Rasiglia

Rasiglia is built where several springs emerge from the mountain, and the water was channelled through the village to drive mills and supply wool washing, so streams run beside and under the houses in stone channels with small falls and pools between them. Wool and textile working sustained it until the twentieth century, after which the population fell to a few dozen, and the village was largely abandoned before its water became a reason for visitors to come. The largest spring, the Capovena, feeds the system, and old mill wheels and washing troughs survive along the lanes.

History

The village goes back to the 12th century, and its position on the frontier toward Sellano and the Diocese of Spoleto led the Trinci family to build a fortress here, the Castrum et Roccha Rasilia, of which parts of the walls and a ruined tower remain. A mill, a fulling mill and several houses belonged to the Trinci (Wikipedia, Rasiglia).

What to look for

• The channelled springs - water running through the streets between houses.
• The Capovena spring - the main source emerging from the hillside.
• The mill wheels - remains of the wool and grain mills the water drove.
• The pools and falls - small basins stepping down through the village.

When to go

April to October; spring flow is strongest after rain and in spring itself. Weekends bring crowds to a village of a few dozen residents. Winter is icy.

Things to know

The hamlet is tiny and walked in half an hour, with almost no facilities. Weekend crowding is out of proportion to its size. Parking is very limited.

Nearby

Foligno lies west; the Valnerina runs south.

Key facts