What to see in Todi in one day
The village of San Gemini is in a strategic geographical position to plan different excursions to discover the historical, architectural and artistic heritage of wonderful towns as Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia, Orvieto, Spoleto, Narni, Amelia and Todi.
This last inhabited centre, surrounded by three circles of walls dating back to the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval times, houses a lot of artistic treasures and walking through its narrow streets you can enjoy unforgettable and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Todi has even been declared the most livable town in the world, according to a research carried out by Richard Levine, an American architect professor at the University of Kentucky. This town has been chosen because it’s built on a top of a hill, is surrounded by green countryside and its population is between 8,000 and 10,000 inhabitants.
Discover, then, what to see in Todi in one day:
The Temple of Saint Mary of Consolation
The first attraction to see in Todi is the Temple of Saint Mary of Consolation, an ancient place of worship built between 1508 AD and 1607 AD at the foot of the hill where the town stands.
According to legend, this temple was built following miraculous healing that took place at a niche where the Virgin Mary was depicted. It seems that a worker blind in one eye dusted Maria’s painting with his own handkerchief, then wiped his face and regained his sight.
The Temple of Saint Mary of Consolation is considered one of the most evocative examples of Umbrian Renaissance art and has a Greek cross plan with five cupolas reaching 70 meters in height.
The interior of this church is extremely bright and the image of the Virgin and Child on the altar is still considered miraculous and is venerated by the locals and pilgrims.
- Useful information: the Temple of Saint Mary of Consolation is open every day, except on Tuesday, from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 15.00 to 18.30.
The Piazza del Popolo
For hundreds of years, the heart of Todi has been represented by its beautiful Piazza del Popolo.
This square is surrounded by imposing public buildings, once the seat of temporal power such as the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo del Capitano and the Palazzo del Popolo, and by the stupendous Co-Cathedral dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
Today, numerous bars and restaurants overlook this vast square of rectangular shape, offering pleasant observation points where you can enjoy its architectural beauty and experience the relaxed lifestyle of its citizen.
The Cathedral
After a bit of relaxation in Piazza del Popolo, its recommended a visit to the Cathedral of Todi dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
The origin of this church date back to the Middle Age and its appearance has been modified over the centuries by earthquakes, fires, collapses and restoration works.
The facade of this cathedral strikes for its resemblance with that of the Church of Saint Peter in Assisi and for the presence of a large central rose window.
Inside the Cathedral there is a superb wooden Crucifix, an imposing baptismal font both dating back to the 1500s and an amazing fresco of the Universal Judgement.
- Useful information: The Cathedral of Todi can be visited on weekdays from 8.30 to 13.00 and from 13.30 to 16.30, on Saturday and Sunday from 8.30 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00.
The Church of San Fortunato and its bell tower
During a break in Todi, a visit to the Church of San Fortunato and its bell tower is a must.
This place of worship, built in Gothic style, is dedicated to San Fortunato, the Patron Saint of the city, and houses the earthly remains of the famous medieval poet Jacopone da Todi.
Probably the origins of this church date back to the early Christian era as evidenced by two lions placed at its entrance and transformed into holy water fonts.
From the sacristy, you can reach the top of the bell tower built in 1400 where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and of the surrounding countryside.
- Useful information: It is possible to access the Bell Tower of the Church of San Fortunato from April to September from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18 while on Saturday and Sunday it’s open from 10.00 to 18.00. From October to March, it’s possible to visit it on Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00, the other day is open only upon request.
The Rocca Park
Another must-see attraction in Todi is the park that surrounds the Rocca built by Pope Gregory XI in 1373.
This fortified building stands at the highest point of Tody hill and the park that surrounds it offers numerous paths rich in vegetation where you can look for refreshment in the summer months.
A visit to this Fortress is also recommended to enjoy an amazing view of Todi.
- Useful information: this Park is open every day, 24 hours a day.
