John & Sun-Ling Wander the Earth: Unimpressed with Todi

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Unimpressed with Todi

The main reason we came to southern Umbria was to check out Todi, one of the top hill towns in the area. Having just come from Narni, we found Todi soulless. For starters, it wasn't the easiest place to get to on public transport, especially with the FCU train between Terni and Perugia out of commission (a bus substitute runs). While it is bigger than Narni, Todi is too fixed up, yet empty. While Narni is dinged by the nearby chemical plant that mars the otherwise idyllic pastoral setting, the town seems for lived in and lively. Todi, on the other hand, is perfectly lovely, yet I estimate only 20-25% of the dwellings have regular residents. No wonder they have to work hard to attract visitors. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day and we had great fun navigating the hill town.

We changed from train to bus in nearby Terni who touts its industrial heritage with installations like this spread through the city center.

Todi Centro is 4 kms from the train/bus station by paved road. Instead of taking a bus up to town, we walked the 2.4 km "dirt road route" and had a great view back towards the station.

And views up to the walls of Todi.

We entered the city through one of its many gates - this one is Porta Perugina.

The Duomo was austere/simple...

...with a very nice rose window.

Looking out over Piazza Popolo from the Duomo steps.

And looking back to the Duomo.

The highlight of Todi for us was climbing the 100+ steps of the San Fortunato Campanile, located on the highest spot in town, for some great views. Todi has world-class views all round and comes with 10 or 20 places to enjoy those views.