Monte Castello di Vibio
Member of the Italian National Network
The village takes its name from the "gens Vibia", one of the many families of the Clustumina tribe that during the high period of the first Roman Republic and later the Empire, founded the "splendidissima colonia" of the "fida Tuder" along the valley of the Tiber and the Naia.
However, it is important to point out that before the Romans arrived, the indigenous population had already developed the land along the fertile banks of the Tiber that Monte Castello over looks. This was an area of commerce, agriculture and travel and the population felt the terror of Hannibal's army when, having won a victory at Trasimeno, he pushed on towards the Forello gorge on his way to Rome. The Middle Ages wiped out any sign of this ancient past and the Monte Castello we know today is typical of a medieval "castrum". The town's elevated position and dominance over the river made it a target for the powerful town of Todi which was expanding its borders. Despite numerous attempts at rebellion by the inhabitants, Todi subjected Monte Castello to fires, sackings and devastating at tacks.
In 1245 Caccianemico, mayor of Todi, had the town walls razed to the ground and in 1247 his successor, Tolomeo Di Pietro, destroyed the towers, extinguishing any hope the residents had of revenge even though Todi's protector, Frederick II, was losing his grip on power.
Eventually Monte Castello became part of Todi's territory and was included in the administrative records of the town as well as the "liber focularum" (book of fires) – the census document of 1290 that records a population of 1000 inhabitant.
In 1323 the fort was rebuilt and was listed under the defences of Todi with a Todi-appointed superintendent.
In 1392 Monte Castello became a "signoria" (a settlement belonging to a nobleman). Bonifacio IX gave the town to Catalano Degli Atti together with Acquaspata and Sismano over which he had control. The Atti family only took firm control after 1409 and stayed on until 1464. However, the pride of Monte Castello's residents would not go away and once again hostility and rebellion sprung up between the dominating town of Todi and its smaller neighbour. In the end Todi was obliged to crush this spirit of independence by announcing a ban on all commercial activity.
In 1565 Todi had to you back the town from the Camera Apostolica and from 1596, the year in which it seems full control was finally established, Monte Castello remained part of the territory of Todi for two centuries.
The Napoleonic era brought a period of new life and splendour to the town when it became the administrative centre of a vast territory reaching from the Tiber to Orvieto. Inspired by a current of new ideas, the community embarked on a series of innovative projects, the most lasting of which was the "Teatro della Concordia"(Concord Theatre), built between 1807 and 1808.
After the second Papal Restoration in 1814 Monte Castello di Vibio became a "comune".
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
CONCORD THEATRE: "The smallest theatre in the world" – Open on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. It is also opened in the period from December 24 to January 6, and from July 1 to September 30. Appointments and bookings: 075 8780737 – 328 9188892 – e mail: email@example.com.
Collection of historical relics, Porta di Maggio Tower: Open with booking and on main cultural events' occasion. Info: Turistical Informations Office: 075 8780711
Typical products: oil, wine, vegetables
Camper Service: Via Bartolomeo J. Della Rovere
"Concord Theatre" 's theatrical season: it takes place in the period between autumn and spring. Info: www.teatropiccolo.it
Saint Antonio from Padova festival (hamlet Doglio): it takes place in the third week of June. www.doglioinfesta.it
Madonna delle Carceri festival: it takes place between the end of June and the beginning of July
Masterclass and classical and ancient music: the third week of July
Tequila Festival (hamlet Madonna del Piano): it takes place between the third and the fourth week of July
Summer in Monte Castello di Vibio (July and August): performances and concerts in the streets and the squares of the village. Historical medieval Remembrance. Outodoor dinners.
Assunta's festival (hamlet Doglio): 14 of August
Travel in the Crib (hamlet Doglio): Christmas period. Cribs' exhibition, concerts and tastings.
Christmas in Monte Castello: Christmas period. Santa Claus' house. Crib in
miniature. Performances, concerts and tastings.