the path of the two abbeys

The "Walk of the Two Abbeys" is a recommended route for beginners and enthusiasts of trekking and tourists visiting our area for the first time with the desire to immerse themselves in green nature for a totally relaxing experience. The name takes its cue from by the two mystical and prayerful places encountered along the way: the Abbey Collemedio in Collepepe, and the San Lorenzo Monastery, in Collazzone, where Jacopone da Todi died on December 25, 1306.

The itinerary will start from the headquarters of the SI.TE.T Consortium, located near the E45 freeway and provided with ample parking. It is also possible to rent an e-bike if you want to do this route by pedaling instead of walking. From the starting point, it is already possible to admire, from the south of the horizon, the walls of the castle of Collepepe, located on top of a hill and from which the pointed bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta rises. Heading west, one begins the journey by setting out on Provincial Road 415, which skirts fields that are tinged with the wheat's golden color in summer for an absolutely striking visual impact.

When you reach the first crossroads, following the traffic circle, leave the main road to take Strada dell'Osteria: as you travel along it you will cross a small bridge under which flows the Puglia stream, a small river that originates from Monte Pelato and at Collepepe finally flows into the Tiber River. From here we enter the interior of the woods that characterize the area: a slight ascent leads us to a clearing, where we leave behind the dense vegetation to find on our right the village of Collepepe again, from a different perspective, and Collemedio Abbey on the right. Of this place of prayer, now largely converted into a resort, it is still possible to observe and visit from the outside a small cloister and a porch used as a chapel for pilgrims.

Continuing the walk, the road changes its name to Convent Road, in a long stretch with little traffic surrounded by conifers and the sounds of only nature. Once the forest is left behind, the panorama opens to our eyes, among valleys and hills with a thousand shades of green. Typical olive groves and vineyards accompany our walk while before us begins to glimpse, in the distance, the silhouette of Collazzone over our heads. The unique feature of this part of the trail is that, in each season, it takes on different colors for an always different and unique immersive experience. The first part of the route among unspoiled nature ends at the junction with Provincial Road 421.

Before us opens the middle Tiber Valley, while on the south Collazzone is now well visible at the top of the hill, the highest in the entire municipal area. Heading toward the destination, we begin an up and down between characteristic slopes from which it is possible to admire, this time from the outside, the woods that in autumn tint the entire landscape with fascinating warm colors. Here, on the right, it is possible to catch a glimpse of Piedicolle Castle, while toward the left side, in the distance, Gaglietole comes into view. As you get closer to the endpoint, the route difficulty level increases slightly. It becomes entirely uphill by following the undulating path of the road. The surrounding greenery never leaves our path as the valley below opens more and more to our view. Arrived at the height of another hairpin bend, a dirt road slightly deviates from the initial route and brings us to the second mystical place on the walk: the San Lorenzo Monastery.

Nowadays, this facility is also almost entirely used for agritourism, but it is still possible to visit and admire the small church rich in history. Here, as mentioned, the blessed Jacopone his remaining years, and also hereì was hidden Thadea, the secret daughter of Charles V.

Resuming the route after this detour, you have almost reached your destination. Leaving Provincial Road 421, you'll take Marconi Avenue, pointing to the historic center. We leave nature's color behind as we approach the Collazzome castle's wall, whose tall bell tower welcomes us to the village. A last slight uphill climb, on Via della Fiera, finally brings us to Piazza Umberto I, the main town square. Here you can admire the Church of San Lorenzo, which is kept inside the Madonna and Child, a wooden sculpture among the most important sacred iconographies in the area.