Foligno
Foligno: a small town in Umbria
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a small town in Umbria? Today I will talk about Foligno, a municipality in the province of Perugia, located in the center of the Umbrian Valley and crossed by the Topino river. With its 55,293 inhabitants, Foligno is a city rich in history and diverse cultures. Get ready to immerse yourself in this beautiful city.
Physical geography
Territory
Foligno is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Topino and the Menotre. The municipal territory, mostly mountainous, is in the Tiber basin on the Tyrrhenian side of the Apennines, with a part located on the Adriatic side, in the Colfiorito plateau, in the Chienti river basin.
Hydrography
Foligno is the only city crossed by the Topino, whose course was regulated in the first half of the 19th century to protect the city from floods. There is the urban river park of the Topino, where you can enjoy nature.
Climate
The climate of the city and the surrounding plain is a temperate subcoastal climate, with not overly cold winters, rather humid and summers marked by high temperatures, but not torrid. Furthermore, autumn is warmer than spring, and it is the rainiest season of the year.
History
Ancient times
Foligno has proto-historical origins, dating back to the pre-Roman Umbrian era, founded by the "Umbri Fulginates". The Umbrian "Fulginia", then the Roman "Fulginium", was located in a pre-hill area near Santa Maria in Campis, near the ancient Via Flaminia, and the Topino river mouth at the bottom of the valley. The modern city, probably built on a military camp further downstream, inherited the layout of straight roads that intersect perpendicularly.
Culture
Monuments and places of interest
The city of Foligno offers numerous monuments and places of interest. The Cathedral of San Feliciano is the main Catholic place of worship in Foligno and is located in the heart of the city. The Church of Sant'Agostino is another church of notable historical and artistic interest. The Clock Tower is the symbol of the historic city and represents the pride of the community of Foligno. The Gothic-style Palazzo Comunale is located to the right of the Cathedral and is an elegant and majestic building.
Events
The city of Foligno is famous for its traditional events, such as Giovedì Grasso, Quintana, and Palio dei Quartieri. The Quintana is the medieval commemorative festival that takes place every year on the second Saturday of June. The Palio dei Quartieri, whose first edition dates back to 1664, is a competition among the four districts of the city.
Gastronomy
Umbrian cuisine is famous all over the world, and that of Foligno is no exception. Among the typical dishes, there are first courses with truffles, such as passatelli al tartufo, fettuccia al tartufo, and risotto al tartufo. The cured meats are also characteristic, such as prosciutto di Foligno, ciauscolo, and salsicciotto. Not to forget the tasty farro soup, which is very common in the area.
Conclusions
Foligno is a magical place, where culture, history, and gastronomy blend together. The city offers numerous opportunities for entertainment, from walks in the urban river park of the Topino to the visit of its historical monuments. In every corner of the city, you can taste delicious and authentic dishes from Umbrian cuisine. If you intend to visit the area, don't forget to include Foligno in your list of must-visit places!
