It
includes the Tiber valley and the central area beyond the Monti Amerini,
where thick woods of Mediterranean bush grow alongside secular ilexes, and
where rolling hills and vast plains create unique landscapes.
Here a healthy lifestyle is created through a rediscovery of the human
dimension of life.
The town is located on a hill, which overlooks a tranquil and serene
countryside. The old town is characterised by magnificent Poligonal Walls
of the VII-IV centuries B.C.: a monument of exceptional historical value.
Originally, Amelia was an important centre which belonged to the Umbrians.
It later became a Roman municipio named America.
Both civilizations left very significant traces, as demonstrated by the
bronze statue of Germanico and the ten grandiose rooms of the Cisterna
Romana.
The
well-preserved and charming historical centre is a mixture of different
ages and styles, which represent the various architectural styles, from
the Romans to the eighteenth century.
On top
of the hill sits the majestic Duomo, an important religious monument
dedicated to S. Fermina V.M.
The Civic Tower of the eleventh century was erected next to it, as a
symbol of municipal liberties.
The picturesque Piazza Marconi gives a little taste of the past to
tourists.
The architectural styles of noble palaces like Petrignani Palace,
Venturelli Palace, Nacci Palace, Cansacchi Palace, Farrattini Palace and
Battista Geraldini Palace are of significant historical value. They all
have fresco-painted halls.
S. Francesco Church and S. Agostino Church contain numerous works of art;
for example, in S. Magno Church, one can find an extremely valuable
sixteenth-century organ.
In one
neighbourhood of the town lies the wonderful “Parco del Rio Grande,” a
green oasis of peace.
Gastronomy is fundamental to the culture of the territory: dishes like
game, dripping-pan cooked stock-doves and stuffed figs are all delicacies
of the local cuisine.
Wine
and oil have always been typical products of the area.
The
atmosphere of the past and the history of the town are kept alive through
the traditions of the Palio dei colombi and in the Rievocazione storica
degli Statuti Amerini.
