Todi: a bit of history.

There are various hypotheses on the origin of the name of the city: the word Todi could derive from the word "confine" ("tutere"), or from the Etruscan "tudicular"; or from "tutus" (high and fortified place ").

Etruscan city, founded between the eighth and seventh centuries BC by the Umbrians (who settled on the other side of the Tiber, compared to the Etruscans, it developed particularly between the fifth and fourth centuries BC when, in 340 BC, it became Roman acquiring later the name of Colonia Julia Fida Tuder (1st century BC), with the right to mint its own currency. When it was ascribed to the Clustumina tribe, the best and most beautiful Roman palaces were built. During the Middle Ages it was a free municipality and then lordship (under the Atti), before becoming part of the Papal States. In the 12th century the city underwent a new urban expansion, extending from the Castle of Alviano, in the south, to the Piano dell'Ammeto near Marsciano, in the north, from the synchrony of the Martani mountains. to the east to the Gole del Forello, overlooking the Tiber, to the west.

In 1244, the three villages created by the artisanal classes were surrounded by walls approximately 4 km long, complete with gates and ramparts which are still intact today.

In 1367 it became an autonomous municipality, to become part of the State of the Church , and began its decline by passing from one lordship to another (including that of the Malatesta and Francesco Sforza). Angelo Cesi transformed various areas of Todi, widening streets and embellishing some buildings. Today Todi is almost identical to medieval Todi, as shown in a print by Giacomo Lauro of 1633. Following the restoration, many Todini became part of the Carboneria and the Giovine Italia.

Garibaldi , taking refuge in Todi after the defeat of the Roman Republic, inflamed Todino patriotism again and many inhabitants of Todi followed him, wearing the characteristic red shirts until the III War of Independence, during which many were arrested and died in battle.

Anita Garibaldi also passed here in Todi, pregnant and already in pain: shortly thereafter she died near the Comacchio Valleys. Hunted by the Austrian militias, Garibaldi was forced to flee. Todi is also known for being the birthplace of Jacopone De Benedetti (better known as Jacopone da Todi), a Dug-century poet who composed historical lauds such as "O Signor, for courtesy".