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Guided Tour of Montefalco
Among vineyards and olive groves around Montefalco, called the ‘Balcony of Umbria’ (Ringhiera d’Umbria). Enjoy magnificent landscapes and millenary traditions
Discover the village of Montefalco, the heartland of the precious Sagrantino (the name of the grape and the wine) and appreciate its wonders. Here you can enjoy breath-taking views over much of the Umbria region, thanks to the elevated position on which the village is perched. Our guides will accompany you during this journey to discover the village and all its historical, artistic and landscape attractions.
We will begin the guided tour of Montefalco by going through Porta di Sant’Agostino, the main entrance point to the village. You’ll feel a sort of fairy-tale enchantment as you take in the majestic crenelated tower, the clock on the tower wall and the remains of a 15th-century fresco under the archway of the door. We will then explore the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, the remains of the frescoes and its ribbed vault. Pressing on into the centre of the village, we’ll get to Piazza del Comune, the hub of the Montefalco community’s life for centuries. The majestic Palazzo Comunale has an elegant portico with arcades. Take a close look at the Chiesa Museo di San Francesco and the stunning cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli inside; you’ll be fascinated to follow the twenty episodes of the Vita di San Francesco (Life of Saint Francis) painted and narrated with exquisite artistic skill in twelve scenes by the pupil of Beato Angelico.
You’ll also see Porta di San Bartolomeo also known as Porta di Federico II in honour of the Swabian emperor who stopped in Montefalco during one of his trips.
Just outside the walls of the village you can find the Chiesa di Santa Chiara di Montefalco, also known as the Santuario di Santa Chiara della Croce, where you can feel a strong spiritual atmosphere and admire the frescoes and remains of the church’s patron saint. We will round off our tour by visiting the Chiesa di Santa Illuminata: you will find it a simple, graceful building and inside, a single nave and niches decorated with beautiful frescoes.