AMELIA

Amelia is one of the oldest cities in Umbria. King Ameroe founded the town, with the name Ameria and it was later occupied by the Etruscans, then the Romans. Numerous invasions took place with from the middle ages up to the unification of Italy in 1860 the town, now known as Amelia rules by the Roman Catholic Church within the Papal States. As with many towns, it is all about location, and Amelia was on what was known as the Byzantine Way, the route connecting Rome to Ravenna.

A walled town, the the large impressive gate is one of the first things you see as you approach the old town centre. These walls are 3.5 meters thick and there are four gates. The Porta Romana (see to the right) is the main entrance.

Old Amelia, inside the walls, is a well preserved medieval city. The architecture is interesting, although this is very limited commercial activity, so enjoy a walk up the various narrow streets. The centre is the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral and the 30-meter-high Torre Civica. The church, built in 872 was later rebuilt (1629) in the Baroque style and completed in the 1800's.

 

 

	Narrow streets of Amelia. old doors and an authetic feel.

 

There are a number of palaces that date from the 14th and 15th centuries that include the Palazzo Farrattini, Palazzo Petrignan and the Palazzo Venturelli. This is what brought us to Amelia, as we had the opportunity to stay at the Palazzo Venturelli. We have written about staying at the Palazzo Venturelli on our Great Places to Stay site.