The medieval city of “Mevania” was built atop a Roman city in the 12th century when the village of Bevagna rose up around Piazza Maggiore. This square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, is the stage of the reenactment of the medieval Gaite Market. Marvellous buildings embrace the square’s unique shape: the Palazzo dei Consoli’s majestic staircase leads to the 19th century Torti Theatre and to the Church of San Silvestro, a gem of Umbrian-Romanesque architecture. On the opposite side of the square, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo stands proud with its Romanesque facade and precious portal. But the square isn’t the only place that exudes grandeur. As you walk along the narrow streets, you will make unexpected encounters, such as the ruins of a Roman temple transformed into the church of the Madonna della Neve, the Mosaic Temple, also from the Roman age, the Church of San Francesco, and the noble Palazzo Lepri, which houses the city museum.
EAT & ART
Luigi Frappi
Painter – Via del Cirone – tel. 0742 361557 / 3476506799 – by appointment only
Frappi, creator of the beautiful curtain in Bevagna’s Torti Theatre, paints splendid landscapes and still lifes. The subjects of his works are not copied from reality, but evoked from the heart. The art critic Vittorio Sgarbi has stated that Frappi “brings forth the signs of this land, not in the representation of the landscape or the still lifes as much as in the rendering of the thought which inspired them”.
La Bottega di Assù
Corso Matteotti, 102 – tel. 0742 360978 – closed on Wednesday – open for lunch only
Assunta is a lovely lady and an excellent chef. In her Bottega everything is homemade. This is my favourite trattoria in Umbria – and so charming! Here you can also buy good olive oil, excellent Italian wines and souvenirs. A place you should not miss!
“N’Anticchia”
Corso Matteotti – just 10 meters from the Bottega of Assù
A nice place for aperitivo and small snacks.