Nestled amidst green hills, Monteleone di Orvieto offers the visitor one of the most evocative views of Umbria. From the borgo, the panorama stretches from Monte Arale to the Val di Chiana up to Monte Amiata. A little corner of paradise on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, it’s surrounded by lush forests and lively streams, framed by a lovely countryside tamed by the locals’ wise hands. Its origins date back to Etruscan times. Monteleone castle was built in the 11th century by the people of Orvieto as a defensive stronghold to defend the northern borders of their territory. From the original castle we can today admire the entrance gate (Porta Nord). Entering the gate, the borgo’s medieval history is immediately present in the remains of fortified walls, towers and walkways. The red colour of the bricks used to build the city walls is the predominant hue. At the far end of the main road crossing the elongated historic centre, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is a Tower called Il Torrione, from which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view. The Teatro dei Rustici, one of the smallest theatres in Italy and Europe, has been in activity since 1738. Built inside a medieval palace it was the fulcrum of society and the seat of the local administration.

Must-see

•The Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso (1637), with its beautiful Baroque altar.
•The Church of SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo has a fresco featuring the Madonna and Child between Saints Peter and Paul, and a Pietà from the school of Perugino (15th century).
•The Torre dell’Orologio, was built in the late 1800s from a design by the native architect Filidio Lemmi using locally manufactured bricks and clay tiles that give the building its warm harmony.