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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.
Terni, Umbria, Italy

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.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

And views up to the walls of Todi.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

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

The Duomo was austere/simple...
Todi, Umbria, Italy

...with a very nice rose window.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Todi, Umbria, Italy

Looking out over Piazza Popolo from the Duomo steps.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

And looking back to the Duomo.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

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.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

We ate our picnic lunch in this park.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Looking towards Piazza Popolo.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Todi, Umbria, Italy

Looking down to Porta Romano.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

San Fortunato interior = huge.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Todi, Umbria, Italy

The facade of San Fortunato.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

A view towards the Duomo.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Typical view from Todi.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Walking along the City Wall.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Todi, Umbria, Italy

Old fountain.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Santa Maria della Consolazione is touted as one of the best Renaissance churches in Europe.
Todi, Umbria, Italy

Todi, Umbria, Italy

Happy to be back at Narni Station. Old town is up to the left.
Narni Station - Narni Scalo, Umbria, Italy

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