A Guide to the best Umbria Hilltop Villages

The landlocked province of Umbria has always been on the lookout whether it was the Umbrian’s watching the Etruscans or the Romans keeping an eye out for the Barbarians.

Today’s visitors to the medieval hilltop villages can also lookout but are more likely to see spectacular views than invading armies on the horizon.
These villages are off the tourist trail and give you the chance to sample the real Umbria. All have a unique attraction and all share wonderful panoramic views. Set on top of hills covered with olive groves and vineyards they provide the perfect summer’s day picnic destination.

Here is a guide to the best of the bunch:

Montone – A captivating medieval walled village near Umbertide, just off the E45, renowned for its restaurants that serve delicious food in the central piazza and its observatory. Wander the narrow streets and visit the castle and church. The famed Umbrian Film Festival is held here every July organised by Terry Gilliam and local resident Colin Firth. The autumn festival ‘Festa della Bosco’ is also a must.

Monte Santa Maria Tiberina – A hamlet that is perched high above the Aggia valley with commanding views of the Valtiberna hills that stretch all the way into Tuscany. It is located about 12 Km from Citta di Castello in the Upper Tiber Valley. Visit the 16th century castle or tour the Church of Santa Maria. The surrounding hills are covered with chestnut forests where you can find truffles. Every August is the Porcetta Festival celebrating the excellent food of this area.

Citerna – The last defence before Tuscany, on the hills above the Cerfone and La Selva rivers, Citerna has keep watch on Umbria’s northern border for generations. See the frescos in the churches of St Francis and St Michael, as well as the underground roman cistern. Citerna is situated on the SP221 between Arezzo and Citta di Castello. Whilst here you can cross the border into Tuscany and see the famous painting of the Pregnant Madonna by Piero della Francesca in nearby Monterchi.

Citta della Pieve – Birthplace of two Renaissance artists, Il Pomarancio and Pietro Vannucci, more commonly remembered as Perugino. Works by both artists can be seen here in the Churches to St Maria and St Antonio. A small village with most of its town wall still intact, an 11th century tower and an impressive medieval castle to visit.

Preggio – In the oak covered hills above the Niccone Valley, just outside Umbertide, is the medieval town of Preggio. Every August Preggio hosts a music festival, the climax of which is its operatic performance in the church grounds.

Amelia – In the south of Umbria clinging to a rocky outcrop is Amelia, a place all lovers of roman architecture should visit. Its town wall can be traced back to 6th century B.C. and there are a number of cisterns, archways and roman buildings to admire. Located on the main Via Flaminia and a navigable part of the Tiber, Amelia was a popular weekend retreat for Rome’s residents in the past.

Panicale – One Renaissance masterpiece is always worth a visit but here in Panicale you can find two. The Church of St Sebastian has two of Perugino’s fresco’s making it a great lunch spot for art lovers.

Montecastrilli –started out as a Roman encampment during Hannibal’s invasion, eventually becoming a fortified, walled town. Visit Poor Clare’s convent and the monastery or admire the Romanesque architecture and views of the valley floor below. Each year the villages hold an agricultural show featuring livestock and equipment.