Fossato di Vico is a town and comune of Umbria in the province of Perugia in Italy, at 581 m above sea‑level on the middle slopes of Mount Mutali.
It lies just off the SS 3 highway, between Gualdo Tadino (7 km to the south), Sigillo (6 km north);Fabriano (15 km east) and Gubbio (20 km west).
History
Fossato di Vico is of medieval origin, with its foundation traced to the year 980. It was founded by Lupo, known as Vico, son of Monaldo, count of Nocera. In 996 the emperor Otto III created Vico count of Fossato, and his lineage held control until 1190.
In 1208 the fortress and settlement passed to Perugia through a donation made by Bulgarello Bulgarelli. The people of Gubbio acquired it in 1251, but it returned to Perugia seven years later.
In 1386 statutes were granted to the settlement, which was established as a rural community under the municipality of Perugia. It was included in the Porta Sole district and administered through a vicariate office appointed jointly by the authorities of Perugia and local representatives.
In 1442 Fossato was attacked by Francesco Sforza, who was unable to capture it due to the strong resistance of its inhabitants. In 1500 it was sacked by Cesare Borgia while passing through the area during his campaign in Romagna.
In 2021, 155 people lived in rural dispersed dwellings not assigned to any named locality.
San Benedetto
The church of San Benedetto, located just outside the walls, originated as a Benedictine abbey in the 13th century. The building preserves its medieval architectural character, with two pointed portals and a trilobed single-light window. An inscription in Roman numerals on stone records the date 1337.
Notable people
Fermo Gherardi, born in Fossato, was made a cardinal in 1620 by Pope Paul V.