Set on a hill of the Appenine mountains at about 500 metres upon sea level, Montone enjoys a central position with respect to important cultural and tourist centres such as Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi (about 30 minutes)or Rome and Florence which can be easily reached in no more than two hours.

There are no certain information about the origin of the town of Montone. However, the historians agree on assuming that following a considerable population and production increase, Montone  developed out of the defensive works which took place in the 10th and 11th century.

The first historical mention of Montone appears in several documents dating back to the beginning of the 12th century. According to these documents, namely a contract dated 1121, Montone consisted of a castle – ruled by a steward – with an imposing tower overlooking, and thus protecting, the hamlet.

Originally being an estate belonging to the Marchesi del Colle (who then changed their name into Marchesi del Monte), later on the castle of Montone got a commune organization with its own consuls, councils and statutes. In 1216 the castle was put under the protection of Perugia, thus following the destiny of this town for about 200 years.

After the time of the “commune democracy”, Montone became a county and in 1414 it was ruled by Braccio Fortebracci (1368-1424), the best-known and most important historical character of the town. The historians agree on judging him as a real innovator in the “art of war” and a man endowed with sharp political acumen.

Braccio’s name and fortune is linked to the so-called “Compagnie di ventura” (troops of mercenaries) that played an important role in writing the destiny of the 15th century Signorie. Under Braccio’s rule, the town of Montone gained its highest prestige.It was in 1477 that the  Fortebracci’s county came to an end, when Pope Sisto IV ousted Carlo, Braccio’s heir, and put Montone under the Church rule.

During the following centuries Montone underwent a steady impoverishment and population decrease; short periods of economic revival alternated with new periods of decline, up to the present day image of a quiet, small village living on agriculture, tourism and handicraft.

Notizie tratte da: "MONTONE TURISMO" - Associazione Montone in Umbria