Ferentillo
The village is divided into two small suburbs, Precetto and Matterella, on both banks of the river Nera and dominated by a suggestive system of fortifications with the two fortresses on guard high up on both sides of the river. In the Church of S. Stefano (St. Stephen’s Church), a XVth century religious structure, the crypt contains the Museum of Mummies. A large number of mummified corpses which have remained intact due to the excellent chemical and environmental conditions of the soil. The Church of the Madonna of Gonfalone with its 18th century architecture and embellishments and the Collegiata di Santa Maria (Collegiate of Saint Mary) built between the XII and XIII centuries are also worth seeing.


Information:
tel. 0744.994224
e-mail: mummie@libero
e-mail: info@comune.ferentillo.tr.it
Web Site: www.comuneferentillo.it

Abbey of Saint Peter in the Valley (Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle)
The Abbey (coming from Terni, past Ferentillo towards Visso) is one of the jewels of Italian early medieval art. It is set in an exciting natural context, on the slopes of Mount Solenne, among dense woods, above the river Nera and opposite the abandoned village of Umbriano. The first settlement was built in the VIIIth century by Foroaldo, the Lumbard Duke of Spoleto who became a monk, died and was buried in the Abbey church, since then the Mausoleo dei Duchi Lombardi (Mausoleum of Lumbard Dukes).
On becoming the property of the Municipality of Spoleto, and semidestroyed by the Saracens, the Abbey was rebuilt between the X th and XI th century, when it was awarded to the Lateran Chapter.
The inside is of extroardinary interest, with its nave presenting frescos painted by an unknown Master of the Umbrian School, with pre Giotto frescos dating back to the end of the XII century, portraying scenes from the Old and New Testaments. In advance of all Italian medieval painting, these frescos abandon Byzantine statics for the first time, in favour of perspective and plasticism.
The structure is today an accommodation facility. The church is open to visitors.


Information:
tel. 0744.780316 - 380018
e-mail: abbazia@sanpietroinvalle.com
Web Site: www.sanpietroinvalle.com

Polino
Polino is the smallest Municipality in Umbria for its number of inhabitants. It stands at 836 metres above sea level, in a magnificent green scenario dominating the Valley of the Rosciano stream: of medieval origin, it was the stronghold of several feudal Lords linked to the Duchy of Spoleto. The village, on the entry to which stands out a monumental 1625 white marble fountain in Baroccan Style, is dominated by the fortress with a commanding, cylinder-shaped keep which is part of a fortified structure, today premises of an interesting mountain nature museum.


Information:
tel. 0744.789121
e-mail: comune.polino@libero.it


Montefranco
Among woods and olive groves, at a height of 414 metres, Montefranco offers a stunning panorama of the Terni Nera Valley. The village, founded by exiles from the Municipality of Arrone, is enclosed within the ancient city gates of Porta Spoletina and Porta Francia and presents characterisitc and charming perspectives in an untouched medieval atmosphere.

Information:
Tel. 0744.388523
e-mail: comunedimontefranco@tin.it

Arrone
Arrone is a picturesque medieval village, set on the left bank of the Nera, just a few kilometres from the Marmore Waterfalls. The upper part of the village (la terra) is dominated by a keep and still enclosed within its medieval walls. In front of Arrone its “twin” village Casteldilago doubles the charm of this part of the Terni Nera Valley.


Information:
Tel. 0744.388286