Bastia Umbra, Municipality in Umbria, Italy
Bastia Umbra is a commune in the Province of Perugia in central Italy, situated on gently rolling hills at approximately 200 meters elevation. The town developed around its main church and still maintains the compact layout of a medieval settlement.
The settlement originated in the 11th century and suffered destruction in 1319 during an attack by Perugian forces, then was rebuilt afterward. The town received a castle and defensive towers after its reconstruction, strengthening its position in the region.
The Church of Santa Croce stands at the heart of the town with its striking facade of white and pink stone quarried from Mount Subasio. Inside, frescoes by local artists display scenes that reflect the artistic traditions of the Umbrian region.
The town sits in a convenient location near the cities of Assisi, Bettona, Perugia, and Torgiano, making it useful as a base for exploring the Umbrian area. Visitors can easily reach other local destinations and combine multiple attractions from this central position.
The name of this place comes from ancient times: the area was formerly known as Insula Romana because it sat on an island within the Lacus Umber, a large lake that once covered the Umbra Valley. This connection to Roman history and the region's former water landscape provides insight into how dramatically the terrain has changed.
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