Amelia is considered one of the most ancient towns of Umbria. According to Plinius it was built in 1134 b.C.

The position is strategic: it is on a hill and dominates the valleys of Tiber and Nera Rivers. Thanks to this strategic position, Amelia has always been considered an important town and was protected by wide strong walls in VI – V century b.C. These walls are 8 m tall and were built using big stone blocks. The visitors who wants to enjoy the atmosphere of the town should start the visit from the walls. Entering through Porta Leone (one of the ancient entrances to the town), you will reach the town. The architecture is still the medieval one made of alleys with small shops. The upper part of Amelia is dominated by the Cathedral where there are two standards won during Lepanto Battle by Christian Armies that fought against Turkish soldiers. The panorama from this part of the town is actually wonderful. Near the Cathedral there is the Civic Tower built around 1000 using stones takes from former Roman or medieval buildings. Piazza Marconi is the main square of the town.

A typical event of the town is the competition called Palio dei colombi, a competition involving the districts of the town, preceded by a historical parade with participants wearing costumes of XIV century. A podesta waits for the parade outside the walls of the town: he is appointed by the Mayor of Rome (the two towns have always had good relationships). He receives the keys of the town. Then everybody goes to the Town Hall.

Renaissance brought to Amelia many elegant palaces: Palazzo Farrattini, Palazzo Nacci, Palazzo Geraldini, and Palazzo Petrignani (built in XVI century with Renaissance style). In Palazzo Petrignani there is the picture gallery of the town. In the archaeological museum of the town there are many remains of Roman and medieval periods.

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Written by Ettore Panella Translation by Linda Liguori