We arrived in Todi late last night.  Only being here for two nights, we have been trying to experience as much as possible. Todi is in the Perugia, Umbria area, another of those fascinating little hilltop towns that are spread throughout Italy.

This is the fourth time we have been to Todi, and find it a good example of most Italian hilltop towns. I am sure just about everyone that knows me is aware of my love for Cortona in Tuscany. However, I am always sensitive to the fact that Frances Mayes fame, her book and the subsequent movie “Under The Tuscan Sun” have changed quite a bit of the original reality of Cortona. With the amount of tourists that flood the town each year,  it was inevitable that the way of life for the residents would be changed forever. This has forced them to have to adapt to the overwhelming impact on their lifestyles both economically and culturally.  Not so much Todi, having far less tourists, it has never endured the fame that Cortona has had to, thus leaving it quite a bit closer to the “true” Italian lifestyle. For those interested in the impact that fame has brought to Cortona I would suggest watching the excellent documentary “The Genius of A Place.” However, having said that and never knowing Cortona prior to this impact, it still remains as the most special and magical of places to me. Now back to Todi, which in its own right is lovely.

Church of St. Fortunato begun in the late 12th Century

The Mastio, only remains of a fort that was built in 1373

Typical street and this evenings restaurant

12th Century Cathedral at night

Morning  fog over the valley below