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Mediaeval Todi

These walled towns have long been rivals and many a bloody battle was fought between their citizens in the 13th century.

The Piazza del Popolo in Todi is magnificent and is considered by some to be the most perfect square in Italy. It has beautiful civic buildings that house the Commune offices and a museum that is well worth a visit as it has Etruscan artifacts amongst others.

There are beautiful churches to be explored from the Chiesa San Fortunato that was built to rival Orvieto's cathedral, but was never finished. Its external simplicity is beautiful for its contrasts with the richness of Orvieto's cathedral.

The story goes that the architect was blinded by the people of Orvieto, so the church would not be finished and therefore not rival Orvieto's Duomo. The spire of Chiesa San Fortunato forms the spire on Todi's skyline and it is worth climbing to see the view of the town and valley.

For a contrast the dungeons of city can also be explored. The Duomo, and the Chiesa,Santa Maria della Consolazione.also need exploring The circular church of Santa Maria della Consolazione built in the form of a greek cross stands on the hillside to the east of the city is an imposing site. Built in the sixteenth century, the architect is unknown., though it is attributed to Bramante as being the most likely. The only Pope from Todi is depicted in a wooden statue as you enter from the east.

San Jacopone studied law and led a luxurious life until his wife died, when he relinquished all and became a Franciscan monk. As a monk and while doing penance he wrote much of the poetry for which he is famous, for example Woman of Paradise and Stabat Mater. His statue stands at the bottom of the staircase up to San Fortunato.