Bevagna Off The Beaten Path Tips by toonsarah

Cloister of San Domenico

The Cloister of San Domenico e del Beato Giacomo lies to the left of the church’s entrance as you look at it from the main street. It is now a hotel, Il Chiostro di Bevagna, but there is nothing to stop you entering for a look at this peaceful retreat and the rather damaged 14th century frescos it contains. I haven’t been able to track down any more information than this but I wanted to share the secret of this slightly hidden corner!

Watermill and wash houses

I couldn’t find out much about this watermill, located just outside the town walls near the Porta Todi, but it was clear from watching the activity here that the wheel is used to drive two massive bellows which in turn create the heat needed for the blacksmith who was working here when we passed. Near the mill are the remains of the old wash houses. Unlike the mill, no one was using these when we were there, but I have read that local women do sometimes do so, perhaps for the company and gossip, perhaps because they like to keep the old traditions alive or perhaps because it makes sense to them to use the freely available river water almost on their doorsteps.