If you are looking for a base in Umbria,
the small town of Bevagna, population 4,500 is the perfect retreat. The town is
perfectly located to explore the highlights of Umbria, Perugia 35k, Assissi
45k, Spoleto 26k and other towns such as Norcia and Gubbio are an easy drive.
Rome is just 148k down the road. The origins of the town date back to the
Etruscans, the town walls, the main square and baths are of the Roman era.
Situated inside the town walls is a
unique hotel L’Orto Degli Angeli which is the ancestral home of the owners
Francesco and Tiziana Antonini. The hotel has 14 rooms/suites and many separate
sitting areas for guest use. There are two buildings, one of 16th
century origin which is built over a Roman temple and theatre dating back to
1AD, the other building was added in the 18th century. The guest
rooms are comfortable, furnished with antiques and paintings. Between the two
buildings is a beautiful hanging garden, a great spot to sit and relax with a
glass of wine after a day out.
The hotel restaurant, Redibis, is
situated in the ambulatory of the Roman Teatro and has been well designed to
highlight the original features. We always sit at the same table and enjoy the
view through a plate glass window into the modern kitchen. Paolo, the maitre d’
describes the menu to perfection in accented English, his delivery and manner
is very appealing! The food, wine, service and ambience of Redibis make it an
excellent venue for a romantic dinner; it is not often you get to dine in a
Roman Teatro.
There are a few
other restaurants in Bevagna, Enoteca Piazza Onofri, a few metres up the road
from the hotel delivers on food, wine and atmosphere at a reasonable cost. Duck
into the small pizza shop just off the square for a slab of divine crisp based
pizza.
We discovered Bevagna 6 years ago and are
drawn back every year, the place totally charmed us. What is it about Bevagna
that we love? The warmth and hospitality of the people that own and work at the
hotel and restaurant - they have become our friends. Bevagna is also a flat
town, a huge bonus when venturing out on the evening passeggiata, positioned on
the narrow main street are three wooden kitchen chairs with the owners names
crudely carved on the back. Late afternoon on a fine day they are occupied by
the owners, other times they sit empty. Bevanga doesn’t have a supermarket;
there are not many shops, just a few cafes and restaurants, a small newsagent
and a couple of wine stores.
We were lucky to discover this corner of
Italy, hopefully it will remain unspoiled and a secret from the masses.
The hotel website is comprehensive and presents the rooms and suites
well. By Lynda Keane |
| Redibis Restaurant |
 |
| Some guest rooms at L'Orto degli Angeli |
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