully restored and preserves artistic treasures such as the Church of San Lorenzo. The castles of Montesanto, Orsano, and the evocative Cammoro, with its churches and an ancient hospice, enrich the territory.

The surrounding nature, characterized by streams, lush vegetation, and wildlife, offers numerous itineraries for walking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Historically important was the artisanal production of files and rasps, exported throughout Italy and beyond; a local museum preserves its memory.

Sellano was the birthplace of illustrious figures such as the poet Edvige Pesce Gorini and the singing master Domenico Mustafà. The village thus combines history, art, and nature in a unique and evocative setting.

Events, culture, and traditions

The “Festa Contadina” of Casa Rampi (mid-August) and “Cammoro in Festa” (late April). Religious events still deeply felt include the procession for the feast of Blessed Giolo (June) and that of Saint Paterniano (July). The patron saint is Saint Severino, celebrated on June 8.

Every year, between late spring and autumn, the Castle of Postignano hosts the various events of “A Castle on the Horizon,” with a rich program of concerts, film forums, conferences, training courses, and book presentations.

What to see around Sellano

In the surroundings of Sellano, there are other small Umbrian villages of great charm, such as Vallo di Nera, Arrone, and Scheggino, all immersed in a green and unspoiled landscape.

The nearby Valnerina offers nature trails, waterfalls, caves, and the famous Marmore Falls, an unmissable destination for those visiting the area.

Sellano is also a perfect base for exploring the most authentic Umbria, far from the main tourist flows, where nature, history, and culture intertwine harmoniously.

photo credits Buffy1982