Montone: Medieval Village, Museums and Festivals

Montone between Two Valleys

Montone is situated on a hill overlooking the Alta Valle del Tevere and the valley of the Carpina stream. At the same time, the town preserves the typical structure of a medieval village. This combination of an elevated location and a historically characterised townscape gives the trip a clear cultural framework. For trip planning, MUMO, the churches, the Donazione della Santa Spina and CAI Trail 114 can be combined as different points of interest.

Collections with a Long History

The multimedia museum “I luoghi di Braccio Fortebraccio” is an immersive experience about the history of the Fortebracci family and extends across four themed rooms. MUMO offers guided tours every day of the week by prior reservation. The chronological collection in the MUMO Picture Gallery ranges from the Roman era to the 17th century. The archaeological section displays the remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD, discovered near the village of Santa Maria di Sette. One of the most significant works in the collection is a polychrome sculpture group made of poplar wood, dated to the period between 1260 and 1270.

Churches, Fortress and Religious Tradition

The Church of San Francesco has a single-nave layout, a polygonal apse, a rafter roof and faces west. The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gregorio acquired its present form in the second half of the 17th century following extensive renovations carried out between 1661 and 1668. Rocca d'Aries has preserved its original structure, although it was later adapted for residential use. It is currently closed to the public, except on special occasions.

The Sacra Spina relic of Montone is displayed every year on Easter Monday and on the penultimate Sunday in August. The historical re-enactment of the Donazione della Santa Spina takes place every year on Easter Monday and during the week of the third Sunday in August. It includes historical costumes, parades, processions, medieval games, archery competitions and contests between the town's three districts: Borgo, Monte and Verziere. The Donazione della Santa Spina also includes a medieval market where visitors can shop.

Events between Cinema and Forest Produce

In summer, the Umbria Film Festival transforms Montone into an open-air cinema. International films are shown in the town's squares and historic courtyards. The programme also includes workshops, meetings with directors and well-known authors, as well as accompanying events. In autumn, the Festa del Bosco focuses on forest produce and local specialities. The market is dedicated to mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, honey, cured meats and typical cheeses and normally takes place between the end of October and the beginning of November. The Festa del Bosco combines the discovery of traditional cuisine with cultural events, concerts and activities for children and adults.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

CAI Trail 114 begins in Montone, passes Rocca d'Aries and the Osservatorio Astronomico di Coloti, and reaches the junction with the Franciscan Way at Candeleto. For mountain bike tours, MTB-09 initially follows the Tiber for several kilometres before continuing uphill towards the hills and the town of Montone. In addition to its collections, churches and festivals, the destination therefore offers concrete opportunities for a trip that combines physical activity and culture.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

Further destinations for your trip planning: Sant'arcangelo, Castelluccio, Piazzano, Camporeggiano, Sellano, Triponzo, Ripabianca, Pietralunga

For the main travel overview: Perugia.