Collestrada: Medieval Borgo and Festa Grossa

Collestrada brings together a medieval borgo, religious and cultural traditions, and tangible connections to nature and cycling.

Location and Nature Trail

The borgo sits on a small hill that forms the natural watershed between the plain crossed by the Tiber and the nearby plain of Assisi. The hill of Collestrada is part of the Natura 2000 network. Another way to experience the local landscape is the nature trail through the Bosco di Collestrada, which runs from the hamlet of Ferriera to the town centre. Check local conditions before setting out. The hill describes the town’s location; the trail, by contrast, has named starting and ending points.

Medieval Borgo and Architectural History

The borgo has preserved its original medieval layout. Fourteenth-century walls enclose the historic centre. The main gateway stands out for its pointed arch with travertine voussoirs; above it is the griffin emblem of the Municipality of Perugia. A striking tree-lined avenue is another landmark: it leads to the castle on the hilltop.

Other historic buildings include Villa Pucci Boncambi, an 18th-century country villa in the southeastern part of Collestrada, at the foot of the medieval village. It lies in the Municipality of Perugia, near the border with the Municipality of Bastia Umbra. The church of Santa Maria Assunta dei XII apostoli houses an old painting from the school of Perugino. The Oratorio della Confraternita del SS. Sacramento holds a historic archive with a long history. If you would like to visit the interiors, check current access arrangements in advance.

Historic Milestones and Festa Grossa

Collestrada is linked to an episode in the life of the man who later became Francis of Assisi: he was captured in a battle in 1202 and held for more than a year. Another historical connection is the former San Lazzaro hospital in Colle della Strada. It was founded around 1099 to welcome pilgrims. Together, these milestones represent different aspects of the town’s history: a military episode and the former reception of pilgrims.

Festa Grossa in Collestrada is a religious and cultural event held every five years in August. Its history dates back to 1884. The extensive programme includes religious and cultural events; individual activities may vary from one edition to another. If you are planning to travel specifically for the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition in advance.

Cycling Connection to Assisi

There is also a specific connection to the area for cyclists: the Perugia–Assisi cycling route starts in Collestrada at the Rifugio Enpa, at the junction with the Ciclovia del Tevere. It connects the Ciclovia del Tevere with the Ciclovia Assisi–Spoleto. The route from Collestrada to Assisi is 12.8 kilometres long. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the signage and route conditions.

For planning purposes, these are two distinct options: the nature trail runs from Ferriera to the town centre, while the cycling route has a specified starting point and covers 12.8 kilometres to Assisi. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests in local history, events or outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Collemancio, Poggiodomo, Santʼanatolia Di Narco, Torchiagina, Gualdo Tadino, Cecanibbi, Spoleto, Castello Delle Forme.

For the overview of the wider area: Perugia.