Perched atop a hill overlooking the River Tiber, Todi is a charming town in the Italian region of Umbria. According to legend, it was built by the Roman hero Hercules, although historical records suggest it was founded in the 8th century BC as “Tutere”. Todi is famed for its medieval monuments and atmospheric piazza, which is regularly used as a film set.
Things to do in Todi
In the heart of Todi is the Piazza del Popolo, a bustling square framed by Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings. Don’t miss the Palazzo del Popolo, an early 13th-century landmark and one of the oldest public buildings in Italy. On its ground floor is an elegant colonnade and a restored pavement featuring bush-hammered Aurisina stone.
Connected to the Piazza del Popolo is the Palazzo del Capitano, a late 13th-century building housing the Museo Civico. It showcases the history of Todi from Etruscan times to the Renaissance period, with archaeological findings, ancient textiles and ceramics on display. Frescoes dating from the 14th century decorate the first-floor sala while the second floor is home to the art-filled Museo Pinacoteca.
Nearby is the Duomo di Todi, a Gothic-style cathedral completed in the late 14th century on the site of a Roman forum. It is renowned for its beautiful rose window and is topped by a square-shaped campanile. Step inside to admire the “Last Judgment” fresco painted by Ferrau Fenzoni and the wooden choir stalls crafted by Antonio Bencivenga.
Getting around Todi
Todi is around 40 minutes’ drive from Perugia and San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Rome and Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport are just under two hours away. Regular buses connect to Todi and the town is best explored on foot.