Fanciullata – Church, Archaeology and Landscape

Fanciullata between Art and Archaeology

In Fanciullata, sacred art and archaeology meet: this is where the small Madonna del Fanciullo church is located; archaeological finds include travertine urns and so-called Cappuccina tombs. This provides a clear connection to the area when choosing a holiday apartment in Fanciullata, while Deruta and the surrounding area offer further cultural and landscape themes.

A Small Church with Layers of History

The church was built in the 17th century to protect an older wayside shrine. In 1459, the Perugian painter Bartolomeo Caporali decorated this wayside shrine with a fresco. The recently restored niche shows the Madonna and Child between angels. The Eternal Father is considered to be depicted in the spandrel; Saint James and Saint Anthony the Abbot are considered to be depicted at the sides.

Remembrance in Fanciullata

The memory of Bruno Andreoli is also visible in the town. A rectangular marble commemorative plaque recalls the death of Lieutenant Bruno Andreoli in the First World War; a relief portrait is located on the façade of his home. On 17 May 1920, the Ministry of War awarded Sub-Lieutenant Bruno Andreoli a Silver Medal for Military Valor, as well as an annual allowance of 250 lire.

Ceramic Culture and History in Deruta

Deruta continues the cultural thread with art and ceramics. The Pinacoteca Comunale is located in the 14th-century Palazzo dei Consoli. The 16th-century Ex Fornace Grazia, fully restored by the municipality, now serves as a museum and exhibition centre. At the Museo della Ceramica, the remains of the Fornaci di San Salvatore and numerous ceramic finds enrich the tour.

The Museo della Ceramica was founded in 1898 by a group of local dignitaries and is the oldest museum of its kind in Italy. Its chronologically arranged collection ranges from medieval to contemporary ceramics. Also located in Deruta is the Santuario della Madonna dei Bagni, not far from the centre; it was built in 1687 at a site associated with a miraculous event. Over the course of three centuries, more than 700 majolica tiles were collected there.

Museums, Mountains and Natural Arches in the Surrounding Area

The area around Fanciullata is home to the Museo del vino, a museum; Castello Di Cisterna, a castle; the Museo Storico Perugina, a museum; and the National Archaeological Museum of Perugia, a museum. Also located there are Monte Veduta del Lago, Poggio delle Civitelle and Monte Vergnano, each a mountain, as well as the Arco dei Gigli, a natural arch.

On the Move and Throughout the Year

For orientation, Fanciullata appears on the official departure monitor as a stop for train PG131 in the direction of Terni. The Torgiano–Deruta cycle route reaches Fanciullata at kilometre 17.6. The Palio di San Michele is held in Sant’Angelo di Celle in the first days of May as a traditional relay race in which three districts participate.

Which Holiday Apartment Suits Your Plans?

A holiday apartment in Fanciullata is a suitable search direction if the church, local history and archaeological traces are to define the character of your stay. Those who wish to place greater emphasis on Deruta, museums, mountains or the natural arch can orient their choice of holiday apartment towards a broader cultural and landscape plan. This allows you to compare different priorities and define the desired rhythm of your trip.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Rancolfo, Monte Castello Di Vibio, Torchiagina, Panicale, Collemancio, Cecanibbi, Rosciolo and Gavelli

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.