Montegiove: Architecture, Churches and History

Montegiove brings together several distinct cultural themes: architectural design, religious art and local religious traditions. The history of Castello di Montegiove and the landscape of its estate add to these themes. When planning your trip, you can consider each focus separately: La Scarzuola is defined by its architecture and fresco, while a visit to the castle follows a schedule arranged in advance; churches and chapels tell stories of building history and religious practice. There is also a specific road restriction to bear in mind when travelling to La Scarzuola.

Architecture and a fresco at La Scarzuola

La Scarzuola is in the Montegiove district of the municipality of Montegabbione. Tomaso Buzzi created an architectural ensemble there in the garden of a former Franciscan monastery, designed as an ideal city. The buildings vary in style and size, while the site is also laid out as a labyrinth, a symbolic path and a magical circuit. This description combines specific architectural features with a symbolic interpretation. If you are interested in designed spaces, you can focus both on the variety of the buildings and on the motif of the path.

La Scarzuola includes the Church of the Santissima Annunziata. It contains a fresco from the first half of the 13th century depicting Saint Francis levitating. Alongside the ensemble’s symbolic design, there is therefore a specific medieval image.

The final two kilometres to La Scarzuola are along an unpaved road. Buses more than twelve metres long cannot travel this stretch. Check the latest official directions and follow local signs rather than relying solely on navigation software.

Castello di Montegiove and its estate

Castello di Montegiove was built in the 13th century by the Bulgari or Bulgarelli family. The estate associated with the castle covers 1,200 hectares of the Umbrian landscape and includes 13 hectares of vineyards. The estate’s size and vineyard area give the castle a landscape and economic context.

Visits are available year-round by appointment; booking is required. The visit begins in the park and in part of the castle’s rooms, continues into the ancient 16th-century cellar and ends with a tasting of wines produced on the estate. If you plan to include this activity, arrange your visit in advance.

Churches, chapels and local tradition

The Church of San Lorenzo preserves a medieval pointed-arch portal made of light alabaster and dark stone. The first records of the church date to 1245. These are two different details for establishing its chronology: the portal is described as medieval, while 1245 refers to the first records of the church.

The Chapel of Madonna del Cammino stands at the foot of Montegiove, at the turnoff for Greppolischieto. It was originally dedicated to the Visitation of Mary. Towards the end of the second millennium, it was restored with the will and involvement of the local population. The community traditionally fulfils its Easter religious observance there. The chapel’s local history is thus shaped by community restoration and Easter tradition.

The Chapel of Madonna di Lourdes in Montegiove was built in 1884 by Leonilde Frascarelli, a nurse from Montegiove. It contains relics and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in a grotto made of small stones collected from nearby streams. In contrast with Madonna del Cammino, the founding year and the grotto’s features are the focus here; for the other chapel, it is the community restoration and Easter custom. Together, the two chapels illustrate different aspects of the area’s religious history.

Discover more destinations: Cantone, San Gemini, Ripalvella, Montecchio, Cecalocco, Prodo, Montoro, Alviano.

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