Welcome to Bevagna, a wonderful medieval town in the province of Perugia, home to an ancient Umbrian population that fought off the Roman expansion – until they lost the famous Sentino battle (295 BC), together with their allies: the Samnites, the Senones and the Etruscans. Bevagna is a treasure chest of artistic and architectural wonders, such as the Gothic Palace of the Consuls, which – with the Romanesque churches of Saint Michael and Saint Sylvester – contributes to the magnificent setting of Piazza Silvestri.

According to tradition, this is where Saint Francis gave his famous sermon to birds, recorded by Tommaso da Celano in his biography of the saint: “While friars gathered, Francis walked across the valley around Spoleto. Once he reached Bevagna, he saw numerous birds of every species come together: doves, crows and wheatears […] ‘Brother birds, you must always praise your Creator very much, for he gave you feathers to cover yourselves, wings to fly, and everything you ever may need…”