Weekend in Amelia

A 16th-century stone fountain in the main square, carved with masks and coat of arms. Still working; locals fill bottles here.

Tip: Fill your water bottle—the water is good quality spring water. Best photo angle is from the steps of the basilica.

The main square with a medieval clock tower, a 13th-century town hall, and a travertine pavement sloping south. Benches in the shade of plane trees.

Tip: Thursday morning farmers' market sets up here – pick up local olive oil or a €2 cone of arancini from the van at the east end.

A 12th-century Romanesque church with carved stone portals and fresco fragments, located on the main square. The crypt has original columns that predate the basilica.

Tip: Visit late afternoon for good light on the stone carvings; weekday mornings are quietest.

Cyclopean walls built by the Umbri in the 4th-2nd century BC, with massive stone blocks fitted without mortar. Sections are visible along the old town perimeter.

Tip: Best preserved section is near Porta Romana — walk the short path outside the gate for the full scale. No ropes, so watch your step on uneven ground.

11th-century cathedral with a striking Romanesque crypt and carved wooden choir stalls.

Tip: Ask the custodian to switch on the crypt lights if they are off—the columns are worth seeing.

A 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with a striking rose window and a crypt housing the relics of Saint Fermina, restored in the 18th century.

Tip: Check the crypt opening times at the tourist office; it's usually free but sometimes locked on weekday afternoons.

A 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with a marble floor, wooden choir stalls, and a crypt holding relics. It's small and quiet, with no entry fee.

Tip: The crypt is often locked, but ask the sacristan near the main door—they'll sometimes open it for polite visitors.

A 15th-century city gate marking the entrance to Amelia's historic core. Heavy stone arches and a quiet square around it.

Tip: Go early morning when the sun lights up the travertine blocks. The bars nearby open from 6.30am.

A well-maintained walking path along the ancient Roman and medieval city walls, with olive groves and views of the rolling Umbrian hills. Benches at intervals.

Tip: Start from Porta Romana and walk anticlockwise; the section near the fortress has a hidden garden with wildflowers in spring.

Well-preserved first-century AD Roman amphitheatre cut into the hillside, seating about 4,000 people.

Tip: Visit late afternoon for fewer tourists and better light for photos.