Valtopina – Armenzano

This itinerary is quite demanding due to the height difference and terrain. It starts in the town centre of Valtopina that was built along the banks of the River Topino not far from the ancient Via Flaminia, around the year One Thousand.

Nearby is evidence of pre-Roman, Roman and Early Christian culture: the most important is undoubtedly the Pieve Fanonica, built in the Early Christian era and, a short distance away, the Bridge over the Flaminia with its large foundation beneath the ancient consular road and the constructions of the Via Flaminia itself.

There are numerous structures from the Middle Ages on the surrounding hills, such as the castles of Poggio, Serra and Gallano, the Tower of Capodacqua, the Fortress of Calestro (a corruption of the Latin Galestrum). Many of these buildings were part of a complex system of watchtowers and defence or were integrated into the latter at a later date, which extended as far as Visso (MC – province of Macerata) and was commissioned by the Trinci family of probable Longobard origin, lords of Foligno from 1305 to 1493.

The trail begins by ascending inside the town beg=hind the last houses above the market and follows path no. 355 with stretches that sometimes coincide with a tortuous asphalt road as far as Casa Tommaso.

From here it continues to rise via a track through the wood and continues past the remains of the castle, Castello di Serra.

The path now descends and after about 100 metres turns right at the crossroads.

Continue along path no. 355 to reach Vallemare.

You come to the asphalt road below and you pass Case Colle Silvo on the right. Continue along the path until you go past a small tower on the left called “la Croce” and take the asphalt road leading to the splendid village of Armenzano. Its name comes from armentum, herd, highlighting the importance of sheep-farming for the inhabitants of the area. If its origins are attributed to the Umbrian people, its current structure dates back to the 13th century, as the houses are arranged in a double concentric line to protect the central castle.

As you exit Armenzano, take path no. 359 towards Nottiano, a place with a strong Franciscan tradition.

Once past the village of Nottiano, you take the road of Pian dell’Abate and continue for 4 kilometres to San Giovanni di Collepino.

Here you meet path no. 357 that cuts through the woods, but an alternative route can be seen along the asphalt road leading to Mulino Buccilli. This is the only historic working mill in the Park and you can ask for a tour.

From here you can easily return to Valtopina along path 357 that follows the asphalt road.