Todi - World's Most Livable City
We took a road trip to Todi which is a hilltop town surrounded by three different sets of walls. We saw evidence of the outer medieval wall, the middle Roman wall, and the inner Etruscan wall.
It is hard to imagine that new walls were constructed at three different points in time but each was built as the town kept growing and expanding.
Like its neighbors, Todi also offers stunning views from its imposing location. Built on the side of a hill it has several piazzas, including the Piazza del Popolo. The large gate flanking the square is the Porta del Popolo. Travelers on via Flaminia would pass through these gates when they visited Todi.
The marble fountain on the square shows Neptune accompanied by tritons. It’s one of several fountains on the square.
Todi’s landscape features its highest point, the steeple of San Fortunato. Construction of the church dates back to the 13th century. It appears it’s still a work in progress as the top half of the church's exterior was never finished. The lower half of the church’s façade fared much better – at its entrance there are spiral columns and decorated portals.
The inside differs from typical gothic churches. It is wider than usual as it includes a preaching hall, and is brighter as it does not include stained glass. The walnut carved choir stalls reminds one of days gone by when fine craftsmanship was truly an art form.
There are still many visible remnants of the Roman occupation including a colossal Roman niched substructure of uncertain purpose (the Nicchioni). It now serves as the wall of a parking lot.
It is hard to imagine that new walls were constructed at three different points in time but each was built as the town kept growing and expanding.
The marble fountain on the square shows Neptune accompanied by tritons. It’s one of several fountains on the square.
Todi’s landscape features its highest point, the steeple of San Fortunato. Construction of the church dates back to the 13th century. It appears it’s still a work in progress as the top half of the church's exterior was never finished. The lower half of the church’s façade fared much better – at its entrance there are spiral columns and decorated portals.The inside differs from typical gothic churches. It is wider than usual as it includes a preaching hall, and is brighter as it does not include stained glass. The walnut carved choir stalls reminds one of days gone by when fine craftsmanship was truly an art form.
There are still many visible remnants of the Roman occupation including a colossal Roman niched substructure of uncertain purpose (the Nicchioni). It now serves as the wall of a parking lot.
Comments
Post a Comment