Todi - Italian comune

Todi is a small hilltown (pop. ~17,000) in Umbria. It overlooks the east bank of the river Tiber, and is both impressive from a distance and has impressive views from its centre. Both the town centre and the outskirts have fascinating buildings. As a town it began to boom after becoming a free commune in the 1200s and many of its interesting buildings date from that time.

Get in

Todi can be reached by car from Rome by taking the Autostrada in the direction of Florence and leaving it at Orte. Follow the E45 highway in the direction of Perugia and Todi is unmissable on the left of the road. By train, arriving from the north take the Ferrovia Centrale Umbra from Perugia. Coming from Rome you take the line Roma-Orte-Terni, then the Ferrovia Centrale Umbra for Todi. Taxis can be obtained at or summoned to the station.

See

• Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square), 42.78223°, 12.40650°. contains most of the major sights. It was built on top of Roman cisterns, many of which remained in use until the 1920s. 2016-01-30
• Cathedral, 42.78298°, 12.40604°. It is an impressive Gothic building said to be erected over an ancient Roman temple. The current church was rebuilt after a fire in 1190. The main feature of the façade is the great rose-window, which was added in the 16th century. The church follows the plan of the Latin cross, with a nave and two aisles. There is a giant fresco depicting the Universal Judgment by Ferraù Faenzone. The choir includes the Gothic altar and a wooden choir-enclosure with two floors. 2016-01-30
• Palazzo del Popolo (Communal Palace). It was already existing in 1213 and is one of the most ancient communal palaces in Italy. It houses the city's Art Gallery. 2016-01-30
• Palazzo del Capitano. It was built around 1293 and named "New Communal Palace" to differentiate it from the first one. 2016-01-30
• Palazzo dei Priori, 42.78170°, 12.40677°. On the southern side of the Piazza, facing the Cathedral. It was begun in 1293. 2016-01-30
• Palazzo Vescovile. To the left of the Cathedral, this Bishop's Palace was built in 1593. 2016-01-30

Away from Piazza del Popolo are to be found:

• Church of San Fortunato, 42.78014°, 12.40597°. It was begun in 1292 but work was interrupted by the plague of 1348 and the façade has never been completed. It has some interesting artwork. Piazza del Popolo is constructed on one of the two crests of Todi’s hill: San Fortunato on the other. 2016-01-30
• Santa Maria della Consolazione. It is considered to be the most impressive of Todi’s churches. It is to be found just outside the city walls. The altar houses an image of the Madonna, which, according to the tradition, was discovered by a worker during the early construction.From the nearby Monastero delle Lucrezie you have a nice view of the town. 2016-01-30

Do

• The Todi Arts Festival takes place in September. You will need to be an Italian speaker to enjoy this. (dead link: August 2018)
• The International Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix takes place in July. Out of competition, the balloons offer rides for around €70 a person.

Buy

Eat

• La Scalette Great Italian food with reasonable prices.

Drink

Sleep

Mid-range

• Villa Luisa. 3-star hotel, 1500 m from the centre. €70-150 for a double. ]
• Hotel Tvder. Fairly close to the town centre, with good views.

Splurge

• Tenuta di Canonica. On a hill overlooking Todi. Eleven rooms built into a structure that goes back to Roman times. From €150 {http://www.tenutadicanonica.com/eng/tenuta.php (dead link: October 2017)]

Go next

• Smallest theatre in the world. This is the claim of the 200-year-old Teatro della Concordia at Monte Castello di Vibio, 10 km north of Todi. It can be visited Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 10:00 and 12:30 and 16:00 to 18:30.
• Between Perugia and Todi you can find Marsciano.