Montefalco

The name Montefalco, “Mount of the Hawk”, probably derives from the particular position of this city, placed on the hills covered with olive groves and vineyards, in the upper part of the Spoletina Valley; moreover, according to the tradition, Frederick II used to practice the hunting of the hawk in this territory in 1249.
Due to its panoramic position, the village is commonly described as “terrace of Umbria”.

The city walls, dating back to 1200, are perfectly preserved, and Porta Sant’Agostino and an imposing tower allow the entrance to the city. The town hall of Montefalco was built during the thirteenth century and has a mullioned window overlooking the original building, as well as a porch dating back to the fifteenth century; the gates to the city, that is to say Porta Sant’Agostino, Porta Camiano and Porta Federico II are also worthy of mention.

Many different churches in Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance style recall the flourishing past of Montefalco; among these chuches, the most important one is dedicated to San Francesco, which currently houses the municipal museum and preserves a valuable art collection. Inside the building, a cycle of frescoes depicting the life of San Francesco d’Assisi realized by Benozzo Gozzoli adorn the walls, together with other works realized by important Renaissance masters, such as Perugino, Melanzio, Pier Antonio Mezzastris, Antoniazzo Romano and Tiberio d’Assisi. In addition to the architectural and historical-artistic beauties, Montefalco plays a very important role in the eno-gastronomic tradition: the famous Sagrantino wine is indeed a product of the territory, emblem of the famous Umbrian wine production known all over the world.