A defining feature of the village is the Rocca, built in 1495 by the military leader Bartolomeo d’Alviano. In 1654, it passed to the Doria Pamphili family, whose descendants donated it to the Municipality in 1920. In the surrounding area, the WWF Nature Oasis is worth a visit, where you can follow a nature trail to observe the protected flora and fauna.
ITS HISTORY
Its elevated, militarily strategic location led to the first Roman settlements, but during the Middle Ages, it also became the cause of bitter disputes between Todi, Orvieto, and Amelia.
In the 12th century, it became a fief of the Alviano family and reached its peak under Bartolomeo d’Alviano, a noble condottiero who rebuilt and expanded the old fortified castle, transforming it into a fortress-residence. In 1654, following the extinction of the Alviano family, the Rocca was purchased by Donna Olimpia Pamphili Maidalchini, sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X.
A JOURNEY THROUGH ITS ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL TREASURES
The most significant monument is undoubtedly the Rocca itself: built in 1495 on the remains of an earlier castle, it has a square plan with towers at each corner. Inside, visitors can admire a beautiful Renaissance courtyard with a double loggia, which faces the Chapel of the Swallows, adorned with 17th-century frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis. In 1920, the Rocca was donated to the Municipality by the descendants of the Doria Pamphili family. Today, it houses the town hall and the Museums of the Castle of Alviano: the Historical and Multimedia Museum of Bartolomeo d'Alviano and the Umbrian Mercenary Captains, the Museum of Local Civilization, and the Wildlife Documentation Center of the Alviano Oasis.
Within the village, stop also at the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta (15th century), which preserves a valuable panel painting by Niccolò Alunno, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin surrounded by glorifying angels.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE SURROUNDINGS
A visit to the Alviano Lake Nature Oasis is a must: it is a protected area of about 900 hectares, managed by WWF Italy. A nature trail runs through the oasis, allowing you to closely observe the local flora and fauna thanks to dedicated birdwatching hides, observation towers, wooden walkways, and an open-air classroom.
