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Pietralunga, savor experiences

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On one of our excursions to discover the area, we came to an extraordinary place: Pietralunga, a small Umbrian village perched on a hill overlooking the Carpinella torrent valley.

It cannot fail to win you over with its evocative atmosphere and its thousand-year history. Walking through its streets, surrounded by stone houses that seem to whisper secrets of past eras, we had the impression of taking a leap back in time.

 

Pieve di Santa Maria. Foto di Enrico Mezzasoma

Once we reached the main square, where the tower and the entrance gate to the ancient Lombard manor stand, home to the gastaldo, the official who administered the territory on behalf of the king, we climbed onto the recent walkway that offers an unusual perspective on the facade of the Pieve di Santa Maria. As we continue our walk through the village, we reach the Monument to the Umbrian Partisan. Yes, because you should know that Pietralunga played an important role in the Resistance against Nazi-Fascism, so much so that for a period it was a free zone under partisan control. For this commitment it was awarded the bronze medal for military valor. Every alley, every stone tells a story, a different era. A flute made from a human tibia bone, preserved at the National Archaeological Museum of Perugia, bears witness to the presence of man in these areas since prehistoric times.

Rocca Longobarda. Foto di Enrico Mezzasoma

Furthermore, every year, on the second Sunday of August, the Palio della Mannaja commemorates another historical event: the death sentence by beheading of a pilgrim who, while on his way to Lucca, was unjustly accused of murder. According to legend, as the executioner was about to strike the blow, the blade turned upwards, saving the man’s life. The cleaver used in the attempted execution is still preserved in the cathedral of Lucca.

Another legend tells that San Crescenziano, a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity, killed a dragon, a symbol of paganism, near Città di Castello. For this he was beheaded by order of Diocletian and buried in the woods where Pieve de’ Saddi now stands, the oldest church in the diocese and an obligatory stop for those who travel the Via di San Francesco, a pilgrimage route along the places of the saint between nature and spirituality. In fact, just look around to understand that in Pietralunga nature is the protagonist. It is no coincidence that its dense forests of Turkey oaks, oaks and downy oaks are crossed by paths and trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.

We have also tasted the richness of this land in its food. The most prized product is undoubtedly the white truffle, the Trifola, without forgetting the Scorzone and the sweet Nero. A local tells us that the art of hunting and extracting truffles is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. A special bond unites the truffle hunter to his truffle dog, trained to identify this precious fungus. The centuries-old art of hunting and extracting truffles embodies the cultural identity of the place to such an extent that it has been recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. For those who want to try a truffle hunting experience, several local companies and truffle hunters offer this opportunity. We will definitely do it next time.

Tartufo bianco

Continuing to walk through the streets, we saw and tasted many other local products in the shops and restaurants: the white potato, the hazelnut, the sour cherries. All ingredients used in delicious dishes such as gnocchi with truffles, hazelnut cream, sour cherry tart and visciolato, a fortified wine to end the meal, which we had the opportunity to taste. Pietralunga won us over with its beauty, its history, its nature and its gastronomy. An ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in an authentic atmosphere and live an unforgettable experience.

 

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