If you are looking for a small town that combines authenticity, liveliness and beauty, Foligno is a stop you should not miss.
Located in a central position along the Umbrian Valley, this town surprises visitors with its rich artistic heritage, its medieval soul that can be felt as you walk through the streets of the historic centre, and the many cultural and food events that bring it to life throughout the year.ì
In this guide, we will discover what to see in Foligno, what to do, the festivals to experience and the flavours to taste to fall in love with this welcoming, human-scale city.
Inhabited since Roman times and crossed by the Via Flaminia, Foligno also played an important role during the Middle Ages, both because of its strategic position and its cultural vocation. Famous for being the first city to print the Divine Comedy in 1472, today it is also known for the historic Giostra della Quintana, one of Italy’s most spectacular historical re-enactments.
What to see in Foligno
We have prepared a list of the things you should not miss in Foligno, a city that goes beyond appearances: less touristy than other Umbrian towns, but just as rich in art, events and traditions.
Whether you are passionate about history, good food or medieval re-enactments, discovering what to see in Foligno will give you an authentic journey into the heart of the most vibrant Umbria.
- Piazza della Repubblica;
- Palazzo Trinci;
- Church of San Francesco;
- Museum of Printing.
And now, let’s discover these places together!
Piazza della Repubblica
The heart of the historic centre, it is home to the Cathedral of San Feliciano, the Palazzo Comunale and Palazzo Trinci: a true treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance art. From here, the main routes leading to the entrances of the town branch out. It is said that it was precisely in this square that St Francis of Assisi began his path of conversion by giving away his clothes and his horse.
Palazzo Trinci
One of Foligno’s main attractions, this palace houses the civic museum and preserves frescoes by Gentile da Fabriano, as well as archaeological and multimedia collections.
The historic Palazzo Trinci, home to the city’s Archaeological Museum, is the result of the renovation of pre-existing buildings carried out between 1389 and 1407 by Ugolino Trinci.
Inside, refined frescoed rooms depict stories of the Virgin, representations of the liberal arts, the seven planets and the seven ages of man.
The Hall of the Emperors houses beautiful frescoes attributed to Gentile da Fabriano celebrating the greatness of Rome. At the centre of each arch is a symbol from the history of Rome, presented as an example of greatness and virtue.
Church of San Francesco
A small Gothic gem that houses the tomb of Blessed Pietro Crisci. Not far away, the modern Church of San Paolo Apostolo, designed by Massimiliano Fuksas, offers a fascinating architectural contrast.
Museum of Printing
A tribute to Foligno’s printing tradition: here you can discover the history of the first printed edition of the Divine Comedy, the editio princeps.
What to do in Foligno - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Foligno offers countless opportunities to experience the area in an authentic way.
The Giostra della Quinta is a symbol of Foligno’s identity. A jousting competition involving the town’s ten districts, with historical costumes, taverns, parades and stadium-like cheering. An unmissable experience!
During those days, the town comes alive with the opening of the ten district taverns, where you can taste traditional dishes inspired by 17th-century cuisine. All participants faithfully wear Baroque period costumes, offering visitors a unique journey back in time. The horseback competition is preceded by a fascinating historical parade and a culinary competition between the districts: a recreation of a lavish Baroque banquet.
During the cooking competition, the narrow streets of the town are filled with music played on period instruments and dances performed by professionals wearing medieval costumes.
Foligno welcomes travellers along the Via di Francesco, a fascinating route combining the natural beauty and spirituality of the places that were especially dear to Saint Francis, who found his second home in Foligno.
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The Via di Francesco from Spoleto to Assisi
Festivals and Popular Events in Foligno
Foligno is deeply connected to its agricultural and religious traditions, celebrated through authentic and engaging events.
In September, the important Festival Primi d’Italia takes place, a delicious event dedicated to the first courses of Italian gastronomic culture: pasta, risotto, soups, gnocchi and street food. A tasty and original event that attracts thousands of visitors. For the occasion, the entire historic centre is decorated for the festivities.
In spring and summer, many surrounding villages organise agricultural festivals such as the Festa della Rievocazione Contadina, where local residents gather in the districts to relive the area’s agricultural traditions through historical re-enactments, vintage machinery, outdoor dinners and local specialities.
Typical Dishes of Foligno
Foligno’s cuisine reflects Umbrian tradition: simple, genuine and full of flavour.
Let’s take a look at some of the city’s most representative dishes. Roveja and cicerchie are a symbol of local tradition, featuring ancient legumes that are still cultivated today in the Colfiorito area and often used in hearty soups. Strangozzi with black truffle are a traditional fresh pasta dish, dressed with one of Umbria’s most prized ingredients. Coratella and sweetbreads: specialities served in the taverns during the Quintana, beloved by locals for their intense flavour.
The Rocciata di Foligno is a dessert similar to strudel, made with apples, raisins, walnuts, pine nuts and cinnamon: a true delight.
Eating and Drinking in Foligno
Here are some local suggestions:
Now that you know what to see in Foligno, all that remains is to lose yourself among its narrow streets and let yourself be guided by the scent of freshly baked bread and the distant sound of church bells.
