On the threshold between two lands: the contested castle overlooking the Tiber
Montecchio is a borderland hilltop castle overlooking the Tiber valley, born in the Middle Ages and shaped by walls, towers and sloping lanes. Its identity weaves together history and devotion: the patron Saint Bernardino of Siena still marks symbols and festivities, while the surrounding countryside draws a mosaic of olive groves, oaks and chestnut woods. Close by, the area’s deepest roots emerge in the Umbrian–Etruscan traces found in the Vallone di San Lorenzo, now an archaeological area, with finds preserved at the AMAT – Antiquarium Museum in Tenaglie.
Recorded as Castrum Monticulis between the 12th and 13th centuries, Montecchio long gravitated around Todi and its families (Chiaravalle, Atti), amid communal disputes. 1496 marks a crucial episode of sieges and reconquests—still remembered by the cannonball set above La Torre’s arch. In modern times the village adapted by opening Porta Nova (18th c.); during the French period (1798–1814) it raised the tree of liberty and joined the National Guard. In 1910 the Garibaldi medallion appeared on today’s Town Hall façade; since 1948, Montecchio has again been a municipal capital.
Today it welcomes travellers who love authentic Umbrian villages, sacred art, nature and walks—a place to experience slowly, among stone, quiet and views.
Let a 500-metre walk lead you through the historic centre. In 20 minutes—or up to an hour if you want to savour every detail—starting from Piazza Garibaldi you’ll pass the Town Hall and the former site of the Church of the Carmine, then the Piazza della Concordia Fountain and the Calori Museum.
From there, climb to the castle and enter through La Torre: inside you’ll find the Punishments Board, then Vicolo Brutto and Largo San Bernardino. Reaching the forecourt of Santa Maria Assunta means you are at the town’s heart; higher up, the exit is Porta Nova.
Let yourself be surprised: below you’ll find the interactive map, GPX and elevation profile.
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