Sellano

The compact and picturesque town of Sellano sits above the Vigi River valley, a pretty hill town overlooking stunning natural landscapes. Despite its size it has a long history, dating back to the Romans in the first century BCE and then falling under the Lombards, then the Duchy of Spoleto. In the 14th century it came under the Papal States, until the unification of Italy in 1860.

Named among the 'borghi piu' belli d'Italia" (prettiest small towns in Italy), it holds some lovely landmarks in town, like the Palazzo Comunale, a 16th century palace richly adorned in frescoes. The charming church of San Francesco (also called Santa Maria della Croce) is a stone octagonal mountain temple that you should definitely visit. Surrounding Sellano are mountains, woods, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and springs. It is a nature-lover's paradise!

Below town is a lovely lake fed by the Vigi River; you pass through some bamboo-like canes to reach it and - surprise! - a beautiful blue lake with the town behind it on the hill and a stone building (a restaurant) on the shore. Beautiful. Walk along the river to several different waterfalls, the cool mountain river water like a natural air conditioner to give you relief from the heat.

Around town are a couple of cafes and restaurants, a gelateria and grocer, and views galore! Valleys, woods, lakes, rivers - unspoiled nature where you can enjoy biking, hiking, horse riding, rafting, and relaxing.

The Tibetan Bridge installed in 2024 has become a big attraction for Sellano, and what will probably make it famous!

Photo Credit: Hagai Agmon-Snir CC BY-SA 4.0