Gualdo Tadino (Umbria)

Gualdo Tadino is an ancient town in the province of Perugia in northeastern Umbria, on the lower flanks of Mt. Penna, a mountain of the Apennines. The town has many prestigious monuments and historical buildings such as the Rocca Flea fortress, a superb example of military architecture originally built in the 12th century, reconstructed by Frederick II in 1247 and recently restored. Inside is the municipal museum, with an a fine polyptych by Alunno, sculptures, ancient ceramics and archaeological findings. Some of the religious buildings worthy of a visit are the cathedral of San Benedetto, the church of Santa Maria dei Raccomandati and the church of Santa Maria di Tadino, the oldest church in the historical town-centre. It is now headquarters of the Ente Giochi de le Porte, the organising body of a historical re-enactment held in September, which is a characteristic challenge between the town quarters in full period dress.