Visit Bastia Umbra
The town of Bastia Umbra is situated in the heart of the Umbria region of central Italy and close to Perugia, the region capital.
Explore Bastia Umbra
The old part of Bastia Umbra is a small town with a lot of character, not only because the old town preserves the remains of ancient buildings and fortifications, but also because, as we shall see, several of the most important historical Italian artists worked here, in two churches of particular interest in the centre:
Collegiate Church of Santa Croce
In Piazza Mazzini you are welcomed by the Collegiate Church of Santa Croce, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century.
The Church has a single nave, with a façade and a central rose window with a Gothic portal decorated and painted by Domenico Bruschi (1840-1910). The façade is covered with stone (with white and pink bands) extracted from Monte Subasio.
Inside the church it is above all the substantial work of Niccolò Alunno*, a large six-part work centred around the Madonna and Child, that stands out.
Another interesting painter who worked in the church of Santa Croce was Tiberio Ranieri di Diotallevi*, and there are also a fresco of the "Madonna and Child" by Bartolomeo Caporali* (1420 circa-1505), an artist who often collaborated with Bonfigli*, and the "Miracle of St. Anthony", by Cesare Sermei*.
Church of San Rocco
You can continue your tour of Bastia Umbra with a visit to the Church of San Rocco. Dating from the renaissance period it has a façade built with square blocks of sandstone and inside has a single nave.
The Church has a famous gonfalon ('banner'), depicting on one side the Madonna and Child, surrounded by San Rocco and San Sebastiano, and on the other side the descent of Christ into Limbo to retrieve the ancient patriarchs. The work is by Adone Doni, called Dono Doni* and an artist of great importance in Umbria.
The region around Bastia Umbra
Having completed your tour of the artworks of Bastia Umbra it is useful to remember that the town is within the Park of Mount Subasio, which includes many other places of interest such as Assisi, Foligno, Nocera Umbra, Torgiano and Valtopina.
The park of Mount Subasio is literally scattered with shrines, churches and abbeys, reminding visitors of the deep Franciscan spirituality that permeates the area. The exceptional natural area is also very inviting to tourists and lovers of nature and the environment is ideal for walks, excursions and bike rides.
With this in mind we suggest a visit to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in the plain of Assisi and very close to Bastia. The building was founded in 1569 and holds some frescoes by Lo Spagna.
Finally we must remember the fairs which played an important role in Bastia Umbra for several centuries and also the typical cuisine of this small town, which boasts a centuries-old tradition of cooking whole pigs roasted on a spit, to which the annual village fête is dedicated.
See also history of Bastia Umbra. * For notes about artists mentioned see Italian renaissance artists
You can find more local travel ideas in the Umbria guide.
Map of Bastia Umbra and places to visit
Bastia Umbra places to visit
Assisi
The birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi is best known for its basilica dedicated to the saint
Assisi guide
Bettona
The historic centre of the village of Bettona still retains its fortified walls, in part Etruscan in origin
Bettona guide
Valfabbrica
After exploring quaint Valfabbrica be sure to also visit some of the small unspoiled villages nearby
Valfabbrica guide
Spello
The attractive medieval village of Spello has an attractive ancient centre and also several important artworks
Spello guide
Perugia
The important art gallery and the many historic buildings combine to make Perugia a highlight of your visit
Perugia guide
Bevagna
The Piazza Silvestri in the heart of Bevagna is a lovely piazza surrounded by medieval buildings
Bevagna guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Umbria
