Village History

The histories of Umbria, Toscana and Lazio have been interwoven for centuries in the hills of Orvieto. There are ancient Etruscan settlements, Roman roads, pilgrim routes and medieval ways. These have frequently intersected on the slopes of Mount Peglia in the form of a mail coach stage, a resting place during ancient battles for power in Central Italy, pilgrim routes along Roman Roads and burgeoning renaissance trade.

At a central point on the roads between Orvieto, Citta` della Pieve and Todi, Spante has, from time immemorial, been a strategic passage on the way to Rome.

This huge property, that even today covers an immense 500 hectares, remains under the aegis of the Faina family, one of the most important noble lineages of Umbria, Toscana and northern Lazio.

The Spante villa, the artisans’ homes, the chapel of the Madonna of Peace, the old stables and the small school are a testimony to the life that animated this hamlet until the mid nineteen hundreds.

You will be fascinated by Claudia’s tales about her special family: the artists, saints and soldiers who have lived at Spante, San Venanzo and Civitella dei Conti. If you love her stories she will accompany you to the renowned Museo Faina di Orvieto (Faina Museum of Orvieto) to learn more.