Montone

A Medieval town in the green hills of the Valtiberina , with an astronomy observatory, that is among the most advanced in Italy. From the ancient entrances of Porta Borgo and Porta Verziere, one passes through mighty walls that encircle the historic centre that retains the seductive charm of unexplored areas. The traces of the past are engraved on the stones of ancient structures, among the houses and the churches that are rich in artistic treasures.

The scent of authenticity that spreads through the narrow lanes and the magic atmospheres hanging between past and present, ancient and modern, have legitimised the insertion of Montone into the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.  The area boasts the orange flag, a tourist-environmental quality award from the Touring Club Italia to places that stand out in excellence and quality of tourism.

Its history dates back to the 9th century and is linked to the events of Lord Fortebraccio. When in 1200 the family decided to surrender the inhabited centre to Perugia, by successfully overcoming the struggles for the conquest of the territory, the Fortebraccio family received the title of "noble Perugia” in return. Subsequently the village was incorporated into the domains of the papal state and finally under the Kingdom of Italy.

Today, the historic centre retains the appearance of a medieval centre wrapped in the greenery of the valley, between a mosaic of hills, cultivated fields and mountainous forests, from which silent springs and crystal clear water courses flow. In this ancient village traditions unchanged for centuries survive, such as wrought iron working, crochet and woodwork, in delightful craft workshops.

Sacred sites and valuable works of art lie in every corner. Like the church of the Madonna of Gratitude from the 16th century, located at the foot of the hill, the church of St. Gregory in Romanesque style, built in the 11th century, but containing stone Renaissance edifices and frescoes from the Umbrian school. At Porta del Monte one can admire the 13th-century Collegiate Church with frescoes and paintings by Vincenzo Chialli, as well as a canvas by Dionisys Calvaert and a reliquary guarding a thorn belonging, according to popular tradition, to the sacred crown of Christ.

The church of St. Francis (XIV century) in gothic style is, today, used as a municipal museum and art gallery. While the city's historic archive, considered one of the most important and complete in Umbria, is located inside the former convent of St. Catherine, built on the former fortress.

The village of Montone has never surrendered to the past. Among its lively streets, there is something wonderful to do at all times of the year: from the prestigious Umbria Film Festival, which transforms the historic centre into an open air cinema to the historic re-enactment of Donazione della Santa Spina, and the biennial review of the Mastri fabbri forgiatori (iron workers) the Festa del Bosco has street artists, jugglers and bands. On top of hill at Coloti, one can visit the astronomy observatory.