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Umbria, Perugia, Todi
Once described as the world's most liveable city, Todi is a picturesque medieval hill town in southern Umbria. Surrounded by medieval, Roman and Etruscan walls, it features fabulous lookouts, lovely gardens, a large central piazza and adorable medieval lane ways with interesting shops and food store. The central piazza, originally a Roman forum, has several beautiful medieval buildings.
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During summer the town has a lively cultural program. In July, there is the Todi Art Festival featuring exhibits, drama, opera, classical and ethnic music performances. Also in July is an international balooning competition with 50 hot air balloons from Europe and the USA. Carnevalandia is a big carnival festival usually held in February. Theater is held in the Teatro Comunale from November through April and there's ice skating in the main square from mid-November through mid-January.
Todi Attractions:
Piazza del Popolo, ("Peoples square), is the central square built over Roman cisterns and once the site of a Roman forum. In the square there is the cathedral and three public buildings from the 13th century. The Palazzo del Popolo is one of Italy's oldest public buildings but was restored in the C19th and Palazzo dei Prioi has an unusual trapezoid shaped bell tower. A smaller adjacent piazza has a panoramic balcony with wonderful views over the Umbrian countryside.
Palazzo del Capitano, next to Palazzo del Popolo, is a grand building with elaborate windows built over a portico. It houses the Etruscan-Roman Museum and the Pinacoteca, art museum. The museums are closed on Mondays.
The Duomo, begun in the 12th century, was built over a Roman temple. It has an outstanding central rose window. Inside are a 14th century altarpiece, frescoes, and inlaid wood choir stalls. Behind the Duomo is a Roman house with a mosaic floor. Beyond the duomo, near the Convento delle Lucrezia, is a great view spot. You'll also see remains of Roman and pre-Roman walls here.
Tempio di San Fortunato, on piazza Umberto, was built in 1292 on the site of an older church. The exterior has a Gothic doorway and is decorated with sculptures and inside are 13th-14th century frescoes and magnificent inlaid wooden choir stalls. Next to the church are gardens and a path leading past the castle ruins and good view spots down to Santa Maria della Consolazione.
Santa Maria della Consolazione is below the town, near the edge of the 13th century walls. It's a large 16th century church with four apses and a beautiful dome and is one of central Italy's best Renaissance churches.
Santa Maria in Camuccia was erected in the 7th-8th centuries and restored in the 13th century. It's in the area between the two Roman perimeter walls. Underneath the church is an archaeological excavation.
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