MONTEFALCO

SURROUNDINGS

ASSISI
BEVAGNA
FOLIGNO
GUBBIO
SPELLO
SPOLETO
TODI
TREVI

Foligno (the history)

In ancient times Umbrian peoples inhabited the territory of Foligno. The Roman infiltration came about with the building of the principle Flaminia roadway. The etymology of the name has religious origins, with reference to a cult devoted to the goddess Fulginia. Part of the Spoleto Duchy, Foligno was invaded by the barbarians. In the 12th century it became a municipality. From 1305 to 1439 the Trinci family put their allies into positions of power such as papal vicars. After a break with the papacy of Eugen IV, Cardinal Giovanni Vitelleschi had the town besieged. The French dominated the city from 1798 to 1799 and from 1809 to 1814. Foligno took part in the ‘Risorgimento’ national independence movement and in World War II it was an active centre in the fight for freedom.

Events:

Quintana Tournament, June and September. A Tournament on horse-back and in period costume that evokes the glorious past of Foligno. Representatives of the ten city quarters compete in the tournament held in 17th-century style. On the field, the contestants are awaited by a wooden sculpture called the Quintana, which represents a warrior holding up rings of decreasing sizes that must be hooked by the horse-men at a gallop. The first historical documents of equestrian tournaments in Foligno date back to 1448. On the eve of the games, a procession of some 1000 participants in the 17th-century costume parades through the centre of town.

Segni Barocchi, in september. A festival established in 1981 with musical and theatrical performances, films and exhibits inspired by the Baroque period.

I Primi d’Italia, September/October. A national festival for promoting high quality firs course dishes: pasta, rice, soup and polenta. The event includes exhibits, tastings, and a cooking school under the guide of master chefs.

www.foligno.umbria2000.it