Marsciano

The territory enclosed by the Municipality of Marsciano shows the features of a typically Umbrian landscape: fertile countryside and rolling hills dotted with small villages and crossed by narrow and winding roads, small squares inside castles and medieval buildings of which often only ruins and traces remain. The vegetation is characterized by oak and oak woods, interrupted here and there by the essences of the Mediterranean vegetation, up to the hills cultivated with vines, olive trees, sunflowers and wheat. The valley-gorge of Fersinone, rich in nature trails, shows numerous streams and waterfalls, polished stones and spontaneous vegetation at its shores. The territory is also characterized by the presence of the Tiber River and its tributary Nestor coming from the north-west, from the nearby town of Piegaro.

The first settlements of the area, based on the findings, were very ancient, dating back to the Bronze Age, the Etruscan and Roman times; one of ancient Rome emperor, Vibio Treboniano Gallo, was actually born in the surroundings of Marsciano, in Monte Vibiano Vecchio.

The territory reached its maximum splendor during Middle Ages, thanks to its central position in relation to the powerful cities of Perugia, Todi, Orvieto. Marsciano’s importance lasted also during the Renaissance, as evidenced by the frescoes that enrich the churches of the various villages, such as the one by Perugino depicting San Sebastiano preserved in the parish church of Cerqueto.

The production of bricks and terracotta has been of particular importance since ancient times: traces of ceramic production can be found in the territory from the classical age to the full industrialization, without any interruption. The Museo Dinamico del Laterizio is a widespread museum, accompanies visitors to the most characteristic villages of the Municipality of Marsciano, enhancing the traces of a past craftsman.