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Montefalco - 473 meters above sea
level, 5,600 pop.
Agricultural and commercial town in Umbria dominating the valley between
Spoleto and Perugia. Thanks to its splendid panoramic position it is known
as Umbria's balcony.
Montefalco has a particular urban structure characterized by the most
important streets converging into the big circular Piazza on which stands
the "Palazzo Comunale" (1270), the Theater and the most imposing 5th
century buildings of Montefalco.
The town of Montefalco hosts several churches, of great value, rich in
frescoes from the 14th, 15th and 16th Centuries such as:
- San Bartolomeo (10th c.)
- San Lorenzo (11th c.)
- Santa Lucia (12th c.)
- Sant'Agostino (14th c.) with a splendid Gothic facade and frescoes by
Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
- St. Francesco (14th c.) transformed in Pinacoteca (Picture gallery),
with a large collection of paintings of Umbrian school. (Beautiful fresco
cycle of "Scenes from the life of St. Francis" by Benozzo Gozzoli (1452).
It also hosts works of art by Perugino from which the original
representation of "Padre Eterno".
- Another beautiful sight is the "Palazzo del Comune" (Town Hall) built in
1270, with a high tower from which visitors can enjoy an incomparable view
of the whole valley.
- In the nearby surroundings: the Church of San Fortunato, the Turrited
church and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Stella.
Montefalco is best known throughout the world for its wine Sagrantino,
excellent nectar, a wine with a harmonic and dry taste, perfect for
accompanying roasts and cakes.
Events:
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Easter Time, Resurrection of Christ, a
re-enacting with fire and song.
It takes place in the Church of San Bartolomeo. At 11:00 pm.
This is a celebration of an ancient religious and popular custom. On the
night before Easter Sunday, when the Gloria is sung at the Holy Mass of
the Easter vigil, the wonderful 18th century wooden statue of Christ
Resurrected suddenly erupts into the church amid fire-crackers and
bearing trumpets. As if by magic, the church is illuminated and the
bells of all the city bell-towers begin to chime. The statue of Christ
is carried shoulder high and run up to the altar by men wearing the
shirts and capes of the Confraternities. The porters fling open the
large doors of the church entrance with one blow, and the joyous sound
of the organ unites with the band and the voices of the choir.
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May: "Cantine Aperte" (wine cellars open to the
public); wine tasting tour and feast.
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In August, feast of Santa Chiara. Several
spectacles of music, culture and ancient tournaments with flag-wavers
and a bull race.
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September: Wine week and feast of vintage with
carts parade.
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December: "Frantoi Aperti" (oil mills open to
the public); olive oil tasting festival.
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Beautiful
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Getting there:
By Train : The closest railway stations are Perugia and Foligno :
Train schedules
By air :
International flights to Rome or
Florence - Domestic flights to Perugia.
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