Montone

Travel Guide
Montone showing tranquil scenes
Be enchanted by the hilltop village of Montone, where a slow-paced, traditional lifestyle, centuries-old cuisine and impressive historic buildings await.

The tiny village of Montone has often been voted one of the prettiest villages in all of Italy. It is an accolade which, from first glance, it is impossible to disagree with. Perched on a hilltop and steeped in history, it is an enchanting place to visit. While away the days climbing the steep steps, gazing at the beautiful views, relaxing in family-run restaurants and exploring the local history.

Montone sits at 1,581 feet (482 meters) above sea level and is wedged between the Tiber River and Carpina River. Amble along the brick-paved streets which, because of their steep gradients and because many are made up of steps, are delightfully car-free. Step inside the medieval walls of the town to find a small center filled with charm and beauty. Look up among the tightly packed buildings to see wrought iron balconies adorned in flowers, or seek out the craftsmen’s studios to browse for traditional, handmade Umbrian goods. Take a seat outside a café in Piazza Fortebraccio and watch the people milling around this picturesque square.

One of the great architectural highlights of Montone is the Gothic Church of St. Francis in the district of Borgo Vecchio. Venture inside the 14th-century church to find impressive frescoes, some of which are by the acclaimed master painter Bartolomeo Caporali. Inside the neighboring convent is the fascinating Civic Museum of San Francesco and the Ethnographic Museum “Tamburi Battenti,” or Talking Drum.

Despite its small size, Montone regularly plays host to several important local festivals. Of these, the Donazione della Santa Spina is the most famous. This event sees villagers dress in medieval costumes and parade through the narrow streets behind a holy thorn that is believed to have come from the crown Christ wore during his crucifixion. Join in the festivities, which include mock battles, medieval displays and archery competitions. The Festa del Bosco, or Forest Festival, celebrates the woodland harvest and is held in fall. 

Montone is located just 24 miles (40 kilometers) from Perugia. Get there in around 40 minutes by car.

Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Loc. San Lorenzo, 55, Montone, Perugia
The price is NT$2,209 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
NT$2,209
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this family-friendly farm stay in Montone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Laghi di Faldo and Church of Santa ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
Nice place
"Great place & great staff. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 2023/10/24

Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
5 out of 5
Localita Piazzano, C.P. 6, Cortona, AR
The price is NT$15,225 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$15,225
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cortona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
"This property was amazingly beautiful! The staff were friendly and provided excellent service. Food was wonderful and we enjoyed all of our meals on property. One caution, we each had a massage and it was very poorly done. Not relaxing."

Reviewed on 2023/11/18

Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Chocohotel
Chocohotel
3 out of 5
Via Campo Di Marte 134, Perugia, PG
The price is NT$4,121 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$4,121
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Perugia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Church of Santa Giuliana and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (402 reviews)
"I booked this place because I thought my son would like it but I ended up enjoying it too. The property itself is a basic three star older hotel. Rooms are small and simple and beds are not very comfortable especially if you don't like firm beds. But it was very clean and I actually like having a ..."

Reviewed on 2024/2/26

Chocohotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camping Village Punta Navaccia
Camping Village Punta Navaccia
3 out of 5
Via Navaccia 4, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Perugia
Stay at this 3-star beach campground in Tuoro sul Trasimeno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Campo del Sole and Annibale ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"Great campsite, beautiful location and not crowded. Lovely pool, good playground and beautiful beach and lakeside area. Port at 1 minute walk with ferries to Isola Maggiore, Passignano and Castiglione. Tuoro train station at 5 minutes walk, so Perugia and Arezzo at 30 minutes. Albeit few trains stop ..."

Reviewed on 2019/7/19

Camping Village Punta Navaccia
Castello di Monterone
Castello di Monterone
Strada Montevile 3, Perugia, PG
Stay at this historic residence in Perugia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (250 reviews)
"Lovely place big you want the castle experience in the center of Italy, few options like this one. Very well restored castle with beautiful grounds. Not huge, so very cozy. We were just there in December, and we were lucky to have nice weather. But I am sure in spring or early summer it must be fantastic. ..."

Reviewed on 2023/12/17

Castello di Monterone
Abbazia San Faustino Residenza d'Epoca
Abbazia San Faustino Residenza d'Epoca
Localita San Faustino Di Bagnolo, Pietralunga, PG
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Pietralunga. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Historic Town Montone and Civitella ...
7.4/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"The Abbazia is a wonderful place in a beautiful situation, rural and tranquil."

Reviewed on 2022/5/21

Abbazia San Faustino Residenza d'Epoca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Montone

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Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 24, 2019

Montone is what may be a unique ancient small walled village that I think the 300 or so residents would like to keep that way. It is like a movie set.

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