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 At the beginning of the 18th century a Roman family, related to the great architect Lorenzo Bernini, moved to Bevagna where they bought and renovated a large property which became their residence. It was made up of an elegant 17th-century palace overlooking the remains of a Roman Temple and Theatre (I century A.D.) on which people had built small houses in the 14th century and a famous local family had erected their mansion in the 16th. The man in charge of the restoration left the mark of his genius in the work. He didn't either try to blend in the identities of the different parts or blot some out. He felt that what was in front of him was a body to bring back to life and to do so he gave it a heart. |
 His simple but bright idea was to build an incredible hanging garden amid the age-old stones. Once given a heart, the different parts combined to make a whole. That was in the year 1710. From then on, except for some repair work, everything has remained unchanged and the different "antiquities" stand out against unique architectural structures. The descendants of Counts Angeli Nieri Mongalli (who bought the property in 1788) welcome guests to their historical dwelling which is called "L'Orto degli Angeli" (the Garden of Angels) just because of that hanging garden which, for three centuries, has breathed life into a body made up of so different parts. The Regional Government of Umbria has given "L'Orto degli Angeli" the "Historic House Hotel" award for its great architectural value, high quality furnishing and welcoming atmosphere. |
 L'Orto degli Angeli is not simply a hotel, it is a very ancient family home having a warm homely atmosphere, according to the high standards of the Association "Abitare la Storia". The owners enjoy sharing their mansion with their guests and invite them to experience the way of life of a great Umbrian family surrounded by the beauty of an enchanting place. The main gate into Bevagna (Porta Foligno) leads to the main street of the town (Corso Matteotti) which follows the path of the ancient "Via Flaminia". After about 100 metres on the right there is a charming little square with Palazzo Andreozzi on one side, where the main entrance to "L'Orto degli Angeli" is, and on the other side Palazzo Alberti, with the wonderful 15th-century loggia. Between the two buildings a peculiar hanging path connects the wistaria-laden terrace to the precious garden. |
 A grand staircase, with a wooden statue of S. Lorenzo dating back to the 14th century, leads you into the frescoed drawing room of Palazzo Andreozzi, a place where our guests can meet and, especially in winter, sit beside the large stone fireplace. You can go up the stairs to the first floor rooms named after the Angels; or go from the drawing room to the chapel where the Angeli Nieri Mongalli used to say their prayers in front of the 18th-century altar. At Christmas time, in accordance with the family tradition, it is possible to admire a precious wooden crib with a beautiful backdrop painted by Luigi Frappi. |
 Further on the welcoming atmosphere of the dining room with its 18th-century cherry-wood table: the room is hung with ancient family paintings (one of them is the portrait of Pope Leone XII, one of the family ancestors), pictures of other members of the family, including Countess Laura with her three sons and the present owners Francesco and Tiziana with their little daughter Laura, dressed in medieval costumes during the "Mercato delle Gaite". Walking past the old kitchen you leave Palazzo Andreozzi and cross the terrace overlooking the small square to fall under the spell of the beautiful hanging garden enhanced by the imposing 16th-century loggia of Palazzo Alberti. The palace is named after the noble family already living in Bevagna in the early 13th century. One of the most important figures of this family was the Blessed Giacomo Bianconi, a charismatic thaumaturge, whose holiness and wisdom contributed to the moral and material rebirth of Bevagna after it was destroyed by the army of Frederick II. |
 We trust his moral force still lingers over the place and may serve as an example for us. Walking along the elegant loggia you can go from the garden into the great hall of Palazzo Alberti with a fireplace, reading room, recreation room and tearoom and to the picturesque medieval "casette" (small houses) built on the Roman remains (theatre, aqueduct) with a view of the countryside, the old town and the Roman baths. The Angeli Nieri Mongalli family are at present devoting attention to the Roman remains included within the property, in particular the two ambulatories of the Roman theatre dating back to I century A.D.: together with the Monuments and Fine Arts Office they are planning to excavate and restore this area where the new restaurant of the Residence will be located. Thanks to this project the motto "living in history" will become a concrete reality. |
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