10 Reasons to Visit Todi, The Umbrian Town Older Than Rome

Todi is not the usual art city, but a unique place that invites you to explore its most authentic history, art, and traditions. Here, in this medieval town that seems almost suspended in time, every experience can become personal and memorable, sparking curiosity and the desire to stay longer, to discover and fall in love with a rhythm that feels truly more human.

From ancient monuments to contemporary art, through festivals, nature, and everyday life, Todi reveals many different yet complementary souls. A rare balance, to be unveiled little by little, in the spirit of conscious and sustainable tourism: discover the 10 reasons to be surprised by a special city that tells the most authentic heart of Umbria.

One of those places that feel far removed from the world, yet are surprisingly close. Todi, located in Umbria, on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley, it’s easy to reach even from Rome, in just over an hour’s journey: close enough to be convenient, far enough to let you immediately sense a different pace of life.

This is a town meant to be discovered gradually, explored on multiple levels. On the streets, you’ll wander through medieval squares, historic palaces, and sweeping panoramic views; below the ground, you’ll uncover the ancient Roman cisterns; and all around, Todi serves as an ideal base for venturing into a greener, less-traveled side of Umbria.

The reasons to visit Todi are many and deeply interconnected: history, art, nature, traditions, local flavors, events, and captivating stories. Here are 10 truly special ones you’re about to discover, step by step:

- Piazza del Popolo and the soul of the village;

- Todi’s underground secrets;

- Contemporary art in town;

- The timeless charm of the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione;

- Authentic local flavors;

- Festivals and traditions;

- Todi and cinema;

- The legends of the village;

- An authentic Italian Halloween;

- Slow tourism.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Todi is the opportunity to explore its medieval historic center, with Piazza del Popolo—charming, well-kept, and delightful to discover—at its focal point.

Here, you are surrounded by ancient and splendid buildings: the Cathedral dedicated to Maria SS. Annunziata surprises with its imposing staircase and the stunning rose window, while Palazzo dei Priori on the other side of the square seem almost to tell their story through their richly decorated façades and ornate windows.

One detail captures the square’s most authentic spirit: the eagle, a constant symbol of Todi’s history and identity. According to legend, an eagle once indicated to the city’s ancient inhabitants the hill where they should found the town, carrying away the cloth used to mark the site and dropping it on the hill where Todi now stands.

Since then, this image has become the city’s emblem, and you can spot it in Piazza del Popolo, on the façade of Palazzo dei Priori, along the staircases of the Palazzi Comunali, and in other significant spots throughout the historic center.

Todi is an enchanting and authentic city, but it also hides secret corners you might not expect to find. Beneath the medieval buildings of Piazza del Popolo, a complex of Roman cisterns dating back to the second half of the 1st century B.C. unfolds, part of the ancient water system designed by the Romans to collect, store, and distribute water throughout the city.

As you venture into the underground passage, you enter spacious and intricate rooms, where two large “twin” cisterns open into twelve interconnected chambers, supported by vaults and arches that bear the weight of the forum above.

A hidden, intimate, and unmissable side of Todi: visiting these cisterns allows you to see the town from a different perspective, exploring a world apart, almost suspended in time, where you can truly connect with the history of a city even older than Rome.

While Todi is renowned for its extraordinary ancient charm, born from a millennia-long history, its special vocation for contemporary art should not be overlooked.

Strolling through the parks and green spaces of the town, you may come across installations from the Beverly Pepper Park, an open-air art trail showcasing works by the American sculptor who chose Todi as the base for many of her projects. Not only that: artists like Arnaldo Pomodoro, Fabrizio Plessi, and Mark di Suvero have also exhibited their works here, turning places like Piazza del Popolo into true contemporary stages.

All of this has led Todi to become one of the five finalists for the title of Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2026—a recognition that highlights the city’s commitment to promoting innovative artistic languages in harmony with its history and surroundings.

One of the most original reasons to visit Todi is to discover the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, a church that breaks traditional schemes. 

Its Renaissance architecture stands out clearly from the medieval historic center, and it is indeed located just outside the walls, on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley. The panoramic setting and the natural scenery make the Temple an extraordinary spot for unforgettable photos and for experiencing a unique visual and spiritual journey.

Built between 1508 and 1607, the Temple was designed to be visible from afar, presenting the city to visitors and emphasizing the connection between the town and its surrounding territory.

This splendid building immediately catches the eye with its elegance and the large dome rising into the sky, offering breathtaking views of Todi and the surrounding hills. Inside, the Greek-cross plan and the light streaming through the large windows create a space of rare harmony, perfectly balancing art and devotion.

Tasting the traditional flavors of Todi and its local products is an experience that is both sensory and cultural.

Starting with the production of fine wines, including the famous Grechetto, a native white grape already mentioned by Pliny the Elder as “peculiaris est tudernis,” meaning typical of Todi. Alongside the wine, there’s the DOP extra virgin olive oil, the “green gold of Umbria,” made from olives grown on the hills surrounding the town.

As for local dishes, the cuisine tells the story and identity of the area:

- Palomba alla ghiotta, the true signature dish of Todi, prepared according to a recipe deeply rooted in local culinary tradition;

- Pasticcio di Jacopone, a puff pastry parcel filled with meat and vegetables;

- Maccheroni dolci, an ancient sweet tied to traditional celebrations;

- Torta al testo, fragrant and versatile, a perfect street food for a quick bite;

- Strangozzi, hand-rolled pasta served with local sauces;

- Pappardelle al cinghiale, rich and hearty with intense flavors.

All specialities not to be missed, for authentic and memorable flavours, perfect to share and photograph as well.

You can appreciate the medieval charm of Todi not only by wandering through squares and streets of the historic center, but also during popular festivals, when the town comes alive with history and identity through vibrant colors, enthusiasm, and the participation of locals and visitors. During these events, you can traverse centuries of tradition, hear drums and horns, and admire the costumes and competing districts.

One of the most beloved events is the Disfida of San Fortunato, the most famous medieval reenactment, held every year on October 14th for the feast of San Fortunato, the town’s patron saint. For several days, the center becomes a stage for costumed parades, archery contests, performances by jesters and falconers, and markets inspired by the arts and crafts of the Middle Ages.

Beyond the Disfida, the town’s calendar throughout the year is animated by religious celebrations, traditional markets, and seasonal events that showcase the cultural vitality of this special town, where past and present intertwine in a whirlwind of music, colors, and traditional feasts.

Cinema plays an important role in Todi: the town has long been a source of inspiration and a filming location for numerous productions that showcase its unique landscapes and atmosphere.

Its authentic beauty has attracted directors like Paolo Genovese, who found his muse in Todi and its surroundings for some of his best-known films, including The Place, Perfect Strangers, and A Perfect Family, with scenes shot in locations you can recognize while strolling through the town.

But the list of films set in the area is extensive, ranging from period dramas to comedies and fantasy, including La Befana vien di notte 2 – Le Origini, starring Monica Bellucci and Fabio De Luigi, as well as short films like La leggenda di Kaira.

Above all, cinema is alive in Todi all year round, in venues like the Cinema Nido dell’Aquila, or through open-air festivals such as the Umbria Cinema Festival, the Cinema d’essai e paesaggio Festival, and All’ombra del castello, held in the nearby hamlet of Izzalini.

In Todi, not everything can be explained through official history. Legends and mythical creatures are part of a shared imagination rooted deep in the Middle Ages.

According to tradition, the Tiber Valley was once threatened by a dragon said to have come from the Forello Gorges, north of the town. This was not an isolated tale: in some of Todi’s oldest churches, images depicting the struggle between good and evil appear through symbolic figures, such as saints battling dragons, a clear sign of how deeply these stories are embedded in local culture.

Alongside the dragon appears the regolo, another legendary creature described as dangerous and almost supernatural, traditionally linked to river areas and the wildest parts of the landscape.

These stories did not remain confined to legend alone but left tangible traces. Inside the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, for example, what was long known as the “dragon’s rib” is still preserved: a large bone offered to the Virgin between 1457 and 1458 as a votive gift of thanks for liberation from the monster.

Late October is a special time in Todi, when the American tradition of trick-or-treat blends with local customs, legends, and flavors, creating a uniquely Italian Halloween to discover.

During this season, a stroll through the historic center can turn into a mini-tour of symbols, mystery, and folklore, as well as taste and conviviality. The air is filled with the aromas of pumpkin and truffles, while sweet treats tied to All Saints’ Day—like the crunchy almond‑flavored Fave dei Morti or the traditional Rocciata Umbra—add a delicious local touch.

For wine lovers, autumn in Todi is also the perfect time to savor a glass of Grechetto, the region’s signature white: its velvety texture and slightly bitter finish make it an ideal companion for crisp October days.

Todi is a town to experience and share. This means you can go beyond simply visiting squares or palaces: you have the chance to immerse yourself in the hills and landscapes of a stunning territory, choosing a slow, mindful pace and taking all the time you want to truly savor the experience.

Over the years, Todi has also been awarded the title of “ideal city,” highlighting the village’s balanced and sustainable charm. That’s why, venturing on foot or by bike (or e-bike) along trails that wind through olive groves, vineyards, and woods, you can discover the true side of Umbria, still largely hidden and unspoiled.

Here, slow tourism allows you to step away from the crowded cities and well-known sites — which often lose some of their original charm — and connect directly with nature and rural traditions.

Todi is the perfect destination for those who aren’t looking for a quick stopover, but a longer stay, or for anyone who loves to return again and again, uncovering every nuance of this magical hilltown in the heart of Umbria.