The path
The Way of the Cure
It is a journey of discovery, going slowly back in space and time.
It whispers to the traveler who stops listening: it reveals the many Ways of nature and human wisdom, good for healing the body and spirit, born and still alive today in this place of healthy breezes, waters, forests and herbs.
The Surgical Cure
At the end of 1500 Doctor Baronio Vincenzi from Foligno practiced here, in a small laboratory in the former church of Gesù e Maria, proto-surgery with trepanation of the skull, as evidenced by a skull and other anathomical items found in the family crypt, together with 2 naturally mummified bodies.
The Herbal Cure
The healing plants and herbs used in the Middle Ages by doctors and healers were collected in nature, but sometimes also cultivated. In this small garden grow some of those necessary for the preparation of medicines, potions and ointments sold by Cerretan beggars (“Questuanti”) in the squares.
The Cure of Knowledge
In the lower part of the town, near Porta San Giacomo which guarded the path down to Borgo Cerreto, stands the Fortified Monastery and Church of San Giacomo, formerly inhabited by Benedictine nuns. Today the complex is the seat of the CEDRAV (Center for Anthropological Documentation in Valnerina).
The Cure of the Charlatan
"Come learn the story of the Charlatans: how from beggars collecting alms for the Church from home to home, the Cerretanis became deceivers, cheating simple people with false words, public performances in the squares, games, theater and magic and selling wonderful medicines, good for all ailments"
Cerreto di Spoleto – the Center
Cerreto was a hill castle, protected by double walls and by the Rocca. Its center preserves beautiful palaces of local families (XVII and XVIII centuries). Of the Rocca remains the Bell Tower, with the clock and a bell from the 1400s, formerly rung to ward off storms and summon the people.
The Fortified Castle of Triponzo – The Rocca
Fortified castle of the XIII century with a tower, built on the travertine stone cliff, carved by the waters of the Nera and Corno rivers which merge here. Possibly so named because of three bridges, built over the rivers. It was long disputed between Spoleto and Norcia for its strategic position.
The Cure of Water
At the Ancient Baths of Triponzo, still today as in Roman times, warm and green sulphurous waters gushing out from 18 springs into a large pool flow into indoors pools and hypogeum chambers where the Roman and Arab culture of body care through treatments and thermal baths is kept alive.
Remains of ancient thermal pools and spring
Partially hidden and protected by the woods and the surrounding green vegetation, stand the remains of thermal pools, probably of Roman origin and remodeled in medieval times, built at the base of a cliff from which sulphurous water trickles out at 25-30° C.
Forest Bathing
Walk in the shade of the forest, breathe in the fresh air, inhale the relaxing scents and essences released by the trees.
Stop and observe, smell, touch; close your eyes and welcome the embrace of the spirit of the forest. Let the peace of this place turn into your inner peace.