According to some historians, the Etruscans founded Montefalco. During the Roman expansion wars and later the barbaric invasions, the Falisco Umbro (the first recorded name of Montefalco) was almost destroyed. Shortly after the roman patrician, Mario Curione elected the site as his retreat, fortifying it with walls and turrets and renamed it Cor Curionis (in vulgar Corcurione). It appears that the town was an independent municipality, which governed itself under roman protectorate.

The name Montefalco appears officially in 1249, after the Saracen troops of Fredrick II ravaged the town. The construction of the first Palazzo del Popolo in 1270 established a distinguished location for the town's government. Four guarded doors gave then and still today, access to the town. Porta S. Agostino, with its picturesque battlement tower, gives way to Corso Goffredo Mameli, the main street, and from there to the Piazza del Comune. From Porta della Rocca, reminiscent of the ancient fortress, you are directed to the Quarter of San Francesco and on the outside, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Valley of Alta Umbria. From Porta Federico II, mounted with his insignia, close to the church of S. Bartolomeo, you view the city of Trevi and a luscious array of olive tree cultivations. Porta Camiano guards the eastern entrance of the town and glimpses the church of S. Fortunato, immersed in the similar named woods. From there you have a superior view of the cities of Foligno and Trevi. The original town of Montefalco is divided in four Quarters.

The divisions become noticeable during the august events. During this month, the town comes alive with an historical fest named Fuga del Bove. The four quarters compete in a series of tests and quests mostly in Medieval costumes, to win the Palio (banner). All garnished with an intense gastronomical week. Due to its ancient origins, Montefalco has a rich and interesting artistic treasure. In the S. Francesco museum are original frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, Il Perugino and other Maestros of those schools. Of particular notice are the artistic weavings hand made today that still follow the original medieval patterns. Original products of the Montefalco hills are the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (protected and guaranteed by the D.O.P. mark) and the unique and prestigious Sagrantino wine. These specialties are featured in many gastronomical events during the year. Montefalco is placed at 400 m above sea and due to its extraordinary location is called the Balcony of Umbria (Ringhiera Umbra); walking around the city walls you can enjoy the incredible view of the valley of Umbria.

      Montefalco, Benozzo pinse a fresco
giovenilmente in te le belle mura
ebro d’amor per ogni creatura
viva fratello al sol come Francesco.

      Dolce come sul poggio il melo e il pesco,
chiara come il Clitunno alla pianura,
di fiori ed acqua era la sua pintura,
beate del sorriso di Francesco.

      E l’azzurro non desti anche al tuo biondo
Melanzio, e il verde? Verde d’arboscelli
azzurro di colline per gli altari;

      Sicché par che lo stesso ciel rischiari
la tua campagna e nel tuo cor profondo
l’anima che t’ornarono i pennelli.