Along the Valnerina state road from Ferentillo toward Norcia lies a true gem: the Benedictine Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, one of the most significant examples of early medieval art in central Italy.
As one of the oldest abbeys in Umbria, it embodies the artistry of two distinct periods: Lombard (8th century) and Romanesque (12th century).
The abbey was founded in the 8th century by Faroaldo II, Duke of Spoleto, on the site where the hermits Lazarus and John had settled. Years later, Faroaldo renounced his title and became a monk within the abbey he had established.
In 881, the monastery was sacked by the Saracens; it was rebuilt in 996 by order of Otto III. In 1234, Gregory IX assigned the abbey to the Cistercians, and in 1484, Pope Innocent VIII donated it to the Cybo family.
Set within the splendid landscape of the Valnerina, the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, one of the oldest in Umbria, encapsulates the art of two distinct eras: Lombard (8th century) and Romanesque (12th century).
Inside the church, visitors can find Lombard fragments, Roman sarcophagi, and an important fresco cycle depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, displayed on the church walls as in an imaginary gallery.
Next to the church is a magnificent two-story cloister from the 12th century.
Opposite the abbey lies the Umbriano Castle, an evocative abandoned village nestled in the greenery of the woods.
The castle’s notable features include a tall square tower, bastions, and a pointed arched gate. The fortification dates back to 890 and was built to protect the abbey from Saracen invasions. Due to its strategic importance, the castle was further fortified in 1400 and 1570.