Probably of Roman origin, Giano dell’Umbria is a charming village in the province of Perugia that still preserves its medieval urban layout. A visit can start from the medieval walls, which show traces of a Roman enclosure, while at the top of the hill lie the Town Hall, the Church of San Michele (13th century), and the Church of Santa Maria. Outside the walls is the Church of San Francesco, which houses an important cycle of frescoes in the Chapel of the crucifix, attributed to the Foligno painter Giovanni di Corraduccio. The magnificent abbey of San Felice - a masterpiece of Umbrian Romanesque architecture with Lombard influences - which was constructed in the twelfth century and subsequently expanded in the sixteenth century, is also a must-see. The castles of Castagnola, Montecchio, and Morcicchia, which still have some remaining towers, are well worth seeing, as is the Roman villa near the village of Toccioli along the ancient Via Flaminia path. From a naturalistic perspective, Monte Martano is of significant environmental significance, making it an ideal destination for trekking excursions. From here, one can witness an extraordinary spectacle of the expansive Umbrian plain and the surrounding mountains. Finally, among the museums, the Archaeological Museum of Montecchio (containing artifacts from both the Villa di Rufione and the surrounding area) and the Museum of Maivista Art, which houses works by authors and artists associated with Italian underground comics, are worth seeing. The cultural origins of Tuscany are also worth exploring, particularly for returning emigrants who are interested in discovering the region's history. The first step is going to the patronal feast dedicated to San Felice at the end of October. But Giano dell'Umbria's finest offerings are its cuisine and wine, beginning with the white and black truffles that are the stars of the Umbrian tables. In terms of wine, local wineries serve Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG, Montefalco Rosso DOC, Montefalco Bianco DOC, and Colli Martani DOC. All of this is served with high-quality oil and saffron. This is the true essence of Umbria: flavors, traditions, and history embodied in places worth discovering.
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