Page 224 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

222 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

7 Narni ª Take Via Roma out of town and head
Terni, Umbria; 05035 for Narni Scalo. Take Strada dei Tre
Despite being close to some of Ponti/SP1 downhill, turn right at SS3ter
Umbria’s most industrialized areas, and cross the bridge. The Roman bridge
Narni is a very beautiful town. The is on the right. At San Gémini, park to
Romans conquered it in 299 BC and the left of the entrance gate.
established a settlement called Narnia,
but its history goes back much 8 San Gémini
further. Its simple main square, Terni, Umbria; 05029
Piazza dei Priori, is graced by This town sits on the Roman
the elegant Loggia dei Priori road, the Via Flaminia, which
by Gattapone (1300–83). still forms its main street
There are some delightful (called Via Roma). The main
medieval bas-reliefs and the piazza is home to the Chiesa
tiny pulpit used by St di San Francesco, which has
Bernadino. In Via Mazzini, by Door carving from some fine carvings on its
Above The Benedictine Abbazia di San the square, the beautifully San Gémini portal. To one side of the
Cassiano, Narni Bottom left Stretch of the proportioned Chiesa di Santa Palazzo Municipio, the
Via Flaminia in Roman Carsulae Bottom Maria Impensole (open daily) has medieval Porta Tuderte leads to the
right Piazza Garibaldi, the square at the heart hardly been altered since 1175. oldest part of the town, where the
of modern-day Narni On the wooded hillside west of Palazzo Vecchio is a fine example of
town sits the 10th-century Abbazia di early medieval architecture.
WHERE TO STAY
San Cassiano (only open for services), built ª Return to SS3 and head northeast.
NARNI AND AROUND on the Via Flaminia to watch over the Turn right at the Fonte di San Gémini
Hotel dei Priori inexpensive corridor between Rome and Ravenna and on Via Carsulae follow signs to
Convenient and pleasant little hotel in – it’s a lovely walk to the abbey. the car park at the archaeological site.
the oldest part of town with helpful
staff. It’s popular, so book early.
Vicolo del Comune 4, 05035; 0744 726 9 Carsulae
843; www.loggiadeipriori.it
Terni, Umbria; 05100
Torre Palombaro moderate The Via Flaminia, which runs from Rome to Fano on the Adriatic (see
Sumptuous accommodation at a
reasonable price only a ten-minute Drive 24), kept the ancient capital supplied with supplies from Northern
drive east from Narni. Expect a warm Italy and abroad. The municipium of Carsulae grew up on this important
welcome in this tranquil, rural retreat. road and its remains provide an insight into Roman life. It is thought
Strada della Cantinetta 3, 05035; 0744
744 617; www.torrepalombara.com that the city was abandoned after it was damaged by an earthquake.
SAN GÉMINI
Locanda di Carsulae inexpensive A one-hour walking tour small museum here, and although
Near the springs that provide the On the road from San Gémini, the car most of the larger items from the site
famous San Gémini mineral waters, park for the Carsulae Archeological have ended up elsewhere, there are
this pleasant, small hotel offers rooms site is clearly marked. From the car still some good terracotta pieces
that have been refurbished in a
traditional Umbrian style. park 1, steps lead to a subway from the 1st century AD. From the
Via Tiberina 2, Località Fonte 05029; beneath the road and along a path entry gate, the path winds downhill
0744 630 163; www.gruppobacus.com to the ticket office 2. There is also a towards the main site. Cross a section

220-225_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 222 21/09/17 11:19 am
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