Benano: History, Churches and Trails

Benano brings together the history of its castle, church traditions, the “Presepi nel Borgo” event and trails between the valley and the Altopiano dell’Alfina. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether local history, a specific cultural program or hiking is your main priority.

Castle and Church History

Benano Castle was disputed between different branches of the Monaldeschi family. In 1390, a peace agreement between the Monaldeschi, Montemarte and Orsini families was signed there. These are two distinct historical aspects: a dispute within the Monaldeschi family and an agreement involving three families. The parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Benano is also recorded as having been active from 1756 to 1861. This period offers another perspective on the town’s church history.

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul could be visited free of charge on August 6 and 7, 2022, as part of a program organized by volunteers. This was a specific, time-limited visiting opportunity in the past. The Church of Maria SS. della Neve was formerly the seat of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Sacrament, adding a different former role to the town’s church history.

Nativity Scenes and Past Programs

The nativity scene displays in the 12th edition of “Presepi nel Borgo” featured a variety of materials. They were donated by associations, institutions and private individuals. The 13th edition of “Presepi nel borgo” took place in Benano from December 21, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Both examples offer a glimpse of different editions of the cultural program; they describe specific past events.

An earlier Christmas program also included the “Passeggiata dei Presepi” from Benano to Castel Viscardo. This combination of a nativity scene theme and a walk differs from the hikes described as separate guided tours. If you are considering both culture and exercise, you can therefore view these walks as part of a specific event program rather than treating them as the same as the other hiking routes.

Between the Valley and the Altopiano dell’Alfina

Benano lies at the upper end of the valley. From there, a short climb through woodland takes you to the Altopiano dell’Alfina. The plateau is of volcanic origin and is characterized by extensive fields and forests that give way to the deep, green Benano Valley. The town’s position at the valley’s upper end and the transition to the plateau can thus be seen as two connected aspects of the landscape.

The Grande Anello dell’Orvietano passes through Benano before Castelgiorgio. A guided hike on the Altopiano dell’Alfina reached the village at around 10 a.m. on August 10, 2025; a guided tour of Benano and its churches was then planned. After the visit, the hike descended into the valley, passed near the Fontanile di Tristi and climbed back up to the Altopiano dell’Alfina.

The differences are useful when choosing a route: the Grande Anello passes through Benano before Castelgiorgio, the short climb connects the town with the plateau, and the 2025 guided hike combined a visit to the village with a descent into the valley and a return to the plateau. If you choose your stay based on historical or landscape interests, each offers a different perspective on Benano.

Discover more destinations: Morruzze, Orvieto Scalo, Ficulle, Poggio Aquilone, San Gemini, Ferentillo, Torre San Severo, San Vito In Monte

For the main travel overview: Terni.