Visit Todi Italy: Discover This Hilltop Umbrian Town

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Visit Todi and you’ll see why locals call it the perfect balance between elegance and countryside charm. This hilltop beauty towers above the Tiber Valley with winding streets, medieval arches, and views that seem to stretch forever. But Todi isn’t just about pretty looks, it’s a place to sit in sun-soaked piazzas, tuck into truffle pasta, and toast life with a glass from some of the best wineries in Umbria. It feels authentic, laid-back, and just the right amount of dramatic, making it the kind of town that sneaks into your heart (and your camera roll) before you realize it.

Visit Todi Italy: Top things to do

Start your stroll at Piazza del Popolo

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Piazza del Popolo is the stage where Todi’s history still plays out. The Gothic lines of the Duomo dominate one side, while the Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori, and Palazzo del Capitano stand proudly around it, each stone carrying centuries of stories. Life in the square is anything but quiet, cafés spill into the open space, locals linger on benches, and visitors snap photos of façades glowing in the Umbrian light. To visit Todi is to stand here, soaking up the energy of a square that has been the town’s beating heart for centuries.

Wander the old town

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The alleys of Todi twist and turn like a living maze, each corner revealing something new, a medieval arch, a balcony overflowing with flowers, or a workshop where artisans still keep old traditions alive. Walking here isn’t just sightseeing, it’s slipping into the daily rhythm of the town. The light bouncing off the stone, the colors spilling from windows, the sudden quiet of a hidden courtyard, this is where Todi feels most intimate.

Step inside Palazzo del Capitano

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The palaces around Todi aren’t just stone giants from the past, they’re a reminder of the town’s role as a powerhouse in medieval Umbria. Step inside and you’ll find museums filled with paintings, artifacts, and echoes of centuries of political life. The Palazzo del Podestà steals the spotlight with its striking Gothic lines, standing as both a civic landmark and a window into the layers of history that shaped the city.

Immerse Yourself at the Theatre of Jacopone da Todi

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Todi’s cultural heartbeat pulses inside this museum-turned-theatre, named after the poet-monk Jacopone da Todi. The fresco-lined halls and live performances make it more than just a monument, it’s a place where history and creativity meet. To truly visit Todi is to step in here and feel how art still shapes the town’s spirit.

Visit Todi Italy: Top things to do around

Climb to Santa Maria della Consolazione

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Santa Maria della Consolazione rises just beyond Todi’s walls, a domed masterpiece designed by Donato Bramante. Perfectly symmetrical and bathed in light, the church feels both monumental and serene, with rolling Umbrian hills stretching out behind it. Stepping inside adds a quiet pause to your visit to Todi, a moment of calm where architecture, history, and landscape come together in harmony.

Taste heritage over Orvieto’s vineyards

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Castello di Corbara is around 30 minutes from Todi by car, nestled just northwest of Orvieto among rolling vineyards, olive trees, and ancient stone. The family who revived the estate in 1997 focused on authenticity and respect for the land, winemaking here feels anchored in place, not trend. Tours take you through terraces, down to their tasting rooms, where you’ll enjoy wines that echo the surrounding landscape. Patios catch golden light, and every sip reminds you why Corbara is more than wine, it’s geometry, history, and earth in harmony.

Discover organic traditions in the Umbrian Hills

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Just about 35 minutes from Todi, Antonelli San Marco sits in the heart of Montefalco’s rolling vineyards. Owned by the same family since the late 19th century, the estate is a pioneer in organic farming, producing wines that reflect the land with honesty and care. A visit takes you through underground cellars designed for natural gravity vinification and into tasting rooms where Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso shine alongside local olive oil and fresh bruschetta.

Wander through hills & heritage

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Cantina Monte Vibiano lies about 35 minutes from Todi, nestled in the Mercatello area of Umbria. Its castle, dating back to 1st-century AD, sits among olive groves, vineyards, and ancient woods maintained to protect biodiversity. Less than 40% of the land is farmed, to let nature breathe. Tours here move from vines to cellar, then end with tastings on panoramic terraces. Every corner reflects the commitment to environment, quality, and slow beauty in the landscape.

Explore Montefalco

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Just 40 minutes from Todi, Montefalco is a town that wins you over before you even step inside its medieval gates. Nicknamed the “Balcony of Umbria,” it offers sweeping views that stretch for miles, narrow streets lined with stone houses, and piazzas buzzing with local life. Frescoed churches, artisan shops, and rustic trattorias make every corner worth exploring, while its roots in history and art echo through the old walls. To visit Montefalco Italy is to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of an Umbrian town that feels both grand and intimate at once.

Wander the streets of Orvieto

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Just an hour’s drive from Todi, Orvieto stands tall on a volcanic cliff and makes a striking first impression. Its Gothic Duomo is one of Italy’s most spectacular, glowing with mosaics and frescoes inside and out. Beneath the streets, tunnels carved by the Etruscans and expanded in Roman times reveal a hidden city below the city. The charm continues above ground with pottery boutiques, trattorias serving handmade pasta and hearty pork dishes, and quiet piazzas perfect for people-watching. Orvieto is history, flavor, and atmosphere all rolled into one unforgettable stop.

Dive into our latest guide and discover the best things to do in Orvieto!

Good to know before visiting Todi

Where is Todi in Italy?

Todi is located in the central region of Umbria, Italy. It sits atop a hill overlooking the scenic Tiber River valley, approximately midway between Perugia and Terni. The town is part of the Province of Perugia and is known for its medieval architecture and panoramic countryside views.

How do you get to Todi?

The most convenient way to reach Todi is by car, especially if you’re exploring other parts of Umbria. If you’re coming from abroad, the closest airports are Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport (about 45 minutes away), Rome Fiumicino Airport (about 2 hours), and Florence Airport (about 2.5 hours). From major cities, you can also take a train to Terni or Orvieto and then continue to Todi by regional bus or taxi.

Is Todi worth visiting?

Absolutely. Todi is a charming hilltop town that offers a perfect mix of medieval architecture, picturesque views, and a peaceful ambiance. It’s less touristy than larger Italian cities, making it a great destination for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. Highlights include its well-preserved city walls, Roman cisterns, the stunning Piazza del Popolo, and local food and wine experiences.

What is Todi famous for?

Todi is renowned for its perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, as well as its hilltop location that offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. It’s also famous for the Church of San Fortunato, the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, and a reputation, gained during the 1990s, as being one of the most livable towns in the world due to its sustainability and quality of life.

What are the best hotels in Todi?

Todi offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to agriturismos. Some top-recommended places include:

  • Hotel Bramante – A 4-star hotel set in a renovated 12th-century monastery, offering stunning views and a swimming pool.

  • Villa Luisa – A countryside hotel just outside Todi with a relaxing atmosphere and spa facilities.

What are the best restaurants in Todi?

Todi offers an array of eateries where you can savor Umbrian cuisine. Some local favorites include:

  • Ristorante Umbria – Located in Piazza del Popolo, this historic spot serves classic Umbrian dishes with panoramic views from its terrace.
  • Pane & Vino – A cozy wine bar and restaurant known for its curated wine list and seasonal small plates.
  • Vineria San Fortunato – Offers a traditional menu featuring Umbrian charcuterie, handmade pasta, and quality wines.
  • Le Scalette – A small, family-run trattoria beloved for its truffle pasta and homey atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Todi?

The best time to visit Todi is during the spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are especially vibrant. Summer can be warm but still pleasant, while winter is generally quieter and perfect for travelers looking to avoid crowds.

What are the top attractions in Todi?

Highlights in Todi include:

  • Piazza del Popolo – The heart of the town with medieval buildings like the Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo dei Priori.
  • Church of San Fortunato – A large Gothic church with a crypt holding the remains of poet Jacopone da Todi.
  • Santa Maria della Consolazione – A Renaissance church located just outside the walls, designed in part by Bramante.
  • Roman Cisterns – An underground system showing Roman engineering beneath the city.
  • City Walls and Gates – Offering scenic walking paths and entry points to the historic center.

Is Todi a good base for exploring Umbria?

Yes, Todi’s central location in Umbria makes it an excellent base for day trips to other towns such as Orvieto, Perugia, Spoleto, and Assisi. With car rentals or guided tours available, you can enjoy the richness of Umbria while staying in Todi’s tranquil hilltop charm.