The holiday residence “Agrifoglio” and the holiday farm-house “Il Boschetto” are in the district of Spoleto, Norcia and Cascia. Since ancient times the Valnerina has been a very important communication link between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Many archaeological findings have proved that some of the passes were already being used in prehistoric times. In this land of mysticism where the spiritual adventures of St, Benedetto, St. Rita and St.Scolastica started, there are castles and towers which seem to watch the quiet flow of the Nera-River and its affluents. The valleys created from large gorges made of reddish limestone and the steep slopes are covered with a typical mediterranean bush, whereas woods of oaks, maples and beeches grow on the soft slopes. There are also grazing lands used for sheep pasture and for the cultivation of spelt, lentils (the Castelluccio di Norcia ones are worldwide famous), wheat and chickling vetch. Many picturesque villages are along the route: Triponzo rises at a height of 420 m and owes its name to the three bridges which cross the Nera-River. The medieval castle overlooks the surrounding plain from its circuit of turreted walls of a rectangular plan and its high tower dating back to the 14th century which was part of the former fortress. The sulphureous water of the Bagni di Triponzo (Triponzo spa) already known in Roman times is also famous. Preci dates back to the 13th century and was originally a slope castle which was destroyed twice by the people of Norcia (16th century). In the upper part there is the church of St. Maria with a portal of the 14th century on the frontside and another portal of the 15th century but with earlier elements. It is said that the Abbey of St. Eutizio was already the main political and commercial centre of the region in the 10th century and up to the end of the 12th century, the Benedictine monastery was able to increase the extension of its possessions and properties as proved by one of the oldest documents written in vernacular at the end of the 11th century.

The National Park of the Sibillini Mountains is a very stimulating place where you may hear the echo of the Apennine Sibilla myths and the popular legends of Guerin Meschino. Set up in 1993, its extension is about 70 thousand hectares on the Umbrian and the Marchigian territory. The morphology is typical of the calcareous Apennines with not very high peaks, but very steep slopes and imposing rocky walls. The many rivers guarantee a rich water supply. The view from Castelluccio (1452 m) on the “Piano Grande” (big plateau) and on the “Piano Perduto” (lost plateau) is really worthseeing. In spring time, the plateaux are covered with a flower carpet (1300 hectares ) which is so spectacular that it is called the blooming of the plateaux. It is a firework of colours, from the red of the poppies to the yellow of the lentils, a real multi-coloured palette. Those who are fond of deltaplaning know that the soft yet high peaks of the Castelluccio plateau are a very good spring board for their acrobatic flights. Castelluccio is also famous for its green small-grain lentils, peas and chick-peas.

Cascia is of medieval origin with many churches, such as the church of St.Francis rebuilt in 1339 and in 1424, the former church of St. Antonio Abate (14th to 15th century) which is now the seat of the local museum, and the famous cathedral of St. Rita built between 1937 and 1947 on the old Agostinian church close to the monastery where the Saint died in 1457. At about 5 km from Cascia there is Roccaporena, the birthplace of St. Rita. The house where she was born was transformed into a church in 1630 and a sanctuary was built next to it. Cascia is dominated by a rock called St.Rita’s cliff, because she used to go there to pray

Driving backwards along the Valnerina (Nera Valley) you come to the Flaminia Route which has been a very important communication link between Rome and the North since Roman times. Heading south, you will reach Terni, the second provincial capital. Although it is an industrial pole, you can also find some worthseeing monuments, but its main attraction are the Marmore Falls which were already admired by the Romans as a unique and fascinating wonder of nature. From the height of 165 m the foamy mass of white water falls down in three big bounds. Returning towards the holiday residence “Agrifoglio”, you will arrive at Spoleto, famous for the “Festival dei Due Mondi” (Festival of the Two Worlds), but also for its many churches, amphitheatres and buildings more or less dating back to Roman times. The cathedral with its big central rose-window in the façade, its vigorous church bell tower and its beautiful portal is a Romanesque building of the end of the 12th century. Foligno is one of the few Umbrian towns located in a plain. Piazza della Repubblica together with Piazza del Duomo (main squares of Foligno) are the vital centre of the town. Only a few people know that the first edition of the “Divina Commedia” (Divine Comedy) was printed in Foligno in 1472. Foligno is also famous for the “Giostra della Quintana” (a horse-riding tournament). Trevi, famous for its olive groves, offers an extraordinary scenery thanks to its position on a hill overlooking the plain of Spoleto.This really uncontaminated centre is the home of history, art and culture.