Scheggia E Pascelupo: History, Churches and Trails

When planning a trip to Scheggia E Pascelupo, you can explore historic traces and buildings as well as outdoor activities. The historic centre of Scheggia lies within Parco del Monte Cucco. The Monte Cucco area and neighbouring zones have more than 120 kilometres of marked hiking trails, as well as mountain biking excursions in the surrounding valleys and activities at Forra di Rio Freddo and on the Sentino.

History and Buildings

A look at Scheggia’s history leads to the Via Flaminia: in antiquity, the settlement was called Ad Ensem and was a mutatio, a horse-changing station near this road. Castello di Luceoli was built on the ruins of the former station; its construction is dated to the beginning of the 11th century. The Torre Civica is the only gate of the old castle that has survived to this day. The tower dates from the 14th century.

The churches also reflect different historical periods. Chiesa di Monte Calvario dates from the 17th century and overlooks the entire settlement. Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate is dated to 1665; Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo dates from the 16th century. Important works of art are preserved inside this parish church.

On the Via Flaminia towards Cantiano, Ponte a Botte spans the La Foce stream. Its fully circular, barrel-like structure has a diameter of 22 metres; it is also known as Botte d’Italia. Another place to visit for its history is Abbazia di Sant’Emiliano in Congiuntoli. The complex consists of a church and a white-stone monastery and lies where the Sentino and Rio Freddo meet. The abbey can be reached via the road along the slopes of Monte Catria, which leads from Scheggia towards Sassoferrato. Guided visits are available by prior arrangement. Guided visits to Abbazia di Santa Maria di Sitria are also available by prior arrangement; check the availability of both visits before your trip.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The network of hiking trails in the Monte Cucco area and neighbouring zones covers more than 120 kilometres of marked routes. Both Sentiero Italia and Sentiero E1 run along the watershed of Parco del Monte Cucco, between Corno di Catria and Valico di Fossato di Vico. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Parco del Monte Cucco and the surrounding valleys offer ideal conditions for mountain biking excursions of any length and difficulty. Length and difficulty are two practical factors to consider when planning your rides.

Forra di Rio Freddo is more than three kilometres long and has an elevation drop of 350 metres. For canyoning, it has artificial anchor points for safety ropes above the waterfalls and rapids; these are checked regularly. Canyoning experiences are offered in the gorge. Check the technical conditions locally. On the Sentino, tips on trout fishing and fishing days are offered with expert support. Canyoning and fishing offers may change; check the latest information before your trip.

Picking wild mushrooms is another activity in the Scheggia e Pascelupo area: the forests and numerous springs give mushroom pickers the opportunity to gather a wide variety. As a local culinary specialty, Pan di Scheggia adds to the travel experience: this pastry is a sponge biscuit with raisins.

Discover more destinations: Corlo I, Perugia, Fighille, Piedicolle, Parlesca, Pieve, Bevagna, Rosceto

Back to the main travel overview: Perugia.