Amelia

Located on a hill between the Tiber and Nera Valleys, Amelia is surely heir of a pre-Roman settlement, as is evidenced in the notable stretches of polygonal wall, dating back to the 6th-4th centuries B.C. (and reused by the Romans and in the Middle Ages). It flourished under the Romans as is evidenced in the numerous remains of hydraulic works and thermal baths present under the town, and today you can visit them in an underground tour.

Having gone past the picturesque Porta Romana, the only means of entry to the old town, the remains of the city wall from the 3rd century open, and the route goes further uphill, along Via della Repubblica and other little streets onto which important buildings overlook, including the Church of San Giovanni Decollato (16th century), the Church of Ss. Filippo and Giacomo (13th century but redone in the 17th-18th century) and the 16th-century Palazzo Farrattini, work of Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane. The historic center of Amelia is one in which medieval and Renaissance elements live together with plentiful, scattered evidence of the ancient Roman and Italic pasts. On top of the town is the characteristic Piazza Marconi, where some of the most important monuments stand out, including Palazzo Petrignani (16th-17th century) and the medieval Arco di Piazza, with the Loggia del Banditori rising above it and the 18th-century ribbed bell tower with clock. Nearby is Piazza Matteotti, above a large Roman cistern from the 1st century B.C. and dominated by Palazzo Comunale, with its austere façade; inside it houses many marvelous decorations. Even further up at the top of the ancient acropolis rises the Duomo, from which there is a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Built between the 11th and 12th century, the Duomo was destroyed by a fire in 1629. It was then completely reconstructed between 1640 and 1680, although from the Romanesque structure remains a beautiful dodecagonal bell tower, which incorporates Roman remains. The façade was further modified in the 19th century following an earthquake in 1832. Even more interesting ins the interior, which includes numerous valuable works of art.
Going back down, you'll find the interesting Church of Sant'Agostino (14th-15th century) and the 17th-18th century churches of Santa Monica and the "Crocifisso" (the Crucifix, also called the Church of St. Nicolò). Returning to the vicinity of Porta Romana, you'll see the Church of Santa Maria della Cinque Fonte (13th century).