“A Castle on the Horizon” is an event now in its 12th edition (2024) created with the aim of raising awareness of the Borgo di Postignano and directing tourist flows to lesser-known locations in Umbria, for a better redistribution of the positive fall in tourism over the region. The event, held annually from April to November, features a well-rounded program, including book presentations, documentary screenings, temporary and permanent exhibitions of photography and contemporary art, 4 master classes (2 in drawing, 1 in piano, 1 in baroque cello and Italian instrumental music from the 17th to 18th centuries) and 10 concerts of classical and jazz music with artists from all over the world. Enriching the cultural offerings this year will be the first edition of the Postignano Music Festival to be held Oct. 1-6 conceived as a dialogue between all the arts where renowned artists and young talents, will take turns in performing pieces ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. The interest this initiative has aroused over the years has led several people to move to Castello di Postignano for some periods of the year, contributing to an important project to repopulate the village. The old houses have been completely renovated and are now apartments of the albergo diffuso or private homes, many of which are still available for sale. Stores selling antiques, handicrafts and local products, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool and spa, a library and the auditorium that hosts the event every year complete the offerings of this medieval village, saved from abandonment and decay thanks to a decades-long restoration project. A clear example of how it is possible to regenerate a community while respecting the environment, history and human relations.
The village of Postignano was founded in the 9th century by inhabitants who were mainly farmers and artisans. In the 17th century, it became an important commercial hub, a center of hemp and iron production, and a crossroads between Spoleto, Norcia, Foligno and Assisi. Castello di Postignano fell into neglect over the following centuries, until recovery began in 1994 with the purchase of all buildings and land. Work was interrupted in 1997 due to the earthquake, finally resuming in 2007 with the addition of a landscape and architectural constraint requested by the property and issued by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. Today, Postignano Castle is an extraordinary example of how a complex historical structure can be brought back to life, becoming an international model of heritage conservation combined with the application of modern technologies. Castello di Postignano offers a living experience immersed in beauty and in a community that values the environment, history, culture and human relationships. The hamlet includes private homes, a high-end Relais, a restaurant, a café, and stores selling antiques, crafts and local products. The church, which has been converted into an auditorium, hosts a season of concerts and events, while art galleries, a billiard room, a library, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness trail complete the offerings. All these facilities are open to residents and guests of the Relais, making Castello di Postignano a unique place where history, culture and modernity meet harmoniously.
