Stay at Agriturismo Carfagna Assisi
Agriturismo Carfagna Assisi owned by Sergio Carfagna is home to a stud known for breeding champion track horses. His prized trotters spend their days roaming the pastures at the foot of the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi. Sergio’s property is an agriturismo or farm stay and restaurant named after his family and is open to the public. Guests enjoy views of the surrounding hills, wandering the local trails and listening to the church bells ring each day.
The rooms themselves are basic, built into traditional stone villette, the idyllic location of Agriturismo Carfagna Assisi calls for more time spent outdoors than in. With a swimming pool for summer and the on site restaurant with wrap around windows to enjoy views of the basilica there is plenty to do on-site. The views at dinner time are even more striking when the church is lit up against the dark countryside.
Many visit Assisi as a pilgrimage, to explore the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint. Immersed in nature it’s easy to understand why Saint Francis was considered ‘patron saint of animals and the natural environment’, often depicted in paintings surrounded by birds. Throughout history it was even customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day the 4th of October.
This is of particular interest and importance when staying at Agriturismo Carfagna as one of the horses was dubbed a ‘miracle horse’ not only by local media but also by the parish priest himself. All of Sergio’s horses are ‘bay’ or dark brown in colour which is a characteristic of the breed. Until 2014 when a pure white albino foal was born with only its brown eyes giving any genetic resemblance to the sire and dam who conceived her. This being an extremely rare occurrence left local scientists baffled and residents from all around the area came to the agriturismo to get a glimpse of the Easter miracle.
Even if you aren’t religious, the horse named Via Lattea translating to ‘Milky Way’ is certainly a sight to be seen. The agriturismo and the medieval town of Assisi gives plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking and exploring the neighbouring villages. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the many gift stores for artisanal arts and crafts, do some wine tasting and indulge in the local cuisine.
