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MONTEFALCO: A TOWN OF EXCELLENT WINES

Located only 29 kilometers from Gallano, Montefalco is a delightful hill town surrounded by lovely vineyards and olive groves with a sweeping view across the Umbrian Valley. Thanks to its lofty position, the town is also known as the “Balcony of Umbria”.

Montefalco is widely known as the town of Sagrantino DOCG, an excellent red wine famous for its aroma of red fruits and cinnamon with earthy notes, as well as the Montefalco DOCG: two wine excellences that you will definitely get to taste during your stay at Gallano Resort.

A MEDIEVAL TOWN WITH A UNIQUE VIEW ACROSS THE UMBRIAN LANDSCAPE

Montefalco is a hilltop town rising over the Umbrian Valley. From its Belvedere, you get an astonishing view across the valleys of the Clitunno, Topino, and Tiber rivers, the hills and peaks of the Apennines, Monte Subasio, and Monti Martani. You can also catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful towns in Umbria, such as Foligno, Spello, and Assisi. On a clear day, you can see as far as the city of Perugia.

Montefalco is steeped in its medieval history, boasting a number of gorgeous historic buildings and ancient monuments. The town is fortified with mighty and solid 13th-century walls interspersed with five gates that lead right into this beautiful town.

The medieval urban fabric is dominated by the imposing Church of Sant’Agostino. Built together with the Convent in the second half of the 13th century over a small building named after St. John the Baptist, the church features frescoes of the school of Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Bartolomeo Caporali.

Piazza del Comune is the central hub that ties the town together. Here you will find major buildings, such as Palazzo Comunale with its 14th-century loggia; the former Church of San Filippo Neri, now the town theater; the 13th-century Oratory of Santa Maria de Platea; and some ancient noble mansions that frame the piazza, among which is the elegant Palazzo De Cuppis.

A BLEND OF ART, CULTURE, AND FINE CUISINE

Similarly to most Umbrian towns, the heartbeat of Montefalco is the main square, Piazza del Comune. A number of pedestrian lanes branch off from this nearly round piazza, leading to every corner of town, where you will find a multitude of restaurants and shops selling traditional local products.

Montefalco’s great artistic and historical heritage is a landmark for those who wish to learn about Umbrian painting.

The Church of San Francesco, now a museum, houses a dramatic masterpiece by Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the life of Saint Francis in 20 episodes and 12 scenes and a beautiful Nativity painted by Pietro Vannucci. The Municipal Art Gallery features works by Francesco Melanzio and Antoniazzo Romano, as well as paintings of the Umbrian School that date from the 14th to the 18th century.

Other highlights include the Romanesque Church of San Bartolomeo with the nearby Porta di Federico II, built in 1244, and the Church and Convent of Santa Chiara, with paintings dating from the 14th-century Umbrian school

Montefalco is the Town of Wine and Olive Oil. Famous for its Montefalco DOCG and Sagrantino grapes, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

When in Montefalco, you should definitely take a tour and have a tasting at one of the several wine estates located within and outside the city walls. Tasting Montefalco’s wines and the traditional dishes of this thriving land will allow you to get an in-depth glimpse into the precious treasures of Umbria.

The “Sagrantino Wine Road” is a food and wine itinerary as well as a cultural route that was designed to promote the famous Sagrantino wine. It winds along five towns that brim with unique art, flavors, and aromas: Montefalco, Bevagna, Giano dell’Umbria, Gualdo Cattaneo, and Castel Ritaldi.

Montefalco is not all about wine. Following the excellent Umbrian tradition, the town boasts a premium-quality extra virgin olive oil, which you will definitely get to taste during your stay at Gallano Resort.

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