Northern gateway to this beautiful Umbrian village and stone sentinel of the walls, the ancient Tower of Melezzole leads into the castle’s circular layout: a round-arched portal, a carved medallion with Todi’s eagle, a niche preserving traces of the “Protecting Madonna”, and—on the outer right side—a Cross of the Passion (cross with the Arma Christi) welcoming those who enter and leave.
This gate-tower was the northern entrance to the fortified village.
Above the arch stands a stone medallion with Todi’s eagle clutching a banner—a sign of allegiance to the city of Todi, likely set here in 1557 in compliance with a prioral decree that required this emblem on subject castles.
Inside, a niche still shows the remains of a “Protecting Madonna”: a devotional practice widespread in the Todi area at least since 1337, when Marian images were mandated to safeguard the gates of castles (you’ll find a similar example on the inner side of the tower in Montecchio).
On the right side of the Tower stands a Cross of the Passion (also called a cross with the Arma Christi or “cross of the Mysteries”). Its signs—the ladder, hammer and pincers, crown of thorns, and lances (Longinus’s spear and often the reed with the sponge)—are the Instruments of the Passion. This iconography, widespread from the late Middle Ages to the Baroque, served catechetical and processional purposes (Way of the Cross, Good Friday, confraternities). Finding it by a village gate is not unusual—there is one at the entrance to nearby Toscolano too—symbolising protection and liturgical memory. Here it dialogues with the Marian niche: two spiritual sentinels of the community.
Before passing under the arch, take in the Todi eagle and the Cross of the Passion, then look at the remains of the Marian painting. From here you can start the urban loop: follow Via Rotonda as it spirals upwards, enjoy photogenic views, and reach the Church of San Biagio (St Blaise).
If you haven’t already, stop at Bar La Porta for a good coffee and a warm welcome at Melezzole’s long-loved meeting place.
Umbro-Etruscan frontier land, land of contested castles, land of a landscape shaped by silent hamlets and rolling hills of olive, oak and chestnut trees.
Fondo Europeo Agricolo per lo Sviluppo Rurale: L’Europa investe nelle zone rurali
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas
