From medieval origins to a contemporary relais, the event “Soste di Pietra” celebrated the roots and evolution of one of Umbria’s most fascinating historic residences.
Centuries of hospitality, culture, and timeless charm for Locanda Palazzone, the historic mansion nestled in the Orvieto countryside, which this year marked the 20th anniversary of its opening to the public. Its story dates back to the 14th century, when Cardinal Teodorico di Ranieri founded it on the occasion of the first Jubilee: the Locanda was originally established as an hospitalis—a refuge for travelers and pilgrims on their way to Rome—and still preserves the architectural features typical of late 13th-century Orvieto palaces. A past deeply rooted in the culture of hospitality, still alive within its ancient walls, has made Locanda Palazzone one of the finest examples of authentic rural hospitality.
The celebratory gathering “Soste di Pietra – Il Palazzone sui cammini della storia”, hosted at Palazzo Coelli (Orvieto) under the patronage of Fondazione CRO, ISAO Istituto Storico Artistico Orvieto, Slow Food Umbria, and the Municipality of Orvieto, offered a true journey through time across the centuries of the building’s history. From medieval architecture to the stories of pilgrims and the peasant culinary tradition, the event unfolded as a collective narrative through the contributions of scholars, academics, and long-time friends of the Locanda.
“This anniversary was for us a moment of deep reflection,” said Cristina and Giovanni Dubini, owners of Locanda Palazzone, “in which we wanted to reaffirm that true hospitality is rooted in respect for the land and its rural culture. We were deeply impressed by the great number of participants and the richness of the connections created, spanning from medieval architecture to the history and food of pilgrims. In this spirit, the Minestra del Pellegrino, which will become part of our menu, represents a symbolic thread that renews, in the present, the rural soul of this land.”
One of the most precious moments of the event was the presentation of the Minestra del Pellegrino, a simple and genuine recipe taken from the Registrum Coquine (15th century) by Johannes Bokenheim, cook at the court of Pope Martin V, which brought back to the table the flavors of medieval travelers, evoking the rural essence that has always defined this land. The meeting concluded with the screening of “Tra vigne e cammini”, a video story retracing the history of the residence—from its restoration works to its opening to the public—conveying the true essence of Locanda Palazzone: a tangible bridge between past and present, where history, nature, and the art of hospitality coexist in perfect harmony.
