In the green heart of Umbria lies Campello sul Clitunno, a village that combines natural charm with significant historical heritage.

The town is best known for two distinctive landmarks: the Clitunno Springs, celebrated since antiquity for their scenic beauty, and the Castle of Upper Campello, which dominates the valley from a hilltop. These places symbolize a territory where memory of the past harmoniously blends with the quietness of nature.

The Clitunno Springs: a sacred and enchanted landscape

The Clitunno Springs are among the most fascinating natural wonders of Umbria. This small spring-fed lake is characterized by crystal-clear waters with shades ranging from emerald green to turquoise. Trees such as poplars and willows reflect on its surface, creating a suspended atmosphere that has inspired writers, poets, and travelers for centuries.

In ancient times, the Springs were considered a sacred site dedicated to the god Clitumnus. Ceremonies and religious rituals linked to the cult of water took place here. Authors such as Virgil, Pliny the Younger, and Propertius described the location in their writings, emphasizing its spiritual charm and its ability to inspire serenity. During the Roman era, the site’s fame was so great that even emperors and notable figures visited to perform sacrifices or simply to immerse themselves in its contemplative atmosphere.

Today, the Clitunno Springs remain a haven of tranquility, preserved within a protected natural setting. The water still flows pure from underground veins, nurturing the legend of a place that continues to retain its ancient, almost mystical allure.

The Castle of Upper Campello: the strength of Umbrian medieval heritage

A short distance from the Springs, rising on a dominant hill, stands the Castle of Upper Campello, built around the year 1000 by Rovero di Champeaux, a nobleman from Champagne. The fortified village still retains the typical appearance of Umbrian medieval settlements: crenellated walls, watchtowers, and gateways that recall its defensive function through the centuries.

Inside the walls lies a small urban core, with stone houses and narrow alleys leading to intimate squares. Religious buildings such as the church of San Donato and the parish church testify to the community life that developed over time within the fortified perimeter. The town’s layout still reflects a careful balance between defense and daily life, offering a remarkable example of Umbrian medieval architecture.

An itinerary of nature, culture, and memory

The connection between the Clitunno Springs and the Castle of Upper Campello perfectly expresses the richness of the Umbrian territory. On one side, the unspoiled nature of the sacred waters, praised since classical antiquity; on the other, the solidity and austerity of the medieval walls that protected its inhabitants.

This intertwining of landscape and history makes Campello sul Clitunno an emblem of Umbria’s essence: a land that preserves natural and architectural treasures where time seems to stand still. The village thus becomes a place of memory, where the spirituality of water meets the strength of medieval stone, offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s identity.

Campello sul Clitunno in the Umbrian context

Located between Spoleto and Trevi, Campello sul Clitunno lies along the ancient Via Flaminia, the Roman road that once connected Rome to northern Italy. Its geographical position made it a strategic passage point, but also a source of inspiration for travelers and artists throughout history.

The village embodies how Umbria preserves and enhances its historical and natural heritage. Every element here tells a story: the clear waters recalling ancient cults, the castle walls evoking the feudal and medieval period, and the surrounding hills opening onto the fertile Clitunno Valley.

Campello sul Clitunno is a place where nature and history are inseparably intertwined. The Springs, celebrated by poets and emperors alike, continue to convey a sense of harmony and sacredness, while the Castle preserves the memory of medieval Umbria and life within fortified walls. In this balance between water and stone, spirituality and defense, lies the essence of a village that stands as one of the most authentic jewels of central Umbria.