Rasiglia, the water village, reborn thanks to tourism

ll village of Rasiglia, a hamlet of Foligno, in Umbria, is considered a little jewel precisely because of its landscape, historical and natural uniquenessWhat makes this beautiful country unique is the fact that it is a  “village of waters” because water is not just a detail, but a continuous presence: springs, streams, small waterfalls and canals literally cross Rasiglia, creating an enchanted and much photographed atmosphere. Capovena spring, at the highest point, gives rise to these waterways that cross the streets and flow into the fishpond, a large, suggestive central basin.

The cobbled streets, the wooden bridges and the stone houses contribute to giving the village a intimate and old-fashioned atmosphere, perfect for a slow walk and for photography lovers.

But the main wealth of the village, which dates back to the 12th century, is the water with its streams. Thus for centuries the local population was able to live in excellent economic conditions, as the water, so abundant, powered mills and wool mills. A mix of high quality craftsmanship and real industry.

Then came the eclipse, like many Italian villages. Small woolen mills and small flour mills were no longer in fashion, costs became unsustainable, the village first impoverished and then depopulated under the pressure of mass emigration. Like many villages, which are trying to reborn in a thousand ways, including through bids on the market of houses for 1 euroIn Rasiglia there are little more than fifty inhabitants.

The path chosen by the small village to avoid disappearing was immediately very clear: to focus on  Enhance local heritage and avoid wasting it. The web acted as a catalyst, thanks in part to the frenetic activity of the Association. Rasiglia and its springs who opened a very well-designed and well-documented website. Word spread online that Rasiglia, with its streams that reach right up to the houses, is "the Venice of Umbria," and that was enough to attract crowds of tourists.

Meanwhile, the village is rebornA bar has finally reopened, a landmark in the area. Someone has decided to venture into the restaurant business. Connections and agreements have been forged with other jewel-like towns in the area, such as Montefalco, Bevagna, and Colfiorito, with the idea of ​​creating a art-inspired tourist circuit (the churches of Rasiglia are wonderful, starting from the small chapel dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul) and thefood and wine (The wine here is truly excellent.) And finally, we can say that beautiful Rasiglia is safe and has begun its second life, with around 12 people visiting it every weekend.

(The images are taken from the Facebook page of the association "Rasiglia and its sources")

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