Corciano is a charming village in the province of Perugia, in Umbria. An area surrounded by medieval walls dating back to the XNUMXth-XNUMXth century. A spectacular set of small streets, stairways and corners to discover. All enriched by limestone and travertine houses, with a medieval castle dominating the area, located in the center of a simply enchanting landscape.
The history of Corciano
Legend has it that the foundation of the village of Corciano is to be attributed to Coragino, mythical companion of Ulysses. This area was chosen by man already in the Neolithic, according to the oldest traces found. Remaining in the field of findings, it is impossible not to mention the nineteenth-century one of the tomb of the bronze chariots, which dates back to the second half of the sixth century.
Documents in hand, the existence of Corciano is attested only after the year XNUMX. Between 1415 and 1416 the Captain of fortune Arm from Montone, expelled from Bologna, he went to Umbria sowing destruction. He tried to conquer the village, which defended itself valiantly, putting the troops to flight. Unable to endure a second siege, however, the town later opened its doors voluntarily, only to be annexed, with almost all of Umbria, to the Papal States in the XNUMXth century.
What to see in Corciano
Its walls are well preserved, there are finds from the Roman and Etruscan ages but the style is clearly medieval, with concentric streets inside, to wrap around the center, where the municipal tower, dating back to the thirteenth century, stands. Access is allowed through two doors: Santa Maria and San Francesco. The first is located on the southern side and the second on the northern one. To visit the Town Hall, dating back to the XNUMXth century, the ancient residence of the Della Corgna dukes. Easy to spot, once you reach the main street, Corso Cardinale Rotelli.
During your walk you will then come across the Palace of the Captain of the People, dating back to the fifteenth century, made of stone and brick. Space also to the Palazzo dei Priori and della Mercanzia, while in Piazza Coragino there is a well with a circular plan, dating back to the fifteenth century, which boasts the municipal coat of arms engraved. The local churches are also of great importance. At the top of the list it can only be placed Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the thirteenth century, which houses "L'Assunta", a work by Perugino. Also worth visiting is the Church of San Cristoforo from 1537, built on an Etruscan chapel. Inside there is now a museum of sacred art. Also recommended are the former convent of San Francesco, in Gothic style, and the Church of Sant'Agostino.
What to do
Among the recommended activities there are three recommended museums. The first is the Paleontological Museum, inside which there are archaeological finds from the Etruscan-Roman era. Also worth visiting is the Peasant House Museum, to learn about the Corcianese life of the pre-industrial period. All reproduced with authentic objects, both on the domestic and business front. The last stage is represented by the Pievania Museum, which collects all the objects and testimonies of the religious life of the community. Beyond the cultural component of the village, the Path of the Almond trees. A path in the shade of the almond trees in bloom, which allows you to enjoy a magnificent life, up to Lake Trasimeno.
Typical dishes
Mushroom picking has always been a very popular activity, which is why mushroom soup cannot be missing from the recommended dishes, perhaps enriched with spelled and toasted bread. Space then for the Torello alla ghiotta. It is a recipe conceived in ancient times to recover the meat used in evening soups, so as not to waste anything. All accompanied by liver pate. A gastronomic tour to conclude with fave dei morti, or elliptical-shaped biscuits made with a mixture of almonds, sugar and eggs.
Photo source: Corciano - www.instagram.com/comunecorciano/
