Scheggino

Scheggino is located in the heart of Valnerina Valley, in the south-east area of Umbria. The territory is entirely mountainous and it is crossed by the Nera river.

The small town is characterised by the medieval castle, enclosed by triangular walls with a keep at the top, and the rest of the town which goes towards the valley along the river.

The area is at high seismic risk as well as the nearby municipalities.

Scheggino is a medieval town, which still shows its remains of medieval walls and the ruins of the keep at the top. It was built by the Duchy of Spoleto in the 12th century as an outpost in order to protect it from external attacks. For this reason Scheggino was assaulted and looted several times. The 16th century was characterized by a series of wars between two aristocratic families: Orsini and Colonna, the former were supporters of the Guelph Spoleto while the latter allied with the twenty three Ghibellin castles-towns subjected to Spoleto. In 1522 the surrounding castles led by Picozzo Brancaleoni and Petrone da Vallo tried to conquer the town, taking advantage of the absence of the men, who were working in the fields. However they didn't succed as the women of Scheggino managed to defend the castle and their houses.

The Church of Saint Nicholas has medieval origins but it was entirely redone in the 16th century, its frescoes are attributed to the circle of Lo Spagna. A coronation of Mary with Saints, similar to the one in the Spoleto Cathedral, was painted in the apse as a tribute to the Duchy of Spoleto.[4] The Church of Saint Felicita is particularly interesting for its primitive style (12th century) apart from the facade, which was renovated in the 17th century.