Umbria abounds in spendid hill-top towns, indeed they are one of the most characteristic traits of this beautiful region.
Monteleone d’Orvieto is one such town. Founded in the 11th. century and owing to its strategic position fought over by the Papal States and the Grand Dukes of Tuscany it is some 35km north of Orvieto and sits on a commanding bluff looking westwards into southern Toscana.
Most ancient towns ‘centro storico’ are best expored on foot, and have parking nearby. Monteleone’s three parallel streets are lined with a blend of houses, shops, enotecas, bars, and churches. Towards the cliff top they peter out in tiny piazzas with entrances some only wide enought to be negotiated by an “Api” or original Fiat cinquecento.
