Itinerary to discover San Gemini, its mineral water springs and its territory
The first human settlements in the area of San Gemini date back to the Roman period favored by the proximity to the ancient Via Flaminia, the first and for a long time the only road that connected Rome to Northern Italy.
The proximity to this important arterial road was not the only attraction of this area, the Romans already knew the mineral water springs located near San Gemini and they exploited their beneficial effect on health.
Duration: Approximately 3h – Difficulty: Easy
The presence of these mineral water springs favored also the birth of Carsulae, an important Roman city destroyed by an earthquake and totally abandoned during the medieval period.
The fate of San Gemini was different, during the Middle Ages, this village acquired importance as well as its current connotation. Even today, walking through its narrow streets and stopping in its picturesque squares, it is possible to admire the perfect conservation of the buildings dating back to that period.
There are two main itineraries suggested to discover San Gemini and its territory:
Half-day itinerary
A walk through San Gemini to admire its Roman and medieval monuments:
- Duomo, dedicated to the Patron Saint, is characterized by a neo-baroque architecture and neoclassical interiors.
- Church of San Francesco, perhaps visited by the Saint in 1213, is embellished by marvelous and perfectly preserved frescoes.
- Porta Burgi, the gateway to the ancient medieval village
- Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of democratic government, represents an not-to-be-missed attraction for the “Fresco of the Good Government” that recalls the one painted by Lorenzetti in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena.
- Church of San Carlo, famous for the fourteenth-century ciborium with a fantastic painting that represents the Madonna and child with Saints and Angels.
- Casa Romana ** dating back to the first century A.C. is characterized by perfectly preserved floor mosaics and an impluvium, the sunken part of the atrium designed to collect the rainwater
- Cisterns, two underground spaces built during the Roman period.
- Casa Canova, summer residence of this famous neoclassical sculptor and painter.
In the neighborhood of San Gemini, it is recommended a visit to:
- Abbey of San Nicolò, a Benedictine abbey dating back to the XI century. It represents one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Umbria.
Full-day Itinerary
In addition to the above-mentioned monuments, it’s suggested also a visit to the following attraction:
- Parco Delle Fonti di San Gemini ** where it is still possible to see the spring and to drink its water. This park, thanks to its pleasant environment, is perfect for long and relaxing walks. In the past, it has been appreciated also by great personalities such as Rita Levi Montalcini, Nobel Prize Winner for medicine.
- Archeological Area of Carsulae *, one of the most important and choreographic archaeological sites of Umbria located near the San Gemini Water Springs and the Via Flaminia.
* admission fee
** admission by reservation