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Borgo Antichi Orti has deep roots in the monastic and agricultural history of Umbria. The complex was built around 1444, when Benedictine monks founded a small monastery 'extra moenia' - outside the city walls - at the foot of Assisi.
The place quickly became a centre of hospitality and study, where the monks, in addition to religious life, dedicated themselves to the cultivation of medicinal herbs and the preparation of curative remedies, following the ancient knowledge of herbal science.
The Borgo area was characterised by terraced vegetable gardens, carefully cultivated by sharecroppers to ensure the monks and the local community's livelihood.
These gardens, called Hortuli, were organised according to the principles of medieval botany and divided into quadrants, according to the symbolism of the four natural elements: earth, water, air and fire. Each plant was selected and cultivated for its beneficial properties, with a holistic approach to health and well-being.
In addition to its agricultural and therapeutic function, the monastery became a place of passage and refuge for pilgrims and travellers on their way to the Basilica of St Francis, thus reinforcing its role as a centre of hospitality and spirituality.
Over the centuries, the Borgo maintained its historical identity, traversing the transformations of society and preserving the charm of the past.
Its modern revival is based on a deep respect for this heritage, combining tradition and innovation. Today, Borgo Antichi Orti continues the mission of its ancient inhabitants, offering a place where history, nature and well-being coexist harmoniously, evoking the authentic spirit of medieval monastic life.
The gastronomic proposal, an authentic expression of Umbrian cuisine, is distinguished by the quality and seasonality of the ingredients, most of which come from the Hortuli, offering a culinary experience that exalts the flavours of the territory.
