The most beautiful dreams are those that are made with open eyes, and Italy is the place that best lends itself to this pleasant activity! The cliffs they are the natural setting for the cobalt-colored seas, while castles and ancient buildings garnish the whole. They are mainly the villages to be the master, and to create a sort of point of contact between the past and the present: here you can breathe the whole spirit of tradition. Today we want to celebrate the fantastic village of Narni, where beauty meets magic!
Narni: the lion, the witch and… the village
Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a city called Narnia. Yes, why Narnia it is none other than the ancient Latin name of today's Narni, in Umbria. This pleasant place, the geographical center of Italy, represents the most enchanting thing our land has to offer. The city is perched on a hill, 260 meters above sea level, and has been defined as one of the most beautiful villages in Umbria. In fact, the history of the village of Narni has been really rich in events: inhabited since the Neolithic (as evidenced by the finds), it soon fell into the hands of the Roman Empire. The name of the village then passed from Nequinum a Narnia, and was incorporated into the kingdom. Although the news about the village of Narni dates back to 600 BC, it is only from the Middle Ages that its appearance undergoes a transformation, to become as we see it today.
This architectural gem, capable of making any traveler dream, has also captivated CS Lewis. The famous American writer wrote the famous book The Chronicles of Narnia, inspired by the village of Narni. Lewis, however, had never even happened to Narni by mistake. The author was rather attracted to the melody of the word, and how it sounded harmonic and musical. For this reason he used it, giving even more fame to the already beloved village. Indeed, a peculiar magical atmosphere has characterized Narni since time immemorial. There is even a legend that tells of an alliance between Narni and Perugia. The two cities joined forces to face a monstrous griffin, who was promptly killed by both: the first held the skin of the mythological animal, the second the bones. For this reason the symbol of Narni is a red griffin, while for Perugia it is white.
The village of Narni: the itinerary
The village of Narni has maintained much of its medieval characteristics over time. A colossal entrance arch, surmounted by two crenellated towers, welcomes the visitor. At this point there are two possibilities: continue on foot to enjoy the magnificent panorama, or use the lifts (for those who do not like hiking). Continuing through the streets of Narni it seems to have been catapulted into the past. The central element, the stone, is everywhere, and is found on the roofs and bell towers. The splendid one awaits us on the main road Cathedral of San Giovenale, a Romanesque church from 1145. Behind the altar of San Giovenale a cave is hidden, where the sarcophagus with the remains of the saint has been preserved. In the center of Narni, then, we have Priory Square, where there are two important buildings, that of the Priors in fact, and the municipal one.
This represents the true symbol of the city, and was built by joining the three towers that today make up the ends of the structure. Another sacred place worth visiting is here Church of Santa Maria Impensole, built in 1175 by the Benedictines. It is even said that this was built over the remains of a pagan temple, perhaps dedicated to Bacco, the god of intoxication. Narni never ceases to surprise, especially when you enter the underground part of the village. The underground area was discovered almost by chance in 1979 by young speleologists. Here it is possible to immerse yourself completely in the traditions and history of ancient Umbria, where some mystery also comes forward, and why not, some curiosities about the daily life of the time. A nice walk in the village of Narni is ideal for rediscovering peace and tranquility, as well as breathing in some ancient splendor!
