Located on a slope of the Apennines, the ancient Città di Castello is mostly built of bricks. In the photo, Piazza Matteotti, the heart of town. Fun fact: Città di Castello is the hometown of actress Monica Bellucci.
Montone is a walled medieval village and the place of origin for the Fortebracci condottieri family, whose most famous member was Braccio da Montone, respected and feared even by the pope.
Near Perugia, the walled medieval town of Corciano makes for a delightful stroll among its old stone buildings, with views over the green countryside.
Built in Roman times, Torgiano is nestled among vineyards and olive groves, and is renowned for the wine and olive oil it produces.
On an outcrop of the Colli Martani, Montefalco is nicknamed 'the railing of Umbria' for the magnificent views it affords. The church of San Francesco is notable for its fresco cycle on the life of St. Francis, by the Florentine artist Benozzo Gozzoli.
Trevi, known for the quality of its olive oil, is enclosed in two circuits of medieval walls, the inner one of Roman origin. The town possibly commands one of the best views in Umbria, extending far and wide.
The world's most livable city? It may very well be Todi, described as the model sustainable city. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tiber river, Todi sits on some huge ancient Roman cisterns and its main Piazza del Popolo is often used as a movie set.
In the southern part of the region, Amelia is said to be the oldest town in Umbria. Main sights include the massive ancient walls, the underground Roman cisterns, the Cathedral and the bronze statue of Germanicus, inside the Museo Civico.
Partly hilly and mountainous, and with a history of invasions, feudal and papal battles, it is no wonder that Umbria has so many towns built on high ground, where Umbrians could hope to find some protection. These pretty hill towns, many built in the Middle Ages, have been largely preserved; some, like Assisi and Gubbio, receive thousands of visitors a year, and it may be hard to experience that feeling of stepping back in time, which is instead more tangible in lesser-known, but equally charming, towns, such as Amelia and Corciano. Never heard of them? Well, you're about to: take a look at the photo gallery below for a trip through Umbria's little-known hill towns.
[Want to experience Umbria's countryside while exploring local farms, enjoying tastings at hidden wineries and trying unique culinary experiences? Check out this tour.]
