The Story of Le Palazze:
From Medieval Church to Adagio Umbro

Along the ancient Via Flaminia, just beyond the city of Spoleto, lies Sustrico—a quiet rural locality with a rich and layered past. First recorded in 1296 in Spoleto’s municipal statutes, Sustrico was officially recognized as a “villa,” with local residents required to appoint their own bailiff and fiscal officer. These records reveal not only Sustrico’s medieval significance but also the enduring legacy of its civic and spiritual life.

At the heart of Sustrico stands Le Palazze, a centuries-old estate whose twin towers hint at a defensive origin. One of them, now a dovecote, may once have been a watchtower, positioned strategically with views toward Terni. But it is not the towers alone that reveal the past—it’s the building’s sacred core. The current home of Adagio Umbro was once the church of San Nicolò “de Publica,” as documented in the 14th-century Codice Pelosius. The name “de Publica” reflected the original church entrance, which opened directly onto the public road—an entrance still visible today, though long since sealed.

Though heavily restructured over the centuries, the former church still carries traces of its spiritual heritage. According to historian Carlo Pietrangeli, its facade once faced the Via Flaminia, with its corners built from Roman funerary stones—one bearing the inscription “Q. XV.” Inside stood a painting of Saint Nicholas, framed with the Leti family crest, and a medieval holy water font. A small bell tower crowned the roof, its bell inscribed: “IN HONOREM S. NICOLAI EPI. ET CONFESS. A. D. 1664.” Today, only fragments remain, but the soul of the space endures, now transformed into a home of hospitality and memory.

The land was never fortified, but always valuable. In the 1500s, it passed to the noble Leti family of Spoleto, whose presence shaped the local landscape. Nicola Leti, a bishop and reformer, and his nephew Gregorio Leti, a prolific historian, left their mark on Italian intellectual life. Their estate in Sustrico remained in the family until the early 1800s, when—after periods of change—it was acquired by the Antonelli family in 1851.

The Antonelli family honored the estate’s rural roots and, in a gesture of quiet reverence, dedicated the former church as their family memorial space—extending its sacred role with dignity and care. A local record from 1859 described the area as a parish of just 64 souls, spread across eight homes—remote, self-sufficient, and deeply rooted in tradition. Through this period, the estate supported vineyards, olive groves, granaries, and threshing floors—hallmarks of Umbrian rural life.

By the early 1900s, Le Palazze had become a communal baking site. Families from surrounding homes, most without ovens of their own, would bring their bread dough to bake in the estate’s large timber oven—a structure that still survives today as a symbol of nourishment and community.

After World War II, the main building served briefly as a rural school. In the 1980s, the estate was purchased and lovingly restored by Italian footballer Stefano Tacconi. In 1996, he passed the torch to new caretakers who continue to steward the land with a blend of reverence and vision.

Today, the estate is divided into two residences. One of them is Adagio Umbro — a home that embraces its sacred past while offering visitors a peaceful connection to Umbrian heritage. Locals still believe that land once blessed carries protection and good fortune. Here, that belief isn’t just folklore—it’s a living promise, felt in every brick, every oak tree, and every quiet sunrise.

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Why Visit Adagio Umbro Today?

Adagio Umbro isn’t a hotel or retreat—yet. Today, it offers guests the rare chance to enjoy a scenic tennis court and picnic area, surrounded by centuries of history and nature, while the property is lovingly restored into a future B&B.

Adagio Umbro: A Base to Explore Umbria

Located just minutes from the heart of Spoleto, and within easy reach of Montefalco, Trevi, and Todi, Adagio Umbro offers both rural calm and cultural access. Whether you’re in search of wine trails, Roman ruins, medieval towns, or panoramic hikes, our eastate provides the perfect balance—secluded yet central, rooted yet connected.

Preserving the Past with Purpose

At Adagio Umbro, we are more than caretakers of a house—we are stewards of history. Every restoration decision, from salvaging ancient beams to respecting the original tower line, is made with care. This is not a place that was rebuilt in haste. It is a place rebuilt with soul, memory, and intention.

A Place in Progress, Rooted in Soul

Adagio Umbro currently offers select tennis and picnic experiences, as we continue the careful transformation of this sacred space into a future B&B. Using only sustainable, high-quality materials, we are creating a place not just to sleep—but to feel, to connect, and to belong. We’re not building fast. We’re building forever.

How to Reach Adagio Umbro in Sustrico, Spoleto

Adagio Umbro is located in Località Sustrico, accessible via a small country road off the Via Flaminia, crossing two modest bridges. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Spoletan countryside and marked by twin towers, Roman stones, and a tranquil spirit, the estate is easy to reach—but impossible to forget.

Want to see more behind-the-scenes moments, renovation updates, and countryside inspiration? Join us on social media to follow our journey in real-time. You’ll find the links just below, in the right-hand corner of the page.

✨ Imagine waking up where centuries of Umbrian history meet quiet landscapes and soft morning light. At Adagio Umbro — a women-only retreat in the hills of Spoleto — ancient stone walls, oak trees, and peaceful views create a stay rooted in heritage and calm. If you’re looking for a place to rest, reflect, and reconnect with nature, this is where your journey begins. Book your room at Adagio Umbro →

Want to explore more historical sites in Umbria? Visit the official tourism portal at UmbriaTourism.it .