Bonsciano: Hills and History

Bonsciano combines a hilly landscape with traces of history, offering two distinct points of reference for planning your trip. Agriturismo Sant’Illuminato places your stay in a hilly setting, while buildings and settlement history tell the story of different eras. For geographical orientation: the Basilica of Madonna del Transito is in Canoscio, 3½ kilometres northeast of Bonsciano.

Hills and amenities at the agriturismo

Agriturismo Sant’Illuminato is located in Vocabolo Spaglioni, in the village of Bonsciano. It lies at an elevation of about 300 metres in a hilly landscape. From there, panoramic views stretch across the plain to the Tiber Valley.

During the warmer months, guests can relax by the swimming pool. The agriturismo also offers tastings of locally produced regional products. A 10,000 m² lake nearby is open to sport fishing. Pool access is seasonal; tastings are an offering of the agriturismo.

Another activity is available at the Sant’Illuminato airfield in the hamlet of Bonsciano. It is open to experienced pilots and to curious visitors seeking a new experience accompanied by an expert. The operator’s approval and prior PPR permission are required for take-offs and landings. Arrange the necessary details directly with the operator.

Buildings and historical connections to the town

The Basilica of Madonna del Transito in Canoscio was consecrated in 1878 and has three naves. Together with its location 3½ kilometres northeast of Bonsciano, it is a clear geographical and architectural landmark for understanding the surrounding area. It is in Canoscio, not in the village of Bonsciano.

Today’s Bonsciano lies below an older settlement core, which included the former church of Santo Stefano and the former primary school. Santo Stefano stands on the hillside above the Bonsciano plain, on the right bank of the Tiber; the former church has been deconsecrated. This makes it possible to distinguish the location of the present-day town from that of the older settlement core.

The historical dates refer to different aspects of the town. Around 1250, Guido, son of Marquis Rainero Raineri di Montemisano, was lord of the Castello di Montalbano and Villa Bonsciano. The church of Bonsciano existed by 1314 at the latest; the name “Bonsciano” has been used continuously since 1718. Lordship, the presence of a church and the use of the name thus mark different points in history.

The Castello di Montalbano includes sections of the outer and inner defensive walls, an entrance with a sandstone arch, and a church building. The structure has suffered damage. An old road also linked the places in historical times: it ran from the castle over the ridge, past Santo Stefano, and down to the Bonsciano plain.

Villa Caselli is a historic villa in the village of Bonsciano.

Discover more destinations: Grotti, Spedalicchio, Fossato Di Vico, Migliano, Terzo San Severo, Gualdo Cattaneo, San Giovanni Del Pantano, Città Di Castello.

For the wider travel overview: Perugia.