Home page| Henry James described Umbria as
the most beautiful garden in the world.-Lord Byron was equally captivated
by its beauty, describing the falls at Marmore-- quote –“It
comes like an eternity, as if to sweep down all things in its track----Charming
the eye with dread—a matchless cataract—Horribly beautiful.” With it’s incredible history, going back going to the Etruscan period and the papal wars followed by the renaissance, each little town was designed for survival with narrow streets, defence towers food storage, huge entrance gates and protective battlements. Todi is recognised as one of the most beautiful examples of small towns in Italy, and you may wish to look no further. However here is some information covering the questions most frequently asked by visitors: The very large cities of Rome, Florence and Siena are within reach, but best taken in on your way from the airports at Rome or Pisa—see map for distances.-- Train or bus services are recommended for a day trip. Assisi—(Saint Francis and Giotto)—Perugia--- (University town--beautiful pedestrianised town centre for shopping –Jazz festival Sept) and Spoleto—(Internationally known for it’s festival of art & music--late June & July)-- all are within easy reach. Some of the smaller towns you won’t have heard of are:- Bevagna,-- (selected for filming Romeo and Juliet in the 80’s).—Montefalco—(Beautiful walled town famous museum)—Montecastello di Vibio near Todi (small town on a hill claims to have the smallest theatre in the world).--- Tuoro, on the border of Lake Trasimeno—( Scene of the battle of Tuoro. 200 B.C. when Hannibal of Carthage defeated a Roman army of 15000 which was ambushed and driven into the lake. (Beautiful museum and Town centre). Alviano overlooking Lake Alviano—Visit the castle built as a residence for an Italian military adviser and later converted into a museum featuring army memorabile and the historic battles of Umbria. Arezzo.-- An old town a bit spoilt by new build as you approach but a visit is highly recommended for art lovers to see the frescoes of Piero della Francesca which adorn the walls of the Cathedral. More information about the above from your guide books, or wait till you get here and refer to the hand-book provided by the owners.--- This hand-book also gives recommendations for :- local shopping & opening hours – best of several supermarkets outside the centre of Todi -- shopping outlets in Umbria for ladies fashion, Italian shoes etc., -- vineyards which are open to the public and finally restaurants far and near. |
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The Gardens Location Map Floor plans Photo gallery Floor plans Photo gallery Floor plans Photo gallery London Times Activities Places to visit Events Services Guest Comments Prices and Travel Bookings & Availability Alviano
(pop. about 5000 )
These photograps showing the interior of the museum at Alviano Castle give a good example which is typical of what these small towns in Umbria, away from crowds of tourists have to offer.
These photograps showing the interior of the museum at Alviano Castle give a good example which is typical of what these small towns in Umbria, away from crowds of tourists have to offer.