Montecastrilli: The Giant Benches Hills
Montecastrilli e Conca Ternana
Distance
35 km
Elevation
+450 m
Duration
Mezza giornata
Bike type
E-bike
Start point
Infopoint di Montecastrilli — Via Petrucci, 2
Distances and elevation are indicative — every experience is adapted to the level and characteristics of your group.
The experience
There are places that catch you off guard. Montecastrilli is one of them. Soft rolling hills between Terni and the Tiber, quiet medieval villages, vineyards and centuries-old oaks. And then them: the giant benches. Six out-of-scale installations — part of the Big Bench Community Project born in the Langhe by designer Chris Bangle — scattered across the town and its hamlets. The world's first Big Bench Route. Riding your ebike across the hills of Montecastrilli, you stop where the view deserves it, sit down (big-time), and look at Umbria from a perspective no guidebook will give you. Each bench sits in a different spot, with a different colour and a different landscape. Your guide picks the stops best suited to you.
What you'll visit
Big Bench 341 — Montecastrilli
Montecastrilli
Giant Bench No. 341 of the Big Bench Community Project, set above the town of Montecastrilli overlooking what was once the Tiberino Lake, with a view of the castle destroyed by the condottiero John Hawkwood. One of the most panoramic on the entire loop.
Big Bench 344 — Quadrelli
Quadrelli
Giant Bench No. 344 near the medieval castle of Quadrelli. An easy stop (11 km from Montecastrilli) with minimal elevation gain, set among the vineyards and olive groves of the Terni basin. Open view over the surrounding hills.
Big Bench 346 — Farnetta
Farnetta
Giant Bench No. 346 set in the rural landscape of Farnetta, reachable through the atmospheric Frainetto Wood. First stop on the Big Bench Route loop, 9 km from the Montecastrilli information point. Views over the hills and Farnetta castle.
Big Bench 342 — Collesecco
Collesecco
Giant Bench No. 342 at Collesecco, reachable through Casteltodino across open countryside and ancient castles. Stop on the Quadrelli–Collesecco segment (9 km), with lovely views over the hills towards the Tiber.
Big Bench 343 — Castel dell'Aquila
Castel dell'Aquila
Giant Bench No. 343 on the edge of the ancient Via Amerina, today the Way of Light. Reached from Farnetta along 21 km of countryside and woodland. The setting evokes the most authentic, off-the-beaten-track Umbria.
Big Bench 345 — Casteltodino
Casteltodino
Giant Bench No. 345 in the medieval village of Casteltodino, the last stop on the loop before returning to Montecastrilli. A hilltop village overlooking the Tiber valley. The bench closes the circuit of the town's six Big Benches.
How do you want to live it?
Essential
A guided experience through Umbrian trails and panoramas. The guide accompanies you, you just think about pedaling.
Explorer
Expert guide, stops in historic villages and stories of the land. A slow and authentic journey.
Signature
Full day, dedicated technical support, water and snacks with local km 0 products.