Il Convento: A Corciano Culinary Gem

 

Located in a beautiful 13th century Franciscan monastery next to the church of St. Francis of Assisi in Corciano, Il Convento is simply one of the best restaurants in Umbria. In 1223, San Francesco returning from the island stopped in Corciano, and in memory of his visit the construction of the church and monastery of San Francesco was started. Over 600 years later in 1839, Bishop Cittadini changed the convent into a summer residence for the Diocese of Perugia Seminary, and at the end of the 1950's, the property then passed to Luigi Battaglini, who with his wife Anna Bocci, transformed the convent into a restaurant. 

At 89, Anna Bocci continues to be the heart and soul of Il Convento, guardian of ancient recipes which with great passion she skilfully brings to life every day, with the help of her daughter Patricia and chef Gianluca. Serving simple but exceptional traditional Umbrian cuisine in the ancient barrel vaulted wine cellars of the former convent of San Francesco, we always look forward to dining at Il Convento each time we visit Umbria. With an inspired menu, exceptional wine list, absolutely delicious dishes and warm Umbrian hospitality, dining at Il Convento is always a soul satisfying delight.

The walled garden entrance to Il Convento

Il Convento is located in what were originally the ancient barrel vaulted wine cellars 

of the former 13th century convent

The outstanding menu of Il Convento with traditional Umbrian dishes and old recipes 

of owner and chef Anna Bocci

Valdo Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG 

has been produced since 1926 in the heart of Conegliano Valdobbiadene in the Vento

The perfect bubbley beginning to our lovely lunch

Woven basket with homemade bread

Beautiful orchids were set at each table

Selection of Umbrian cheeses with local honey and marmalade

Frittata al Tartufi Nero

Terre de Trinci Montefalco Sagrantino 

Rich, velvety, smooth, fragrant and well balanced,

a delicious Sagrantino

Tagliatelle al Sugo Antico

Costolette di agnello allo scottadito

Tagliata di manzo con rucola e pomodorini

Spinaci con olio e limone

Macchiato

Gated entrance to Il Convento in Corciano

Chiesa-Museo di San Francesco adjacent to Il Convento, 

was built in the late 13th century following a visit by Saint Francis of Assisi to the area

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunto is a 13th-century parish church within the historic walls 

of the medieval village of Corciano

The high altar features the masterpiece 'Assunzione della Vergine' 

by Pietro Vannucci, known as Il Perugino, in 1513

A rare and remarkable survival of a Renaissance masterpiece remaining in the exact sacred building and over the high altar for which it was originally commissioned over 500 years ago

One of my favourite Umbrian artists, I was thrilled to have found this Perugino 

in Corciano after a wonderful lunch at Il Convento

Steps down through Medieval Corciano

www.ilconvento-corciano.it