San Martino In Colle: Churches and Local History

San Martino in Colle combines the Umbrian hills with the history of a medieval village. Churches, a historic road layout, and a cycling route offer different perspectives on the village. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Umbria, these highlights can help you choose a destination that suits your travel plans.

Location and landscape

San Martino in Colle lies on one of the hills around Perugia, amid the peaceful Umbrian countryside. The village developed around the medieval settlement of the same name. It is also part of an area of considerable public, ecological, and scenic interest. The village is visible from the SS 317, the Pila–San Martino in Colle road, and other viewpoints at lower elevations.

Churches and local history

The Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo is one of 54 so-called Leonine churches commissioned by Bishop Gioacchino Pecci in the Diocese of Perugia. Pecci later became Pope Leo XIII. The church is therefore both a specific building in San Martino and part of a larger ecclesiastical group within the diocese.

The present-day Chiesa di San Martino in Colle was built by architect Giovanni Santini between 1859 and 1863 and consecrated in 1869. The dates mentioned mark different periods: the Oratorio del Feltro dates back to the 14th century, while Santini's church dates from the 19th century.

The Chiesa di San Martino is in the historic center, along the old route of the Marscianese road. The old bell tower of San Martino in Colle stands above visible remains of the original church site. These details point to two distinct locations: the historic road route and the original church site.

The Chiesa della Madonna del Feltro is affiliated with the parish of San Martino in Colle. Together with the Oratorio del Feltro, which dates back to the 14th century, these names add two distinct ecclesiastical references to the local history.

A decision made in 1310 also links San Martino in Colle to Perugia's defense planning: the city's magistrates decided to build a mighty castle here, with seven towers, to defend the city. This aspect of the plans adds a political context to the histories of the churches.

Cycling to San Martino in Colle

Itinerario 4 – Da Pila a Torgiano e Deruta reaches San Martino in Colle after crossing Via Settevalli, via a well-rideable unpaved road. Factor the road surface into your route planning and check conditions before setting off, as they may change.

Finding a hotel and planning your trip

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to San Martino in Colle, choose your travel dates and decide what you would like to focus on. Compare the specific details of each offer to find one that suits your stay.

Discover more destinations: Casalalta, Uppello, Mantignana, Volterrano, Nocera Umbra, Colle, Scheggino, Poreta

For the overview of the wider area: Perugia.