Holiday apartment in Montone: Medieval heritage, culture and festivals

Montone lies on a hill overlooking the Alta Valle del Tevere and the valley of the Carpina stream. The town preserves the typical structure of a medieval village. Anyone planning a holiday apartment stay in Montone can shape their visit around history, culture and the landscape.

Culture and history in the town

The Multimedia Museum “The Places of Braccio Fortebraccio” is an immersive experience about the history of the Fortebracci family and extends across four themed rooms. The MUMO Pinacoteca presents a chronological collection from the Roman era to the 17th century. Its archaeological section displays remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD, discovered near the village of Santa Maria di Sette. The pinacoteca also includes a polychrome poplar-wood sculptural group, dated to between 1260 and 1270, which is considered one of the most important works in the collection.

Individual buildings also bring the town’s history to life. 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 Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gregorio acquired its present form in the second half of the 17th century following extensive renovation work carried out between 1661 and 1668. The Church of San Francesco has a single-nave layout, a polygonal apse, a rafter roof and faces west.

Trails and special dates

The CAI 114 Trail begins in Montone, passes Rocca d'Aries and the Osservatorio Astronomico di Coloti, and reaches the junction with the Franciscan Way at Candeleto. The MTB-09 route initially follows the Tiber for several kilometres and then climbs towards the hills and Montone.

An important event is the historical re-enactment of the Donazione della Santa Spina. It 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 three town districts of Borgo, Monte and Verziere. A medieval market is also part of the event, where visitors can shop.

The Sacra Spina relic of Montone is displayed every year on Easter Monday and on the penultimate Sunday in August. This gives the town’s festive dates a distinct religious emphasis.

Film, food and travel planning

The Festa del Bosco is an autumn market in Montone dedicated to forest produce and local specialities: mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, honey, cured meats and typical cheeses. It normally takes place between the end of October and the beginning of November. The Festa del Bosco combines traditional gastronomy with cultural events, concerts and activities for children and adults.

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; there are also workshops, meetings with directors and well-known authors, as well as accompanying events. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether culture, hiking, mountain-bike routes or seasonal festivals should be the focus of your stay. MUMO offers guided tours every day of the week by prior reservation.

More places: Sellano, Limigiano, Calzolaro, Costacciaro, Torchiagina, Pian di Marte, San Biagio De La Valle and Scheggino.

For the broader travel overview: Perugia.