Center of Italy, 'centro del mondo'!

Steps from the mini-_piazza_ in the historic center of Benano, at the end of a short pedestrian way, lies your hideaway, Number 7, a small _terra-a-cielo_ with private entrance under a modest arch. The bells of Saints Peter and Paul three meters from your door seldom ring, and for most of the year no one except a lost sightseer wanders your way and finds the end of what there is to see in this corner of your private _borgo_. Locals and occasional holiday guests next door will not disturb you as you complete that creative masterpiece set in the Italian countryside or other imagined place.

However, Benano and Number 7 are no imaginary places but ideal for the unique guest or couple looking for simple country living. You can get away from the world or venture out. Fifteen minutes to Orvieto proper, less than that to the nearest bar, restaurant, shopping, and weekly outdoor markets in the neighboring villages, you can manage day trips farther afield. Rome and Florence by car or public transportation are each an hour-plus. If the seaside, lakes, or mountains call you, each is a half-day's excursion, or longer with stops along the way. Just outside your door are scenic walks in the fields, hills, and woods that are characteristic of Umbria, the "Green Heart of Italy."

Benano is set on the side of a large plain along the pope's way to France from Rome. No one needs permission these days to be on his road, and in Benano, once a metropolis of 300, there is no one to check your credentials. Few pass this way to reach France or Rome on foot or horse-drawn carriage. Along with about 25 year-round residents, you are at the corner of Tuscany and Lazio in the center of a world apart.

Benano 7 is a traditional village townhouse with one bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, and one and a half baths. Modestly furnished, you have everything you need for home cooked meals. Central heating, washer, dryer, and fireplace insert make life convenient and comfortable in this restored, rustic home. Make it yours for a time.

The owners of Benano 7 guarantee you will experience the rhythms of Italy and Italians without tourists or bustle, and you will treasure memories of peace and wonder. Whether you finish your masterpiece or complete your itinerary to see everything in Italy, it doesn't matter, because the Thursday fishmonger comes and Friday the grocery truck shows up calling all because you don't need to travel to get what you need, for there are Italian things to take care of. What is Italy for without the religious ritual here or eating and drinking?

Come for a short or long visit. You will be charmed and rewarded.