Todi boasts ancient origins, traditionally believed to have been founded by the Umbrians in the 8th-7th century BCE, later becoming a significant Etruscan settlement and then a Roman municipium known as *Tudertum*.

Perched dramatically on a high, isolated hill overlooking the Tiber River valley, Todi offers panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside and is strategically located in the heart of Umbria.

The heart of Todi is the magnificent Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval squares, featuring the Cathedral, the Palazzo del Capitano, the Palazzo del Priore, and the Palazzo del Popolo itself.

The Duomo di Todi, dedicated to Santa Maria Annunziata, is a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece, notable for its grand staircase, intricate rose window, and a beautifully frescoed apse.

Todi retains impressive remnants of its Roman past, including substantial portions of its triple circuit of defensive walls—Umbrian-Etruscan, Roman, and medieval—each testifying to different periods of the city's fortification.

During the Middle Ages, Todi flourished as an independent commune, achieving considerable power and wealth, as evidenced by its well-preserved civic palaces and a rich artistic heritage.

Like many smaller Italian hill towns, Todi has experienced a gradual decline in its historical center's resident population over recent decades, though the broader municipality maintains a stable population, which was approximately 16,000 residents as of recent estimates.

The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with notable production of olive oil, wine, and truffles, complemented significantly by tourism, which draws visitors to its historical charm and scenic beauty.

Traditional craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics and woodworking, persists alongside a growing service sector that supports both residents and the increasing number of tourists and foreign residents.

Todi hosts several vibrant cultural events, including the "Todi Festival," an internationally renowned event showcasing theatre, music, and visual arts, held annually in late summer.

The city deeply cherishes its patron saint, San Fortunato, whose feast day on October 14th involves religious processions and celebrations, embodying Todi's strong local traditions and spiritual heritage.

A prime example of Renaissance architecture, the Tempio di Santa Maria della Consolazione, located just outside the city walls, is a magnificent centralized-plan church widely attributed to Donato Bramante.

While not a major political power in modern Italy, Todi's rich medieval history contributed significantly to the cultural and architectural landscape of the Umbrian region and the broader Italian peninsula.

Todi gained international recognition in the 1980s when it was designated as the "ideal city" by researcher Richard S. Levine for its balance of scale, livability, and sustainable urban form, drawing global attention to its unique qualities.

Todi's culinary traditions are firmly rooted in Umbrian cuisine, featuring hearty dishes prepared with local ingredients like porchetta, wild boar, and lentils, paired with excellent regional wines such as Sagrantino and Grechetto.