Montone

Travel Guide

Montone showing tranquil scenes
Montone showing tranquil scenes
Montone showing tranquil scenes
Montone featuring a church or cathedral
Montone featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Be enchanted by the hilltop village of Montone, where a slow-paced, traditional lifestyle, centuries-old cuisine and impressive historic buildings await.

The tiny village of Montone has often been voted one of the prettiest villages in all of Italy. It is an accolade which, from first glance, it is impossible to disagree with. Perched on a hilltop and steeped in history, it is an enchanting place to visit. While away the days climbing the steep steps, gazing at the beautiful views, relaxing in family-run restaurants and exploring the local history.

Montone sits at 1,581 feet (482 meters) above sea level and is wedged between the Tiber River and Carpina River. Amble along the brick-paved streets which, because of their steep gradients and because many are made up of steps, are delightfully car-free. Step inside the medieval walls of the town to find a small center filled with charm and beauty. Look up among the tightly packed buildings to see wrought iron balconies adorned in flowers, or seek out the craftsmen’s studios to browse for traditional, handmade Umbrian goods. Take a seat outside a café in Piazza Fortebraccio and watch the people milling around this picturesque square.

One of the great architectural highlights of Montone is the Gothic Church of St. Francis in the district of Borgo Vecchio. Venture inside the 14th-century church to find impressive frescoes, some of which are by the acclaimed master painter Bartolomeo Caporali. Inside the neighboring convent is the fascinating Civic Museum of San Francesco and the Ethnographic Museum “Tamburi Battenti,” or Talking Drum.

Despite its small size, Montone regularly plays host to several important local festivals. Of these, the Donazione della Santa Spina is the most famous. This event sees villagers dress in medieval costumes and parade through the narrow streets behind a holy thorn that is believed to have come from the crown Christ wore during his crucifixion. Join in the festivities, which include mock battles, medieval displays and archery competitions. The Festa del Bosco, or Forest Festival, celebrates the woodland harvest and is held in fall.

Montone is located just 24 miles (40 kilometers) from Perugia. Get there in around 40 minutes by car.

Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Loc. San Lorenzo, 55, Montone, PG
$60 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$70 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly farm stay in Montone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Laghi di Faldo and Church of ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"It was ok, room was ok. Staff was friendly!"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Borgo Pulciano Agriturismo
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
5 out of 5
Localita Piazzano, C.P. 6, Cortona, AR
$707 nightly
The price is $786 total per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
$786 total
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cortona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (205 reviews)
"Unforgettable experience!"

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

Villa di Piazzano - Small Luxury Hotel of the World
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Via del Salvatore, Cortona, AR
$295 nightly
The price is $333 total per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$333 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cortona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel, all of the staff are excellent and made the experience even better. The views from the hotel of Cortona are incredible and we wish we'd booked a longer stay. The rooms are immaculate, clean and very comfortable. All of the amenities follow in the same vein and are so nice you almost ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castello di Monterone
Castello di Monterone
Strada Montevile 3, Perugia, PG
Book a stay at this historic residence in Perugia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (281 reviews)
"Beautiful setting, lovely staff, and so fun to stay in a castle! Pool and spa were a wonderful addition. Grazie mille!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Castello di Monterone
Welchome suites
Welchome suites
Via Luigi Bonazzi 45, Perugia, PG
Stay at this apartment in Perugia. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Museo delle Porte e delle Mura Urbiche and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"The apartment was so nice and very reasonably priced. The bed was comfortable and I enjoyed the Sm"

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Welchome suites
Camping Villaggio Cerquestra
Camping Villaggio Cerquestra
3 out of 5
Strada Torricella, 28 - Monte del Lago, Magione, PG
Stay at this 3-star beach campground in Magione. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lake Trasimeno and Zocco Castle are ...
great location
"The property advertised two bedrooms, I wasn't expecting the bedroom to be with the kitchen, so I was disappointed with that. This may have been an oversight with me, but I didn't realize I needed to bring my own linens - luckily there were some available to purchase for use. Otherwise it was good, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2017

Camping Villaggio Cerquestra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Montone

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Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Montone is what may be a unique ancient small walled village that I think the 300 or so residents would like to keep that way. It is like a movie set.

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