Comune di Trevi
Trevi is a very ancient town whose name is of uncertain origin. It was mentioned by Pliny as TREBIAE, its name could refer to the goddess DIANA, called Trivia, or conceal an even more archaic meaning of Osco-Umbrian origin referring to a specific place.
The city is located on the extreme offshoot of Mount Serano, 425 meters above sea level and the shape of the town is unique and unmistakable, being conical and wrapped up, following the shape of the hill on which it stands, it has caused the amazement of travelers of the past, including Giacomo Leopardi.
Trevi was part of the Duchy of Spoleto, it became an independent Guelph commune in the 12th century and later came under the rule of Perugia. In 1214 it was destroyed by Duke Teopoldo of Spoleto. In 1469 one of the very first Mounts of Piety was founded here.
In 1470, the first Umbrian printing house was founded in Trevi, the fourth in Italy and the first printing company in the world. In 1784, Pope Pius VI restored Trevi to the title of city due to the nobility of its most illustrious families and the splendid noble palaces built within its walls.
Trevi is enclosed by intact Roman and medieval walls. Traces of its ancient pre-Roman origin are clearly visible in the territory. Pliny lists the Trebiates among the most ancient Umbrian populations. The first bishop was the Armenian Miliano, later Aemilianus, who was martyred in 304 under the Emperor Diocletian.
Strolling through the historic centre, you can discover the medieval town and learn about its history through its main squares, the architecture of its palaces, churches and paintings. From Villa Fabri, a splendid aristocratic residence with its gardens overlooking the Spoleto valley, to the small Clitunno Theatre to savour the fin de siècle atmosphere, from the San Francesco Museum Complex to the Cathedral of Sant’Emiliano, built in the 12th century. The Cathedral takes its name from Trevi’s patron saint, the same name by which the oldest Italian olive tree is also known: that of Sant’Emiliano, another true work of art of nature, which has been there, according to tradition, for 1700 years.