The Town of Todi

The charm of this medieval hilltop town extends beyond its ancient walls. Todi overlooks the picturesque Tiber Valley. The rolling Umbrian hills dotted with olive groves, cedars and sleepy local farms can be viewed from many vantage points throughout the town.

Locals and visitors alike mingle in the main square, Piazza del Popolo – a great place to relax with a cappuccino and do some people watching. On the piazza can be found the 13th century duomo, as well as 3 magnificent palazzi (palaces) dating from the same period. Housed in the Palazzo del Popolo is an interesting museum with a good collection of Etruscan and Roman artifacts from the area. A short walk from the piazza is the Temple of San Fortunato with the famous Madonna and Child (1432). A climb up the Temple’s magnificent bell tower provides an unforgettable panorama of the town and surrounding countryside.

Founded by the Umbrians at least 3,000 years ago, Todi was conquered by the Etruscans and then fell to the Romans. The town was later influenced by the Goths, Lombards and, Byzantines. In 800 AD papal rule took over but by 1100 Todi became an independent town fighting for control of the Tiber Valley for the next 350 years. Eventually Todi lost independence to the Papal State until 1860 when the North and South of Italy were finally united.

During this turbulent history, three sets of walls were built to fortify the town. The original walls were Etruscan made of travertine stone; the second walls were Roman, larger and expanding the town limits. Only a few fragments of the original two walls can be seen today. The third walls were completed in 1244 and these walls remain intact.

Today, a small town of 17,000 inhabitants, they are proud of their history and wish to preserve the town monuments and the natural beauty of the countryside as a tribute to past and future generations.

A stroll through the streets of Todi, with its quaint shops, cafes and local restaurants offers all the best of Umbria – past and present.