Discover Amelia: Walls, Churches and Culture

Amelia in Umbria brings together architectural history, art and a range of routes through the town and its outlying districts. The circuit of walls follows the terrain, former churches preserve works of art spanning several centuries, and two different types of route take centre stage: the Cammino di Germanico and “Trekking Urbano”. These themes give you concrete points of reference for getting to know Amelia as a travel destination.

Routes and the circuit of walls

The Cammino di Germanico is a circular route about 75 kilometres long, connecting Amelia with its seven outlying districts. The “Trekking Urbano” urban walking route also leads through Amelia. For your planning, this means a clear difference in route type: a circuit between the town and its outlying districts, or a route through the town itself.

The course of the circuit of walls also tells a story about the landscape. It follows the topography; on the north side, steep slopes descending towards the Rio Grande form part of the natural defensive setting. To the south, the polygonal section of wall on either side of Porta Romana is particularly well preserved along about 800 metres. The masonry therefore offers a way to observe both how the fortifications adapt to the terrain and their historic defensive function.

Monastery, collection and views

The Museo Civico Archeologico e Pinacoteca “Edilberto Rosa” is housed in the former Collegio Boccarini. The building was originally a Franciscan monastery dating from the 13th to 14th centuries; its cloister with a double loggia was built in the 16th century. Its different construction phases give the site a distinctive historical setting. The Pinacoteca Edilberto Rosa displays works from Amelia’s town palaces and churches, dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Their provenance and dates connect the collection with the town’s art history.

Another landmark is the Torre Dodecagonale. The tower is about 30 metres high; a spiral staircase leads to a terrace with 360-degree views. This viewpoint complements visits to the town walls and historic buildings with a perspective from above.

Churches and works of art

The history of the Church of San Francesco dates back to 1287. It was built on the site of an existing parish church and later dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The Geraldini Chapel contains the tomb monument to Matteo and Elisabetta Geraldini, created by Agostino di Duccio in 1477. The church, chapel and monument take you from architectural history to a specific work of the Renaissance.

The Church of Sant’Agostino was built for the first Augustinian community in Amelia, which settled there in 1266; it was consecrated in 1288. Above the entrance is an organ built by Angelo Morettini of Perugia in 1841. The cathedral also preserves a work by Agostino di Duccio: one of its chapels contains the tomb of Bishop Giovanni Geraldini, above which a relief by the sculptor is mounted. The two works of art reflect different contexts within Amelia’s churches.

The Loggia del Banditore is also part of the town’s historic character. The raised platform can be reached via a double flight of steps. From there, the town crier announced public notices using a trumpet. The Ex Chiesa e Complesso San Michele Arcano represents a different present-day use: the complex was founded in the 16th century beside Amelia’s medieval walls and later restored. Today, its church is used as an auditorium and conference hall.

Getting there and planning your stay

You can reach Amelia by train via Narni-Amelia station; a bus then takes you to Amelia. Check the timetable for this connecting journey before you set off. To plan the rest of your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on the Cammino di Germanico, the urban walking route, or Amelia’s architectural and artistic history. When looking for a hotel in Amelia, this gives you a concrete starting point for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Prodo, Cecalocco, Orvieto, Montecchio, Poggio Aquilone, Vasciano, Coppe, Guardea.

For the main travel overview: Terni.