The production of wrought iron has been widespread in Umbria since the Middle Ages. Proof of this can be
found, both as a structural and decorative element, in ancient palazzos
and in the marvelous results in religious buildings, such as the iron gate
in the Chapel of the Gonfalon in San Francesco and the one in the Chapel
of Saint Bernardine in Perugia Cathedral, in the entrances of
period residences and secret gardens. This craft is now being updated by
the many workshops that can be found in the region, in particular in
Assisi, Citta' della Pieve, in the villages around Lake Trasimeno, and in
the Spoleto and Terni districts.
In addition to these main activities, other very curious ones have
developed, such as the one in Gubbio where the local craftsmen reproduce
ancient weapons and armor, the manufacture of files and rasps in Villamagina and the production of surgical instruments which
have been made in Preci since the 16th century.
At one time, the craft of copper beating was widespread
throughout the region; nowadays, the workshops that sell products made
using this technique are concentrated in particular in the Magione area,
where the master copper beaters excel in the production of beaten,
engraved or embossed artifacts.
Some recommended itineraries:
a) San Giustino, Citta' di Castello, Montone, Gubbio,
Assisi, Valtopina, Spello, Bevagna, Bettona
b) Sellano – Villamagina, Norcia, Terni, Otricoli,
Todi, Orvieto, Ficulle
c) Magione, Panicale, Citta' della Pieve, Castiglione
del Lago – Sanfatucchio, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Passignano
sul Trasimeno
Courtesy of Umbria 2000
