Amelia

Amelia is another medieval Umbrian city, enclosed by towering stone walls that date back to the 3rd century BCE, making them some of the oldest in Italy. Known in antiquity as Ameria, the town was an important Roman settlement and still preserves remnants of Roman cisterns, gates, and mosaics beneath its medieval surface. I loved Amelia for its winding alleys and panoramic hilltop views across the countryside.

On one of the days that Robert and Laura were working on their home in Lugnano, they dropped me in Amelia for a few hours. It remains one of the most beautiful, fairytale-like places I visited on my journey. None of the shops were open, so I simply wandered the cobblestone streets, peeking into quiet neighborhood churches and admiring the layered architecture.