The territory of Montone has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by various Roman artifacts. During the war between the Byzantines and the Lombards, Montone was undoubtedly a fortified settlement, strategically important for defending the road that connected Perugia to the Flaminian consular road leading to Cagli. Montone’s fame is inseparably linked to the Fortebracci family, which, through Andrea—known as Braccio—gained widespread renown. With a strong personality and remarkable military skills, Braccio became one of the most famous condottieri of his time. Through his conquests, he subdued Umbria and established a small independent state in the heart of Italy. After his death in L’Aquila in 1424, the territories he had conquered soon returned to the control of the Church.
Under Pope Leo X, the county of Montone was entrusted to the Vitelli family of Città di Castello, who ruled it until 1640. From 1789 to 1819, Montone experienced a brief period of renewal, inspired by the ideas of liberty spread by the French Revolution. On September 12, 1860, the troops of General Fanti permanently liberated the town, which was later annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.
Montone is located atop two hills overlooking the Upper Tiber Valley, with origins dating back to the 11th century. With just over one thousand inhabitants, it is a small village enclosed by imposing medieval walls, accessible through Porta Verziere and Porta Borgo. Cars are not allowed inside the village, making it a place of silence and tranquility.
Among its most unique attractions is the “Talking Drum” Ethnographic Museum, which houses a collection of over six hundred pieces from East Africa. The Municipal Historical Archive is one of the most important in Umbria, thanks to the richness of its preserved documents. The village is adorned with numerous monuments and churches, including the Church of San Francesco—now the Municipal Museum—and the Art Gallery. Montone is also recognized among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
