Discover Guardea: Castles and Churches

Guardea offers a range of things to explore during a stay: historic fortifications, churches and a work of art in the town. The Alviano WWF Oasis is also of interest for nature watching. If you’re looking for a hotel in Guardea, these themes can help you decide what you’d like to focus on during your trip. Keep the different access arrangements in mind: some places require advance arrangements, while others are open during the day.

Castles and historic sites

Castello del Poggio was built in 1034 on the site of an existing Byzantine fortress dating from the 7th century. The Normans built the castle; in the 16th century, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger restored the site. The restoration added, among other features, a portico, loggias and staircases, and gave the complex a rectangular layout. These details reflect several stages in its architectural history. Access must be arranged through the municipal administration. Confirm the details with the administration before your visit.

The ruins of Guardea Vecchia stand on the hill directly behind Guardea, in one of the most scenic locations in the Amerino area. Much of the defensive system remains, including eight towers: six are square and two are semicircular. A large keep stands at the centre. Unlike Castello del Poggio, Guardea Vecchia is privately owned and can be visited only by prior arrangement with the owner.

Churches and spiritual heritage

The parish church of San Pietro e Cesareo was built in the first decades of the 18th century on the site of an older rural church dedicated to Saint Cecilia. It is open throughout the day. This makes it a different kind of visit from the two castles: its history goes back to an earlier church building, and it can be accessed during the day.

The Eremo di Santa Illuminata was founded around 1006 by Saint Romuald. Saint Francis of Assisi stayed there several times to pray and contemplate. After a long period of decline, restoration work has made the hermitage and its church a destination once again for pilgrims, scholars, walkers and people interested in slow tourism. Access is subject to local arrangements.

Artwork and access in town

The Arco della Coscienza Planetaria was created through a collaboration between the municipality of Guardea, Club of Budapest Italia and a group of sculptors. The site is accessed via Via Vittorio Emanuele. At the war memorial, turn right onto Via del Giuoco. Admission is free. The directions and clear information about admission make it easy to plan a visit to this collaborative work of art.

Nature trails and birdwatching

The Alviano WWF Oasis has two nature trails, as well as observation huts, a watchtower and a panoramic observation platform. The routes differ in length and character: the 1.5-kilometre loop is accessible, while the other route is 3.5 kilometres long and more natural in character. These details provide a practical basis for choosing between the two trails according to your preferred distance and the described character of the route.

The oasis is a destination for birdwatching and nature photography. A total of 250 bird species have been recorded there, and the area lies along an important bird migration corridor. The WWF Oasis protects 900 hectares within the Tiber River Park, which extends across the municipalities of Guardea, Alviano, Montecchio and Civitella d’Agliano. Alongside the historic sites, nature watching and birdlife are other themes to consider for your trip.

Choosing what to focus on during your stay

The sites differ not only in what they offer but also in their access arrangements. Guardea Vecchia, a privately owned site, requires prior arrangement; access to Castello del Poggio is organised through the municipal administration. At the WWF Oasis, you can compare the two trails by their length and described character.

Discover more destinations: Casteldelmonte, Coppe, Pornello, Lugnano In Teverina, Orvieto Scalo, Foce, Papigno, Allerona.

For the overview of the wider area: Terni.