Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle

History

Founded around 720 by Faroald II, Lombard duke of Spoleto, who became a monk here on the site of the hermitage of the Syrian saints Lazarus and John, it is one of the greatest Lombard monuments in Italy. The church preserves a cycle of twelfth-century Romanesque frescoes among the most important in Umbria, Roman sarcophagi and the altar signed "Ursus magester". The former monastery is today a private historic residence, while the church remains open to visitors.

Visiting

What to see

Founded in the 8th century in the Valnerina valley. Twelfth-century frescoes among the most important in Italy. Reused Roman sarcophagi. Lombard church with original apse. Romanesque bell tower. Cloister with round arches.

Surroundings

Valnerina valley (natural beauty). Terni gorges and cascades. Remote mountain landscape. Hiking trails in Sibillini foothills. Ferentillo village with mummified monks. Local cheeses, legumes, mountain herbs.

Visitor information

April-October, hours to be checked by phone before visiting. Church and frescoes open during opening hours.

Contacts

+39 0744 780633 · sanpietroinvalle.com

Hospitality and where to sleep

Guesthouse available

Historic residence in the former monastery (March-November)

Beds and prices

In the former monastery is the Residenza d'Epoca Abbazia San Pietro in Valle: 19 double rooms and 2 suites carved out of the old cells, open March to November, mid-to-upper range, booking via the website. Cheaper alternatives in Ferentillo, on the valley floor (B&Bs and a hotel).

Services

For guests, buffet breakfast in the cloister or the old refectory and a panoramic garden; no public refreshment nearby: bars and restaurants in Ferentillo and along the Valnerina. Ask at the residence for water.

Places to stay nearby (within 15 km)

• Ostello Villa Redentahostel
  Spoleto (via di Villa Redenta 1) · 11.2 km as the crow flies

  Price:

  rooms from ~€60 (double), breakfast included

  Open:

  year-round

  Facilities:

  16 en-suite rooms (doubles, triples, quads), breakfast, parking, historic park; pets allowed

  Source:

  booking.com/hotel/it/ostello-villa-redenta.html · tripadvisor.com

  Hostel in an 18th-century villa with grounds, at the end of the Assisi–Spoleto cycle stage (the old Camping Monteluco appears to be closed).

Getting there by bike

From the SS209 of the Valnerina (valley floor served by the Nera cycle path, between Terni and Scheggino) a short 2 km uphill turn-off branches away, narrow steep asphalt on the flank of Mount Solenne; bikes can be left in the residence forecourt. For visiting the church check opening arrangements in advance — they are locally managed and seasonal.

The Nera cycle path runs along the valley floor of the Valnerina, then a short steep ramp climbs up to the residence. The church can only be visited when open, hours change season by season. Better to phone before turning off the main cycle path.

The bike can be left in the residence's square. Breakfast for guests; no public refreshment nearby, bars and restaurants in Ferentillo.

Map and stages