Bevagna

Infobox CityIT
img_coa =Bevagna-Stemma.png

image_caption=Historical image of a fountain in Bevagna.
official_name = Comune di Bevagna
region = Umbria
province = Perugia (PG)
elevation_m = 210
area_total_km2 = 56
mapx=42.99
mapy=12.64
name=Bevagna
population_as_of = December 31, 2004
population_total = 5013
population_density_km2 = 86
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|42|56|N|12|37|E
frazioni = Capro, Gaglioli, Cantalupo, Castelbuono, Limigiano , Torre del Colle
telephone = 0742
postalcode = 061031
gentilic = Bevanati
saint = St. Vincent
day = june 6
mayor = Enrico Bastioli (since 2006-05-29, second mandate)
website = [http://www.comune.bevagna.pg.it www.comune.bevagna.pg.it]
commons|Bevagna

Bevagna is a town and comune in the central part of the Italian province of Perugia, (Umbria), in the flood plain of the Topino river.

Bevagna is 25 km (15 mi) SE of Perugia, 8 km west of Foligno, 7 km north-north-west of Montefalco, 16 km south of Assisi and 15 km (9 mi) north-west of Trevi. __NOTOC__It has a population of c. 5,000, with the town of Bevagna proper accounting for about half of that.

History

The city was originally an Etruscan-Oscan settlement. Around 80-90 BC it became a Roman "municipium", called "Mevania". In the 3rd-4th centuries AD it was probably an episcopal see and, after the Lombard conquest, the seat of gastald in the Duchy of Spoleto.

After the year 1000 it was a free commune. In 1152 Frederick Barbarossa set it on fire. In 1249 it was again destroyed by the Count of Aquino. In 1371-1439 it was ruled by the Trinci family. Later it was part of the Papal States until the unification of Italy.

Main sights

*"Palazzo dei Consoli", known from 1187, with Teatro F. Torti (1886)
*Romanesque church of "S. Michele Arcangelo" (12th-13th centuries)
*Romanesque church of "S. Silvestro" (1195).
*Church of "Sant'Agostino" (1316).
*Church of "San Nicolò".
*Church of "Santa Maria in Laurenzia", built in the 13th century and later enlarged.
*Church of "San Vincenzo" (known from the 12th century).
*The medieval walls.
*Ruins of a Roman Temple.
*Ruins of a Roman Theater.
*Roman Therme with mosaics of marine life.
*Castle of Cantalupo.
*Castle of Castelbuono.
*Church of Limigiano.
*Castle of Torre del Colle.

Culture

Main events held in Bevagna include:
*"Primavera medievale" (April): exposition of local culinaric and artistical products held by the Associatione Mercato delle Gaitte.
*"Arte in Tavola" (end of April): Spring festival with exhibitions by local artists, concerts, exhibitions of local products and dishes with degustation.
*"Mercato delle Gaite" (June): big summer festival with medieval banquettes, processions, challenges between the four "gaite" (quarters) and taverns.

The four "Gaite" of Bevagna are San Giorgio, San Giovanni, San Pietro and Santa Maria.

External links

* [http://www.comune.bevagna.pg.it/ Official website]
* [http://web.genie.it/utenti/p/proloco.bevagna/ Pro Loco Bevagna]
* [http://www.bevagna.net/ Bevagna.Net]
* [http://www.ilmercatodellegaite.it/html/index.php Mercato del Gaite] - all about the festivals (in Italian)