Montefalco: History, Wine and Panoramic Views

Montefalco is a destination for travellers who want to combine history, wine and expansive views. The town is surrounded by walls dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Piazza del Comune forms the highest point of Montefalco and leads to notable buildings in the historic town centre.

Churches, Palaces and Special Spaces

The Palazzo Comunale was built in 1270 and extended across the entire left side in the 15th century. Its bell tower is accessible following renovation and safety works and offers wide-ranging panoramic views. Because of its panoramic views, Montefalco is known as the “Balcony of Umbria”.

The San Francesco museum complex is located in the former Church of San Francesco and the historic rooms of the adjoining monastery. The church was built between 1335 and 1338. The complex also preserves a cycle dating from 1452 that depicts twelve scenes from the life of Saint Francis.

Sant’Agostino also bears witness to several construction phases: the church was built in 1275 on the remains of the former Church of San Giovanni Battista. Inside is a wooden Renaissance crucifix.

The Cantina dei Frati is part of the history of wine and architecture. It was opened and made accessible to visitors in 2006 and was created from ancient cellars belonging to the Friars Minor. These were uncovered during the latest restoration work and fitted out with materials from the 18th and 19th centuries for wine processing and production. Historic vats for collecting, treading and storing wine have been preserved, as has a recess for holding a wine press.

The former Church of San Filippo Neri dates from 1705 and was converted into a theatre in 1895. The Teatro San Filippo Neri continues to be a versatile theatre space.

Montefalco for Wine Enthusiasts

During the Montefalco nel bicchiere tasting, experienced sommeliers guide visitors through wines from DOC Spoleto, DOC Montefalco and DOCG Montefalco Sagrantino. The wine tasting takes place every Saturday at 4:00 pm at the San Francesco museum complex.

The Sagrantino Lovers programme includes a Wine Expert-led tour of the entire production chain – from the vineyards to bottling. By reservation, Cantina Romanelli offers cellar tours and tastings focused on wines from Montefalco. These tours lead through vineyards and impressive landscapes.

Events and Routes through the Landscape

Agosto Montefalchese takes place every year in August with performances and concerts. On 12, 13 and 14 August, this includes the historic medieval costumed re-enactment Fuga del Bove between Montefalco’s four districts. Today’s Fuga del Bove is a competition featuring various contests between the four historic districts for the Falco d’Oro. The Corsa dei Bovi is one of Montefalco’s most representative historic events.

The Sala Immersiva at the San Francesco museum complex features stations for a virtual journey through the area of the Strada del Sagrantino. Those who want to explore the landscape on foot will find 27 hiking trails in this area.

When choosing your accommodation, you can weigh up different priorities in Montefalco: churches, the museum complex and the theatre offer cultural experiences, while tastings, wine cellars and routes through vineyards place greater emphasis on Sagrantino and the landscape. The Piazza del Comune and the bell tower’s panoramic view add distinctive townscapes to this selection.

More Places for Trip Planning

Vaiano, Matigge, Pianello, Lenano, Rosceto, Compignano, Porto, Morra

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.