Ceselli

42°41′06″N 12°49′03″E / 42.68499°N 12.81757°E / 42.68499; 12.81757

Ceselli is a frazione of the municipality of Scheggino in the Province of Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Located at an elevation of 317 metres (1,040 ft) above sea level, it had a population of 116 inhabitants as of 31 December 2021.^{[1][note 1]}

Formerly an independent municipality, Ceselli was suppressed in 1875 and incorporated into Scheggino.^[2]

Ceselli was built between the 13th and 14th centuries on the right bank of the Nera River. It preserves its medieval layout, with a central ramp between two gates and streets leading toward the former defensive walls. An earlier settlement stood on the hill above. In the Middle Ages, Ceselli lay at the junction of important local routes, including a crossing of the Nera at Osteria di Ceselli, a significant transit point.^[3]

In 1831, the Bishop of Spoleto, Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti (later Pope Pius IX) passed through the Osteria while fleeing unrest in Spoleto and was escorted overnight toward Leonessa.^[3]

Ceselli remained under the Duchy of Spoleto and was merged with Scheggino in 1875. The municipal coat of arms depicts Saint Michael the Archangel slaying the dragon.^[3]

Ceselli is located in Umbria, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) northeast of Spoleto, with which it is connected by a municipal road. The settlement lies on the left bank of the Nera River, which crosses the territory from east to west. Two additional streams flow from south to north, joining the Nera, one upstream of Ceselli and the other near San Valentino.^[4]

The territory extends partly over hills and partly across flat land and covers an area of 955 hectares (2,360 acres).^[4]

The municipal territory historically included the hamlets of Colle Fabbri, Pentulla, San Valentino, and Schioppo.^[4]

In 1858, Ceselli had a population of 272 inhabitants. According to the 1862 census, the population had increased to 300 residents (158 males and 142 females). In 1863, only three residents were registered as political electors.^[4]

In the mid-19th century, the local economy was primarily agricultural. The main products were wheat, maize, hemp, and wine.^[4]

The main church, dedicated to Saint Michael, stands at the top of the village. Built in the 14th century, it incorporates a former defensive tower as its apse, later converted into a bell tower. The structure was modified over time and now has a single nave with an external staircase.^[3]

The interior preserves frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries, a 1664 painting of Saint Vitus, frescoes of the Crucifixion and saints dated 1603 and depictions of the Madonna and Child from 1525. Traces of 16th-century frescoes also survive in the sacristy.^[3]