Montefalco Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Montefalco, Umbria, Italy including attractions, activities, food and drink, accommodations, and transportation options.


Introduction to Montefalco

Montefalco is a charming hilltop town located in Umbria, in Central Italy. The town is also known as “the balcony of Umbria” due to its elevated position that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Montefalco is known for its wine-making, particularly the Sagrantino red wine. The town is also home to beautiful churches, lovely piazzas, and narrow streets that retain the medieval charm.

List of Places to Visit in Montefalco

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo Civico di San Francesco: This museum is housed in a 14th-century Franciscan monastery and displays several works of the famous Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli.
  • Chiesa di Sant’Agostino: This Gothic church, built in the 14th century, is famous for its beautiful frescoes and Romanesque-styled bell tower.
  • Palazzo Comunale: This 13th-century palace was the seat of the town’s administration and is known for its fortress-like appearance.

Natural Attractions of Montefalco: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parco del Colle: This park is a stunning natural area located on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of Montefalco and the surrounding valley.
  • Bosco di San Francesco: This forest is located near the town and is an ideal place for nature walks and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montefalco

  • Montefalco Ring: This 20 km route offers stunning views of the valley, countryside, and towns around Montefalco.
  • Sagrantino Wine Tour: This 15 km route takes you through the vineyards that produce the famous Sagrantino wine.

Best Things to Do in Montefalco: Activities and Tours

  • Wine tasting: Visit one of Montefalco’s many wineries to sample the famous Sagrantino red wine
  • City tour: Take a tour of Montefalco that includes the town’s major attractions and historical buildings.
  • Cooking classes: Learn to cook Umbrian cuisine with a local chef.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montefalco

Day Activity
1 Arrival and settling in
2 Morning city tour, afternoon at a vineyard
3 Visit Assisi and Perugia
4 Bike tour to nearby villages
5 Visit Spoleto and Cascata Delle Marmore waterfalls
6 Free day to explore Montefalco
7 Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Montefalco

Must-Try Dishes

  • Strangozzi alla Spoletina: A traditional Umbrian pasta dish made with tomatoes, garlic, and pecorino cheese.
  • Porchetta: Slow-roasted pork stuffed with aromatic herbs and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG: This dry red wine is a specialty of Montefalco, known for its complex, full-bodied flavor.
  • Montefalco Rosso DOC: Another Umbrian red wine known for its smooth, fruity flavor.

Where to Stay in Montefalco: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Palazzo Bontadosi Hotel & Spa: A luxury hotel located in an elegant 14th-century palace with a spa and outdoor pool.
  • B&B La collina dei Sagrantini: A cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Montefalco with beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
  • Agriturismo Il Borghetto: A charming farmhouse located on the outskirts of Montefalco that offers a peaceful and relaxing environment.

What to Buy in Montefalco: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sagrantino Wine: Bring home a taste of Umbria by purchasing a bottle or two of Montefalco’s famous Sagrantino wine.
  • Ceramic arts: Take home pieces of local ceramics that are typically handcrafted by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Montefalco

The people of Montefalco are known for their love of wine and food. Festivals that celebrate local wine and cuisine take place throughout the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. Sunday mass is an important part of the local culture, so visitors should dress appropriately when visiting churches on Sundays.

Best Time to Visit Montefalco

The best time to visit Montefalco is between May and September when the weather is mild and the vineyards are in full bloom. The Sagrantino Wine Festival, which takes place in September, is a perfect time to visit Montefalco, as visitors can participate in wine tasting events with local wine producers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montefalco

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Do dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
  • Do bring comfortable shoes for walking around the town.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink and drive – the legal limit for alcohol when driving is low in Italy.
  • Don’t leave without trying the Sagrantino Wine.

Safety and Health

Safety in Montefalco

Montefalco is a safe town with a low crime rate, making it a great place for solo travelers and families. Visitors should take basic safety precautions such as avoiding dark alleys and carrying only essential items when exploring the town at night.

Health in Montefalco

Montefalco has excellent medical facilities, including doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Visitors should ensure they have health insurance before travelling to Montefalco.

Getting to Montefalco: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Montefalco

Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport is the closest airport to Montefalco, located only 35 km away. Other nearby airports include Rome Ciampino and Rome Fiumicino airports, which are both around 160 km from Montefalco.

Bus Stations Near Montefalco

Montefalco has several bus stations, with frequent services to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Renting a car or taking a private taxi might be the easiest and quickest way to get to Montefalco.

How to Get Around in Montefalco

Montefalco is a small town, and visitors can easily explore it on foot. Bicycles or electric scooters rentals are available for those who prefer to explore the countryside and nearby villages. Taxis are also available in the town center.

Where to Go Next from Montefalco: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Assisi: This beautiful medieval town is just a 30-minute drive from Montefalco and was the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi.
  • Perugia: The historic capital of the Umbria region, known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and art galleries.
  • Spoleto: A picturesque hilltop town known for its medieval architecture and Roman theatre.

Conclusion

Montefalco is a beautiful destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and excellent wine and cuisine. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a romantic getaway, Montefalco has something for everyone. So pack your bags and head to Montefalco to experience the best of Umbria.

Detail from a Gozzoli fresco in the Convent of San Fortunato Detail from a Gozzoli fresco in the Convent of San Fortunato