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Foligno

Description

Municipality located in the province of Perugia in a flat area at the center of the Umbrian valley, on the left bank of the river Topino, the town of Foligno is special for the presence of buildings, erected in different ages and in different styles, that give to the main center an elegant aspect. The Western part of the old center has a typical Roman structure, while in the North-eastern part evolved into a medieval city. Three adjoining squares, del Grano, del Duomo and della Repubblica, are considered the heart of the city.
Since ancient times, the area was inhabited by the Umbrians (an Italic population) and later it was conquered by the Romans. In Roman times it became an important landmark along the Via Flaminia. The decline of Empire signed the small town with the negative effects of the Barbarian invasions. In the Middle Ages, under the Duchy of Spoleto, Foligno experienced an important period of development: in the XIII century, the center expanded its boundaries beyond the river, including the areas of Poelle and Isola Bella, which were surrounded by fortified walls. Proclaimed municipality, the domain was contended for a long time by several local Lords, until in the early XIV century, the Pope granted it to the Trinci, who ruled and for more than one hundred years. The following years were signed by its alliance with the Papal States.

Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria Infraportas, probably the oldest church in Foligno, which was built between the XI and XII centuries. The building is preceded by a portico with four columns that form three arches on the façade, embellished by the presence of a beautiful mullioned window. The Bell Tower, situated at the rear, has a square base. The three-nave interior is decorated with frescoes of the XV and XVI centuries and inside the chapel of the Assumption are visible Byzantine frescoes and a wooden Madonna of the XII century;
- the Cathedral, whose original structure dates from the XII century, has been remodeled several times, the last in the XVIII century, on designs of the architect Vanvitelli, in collaboration with Piermarini. Inside it features a single nave plan, a chapel entitled to the Sacrament, artwork of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and a large crypt;
- the Oratory of the Nunziatella, built in 1494, preserves within frescoes by the Perugino;
- the XIV century Church of St. Nicholas with two polyptychs of the artist Alunno;
- the former Church of San Domenico, with its Gothic portal and a series of interesting frescoes;
- the Church of San Salvatore with its two-tone Gothic façade of the XIV century;
- the XI century Abbey of Sassovivo;
- the late XIV century Palazzo Trinci, which was rebuilt in Neoclassical style and inside preserves a important series of frescoes;
- the XVI century Palazzo Orfini;
- the XV century Palazzo Praetorian;
- the Tower of the Five Cantons

Map

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