This series shows the faces and places of Umbria, Italy, specifically the medieval hilltop town of Todi.
Assunta, a 93 year old resident of Todi, sits on the same streets she grew up on with her favorite companion Pallina.
This group of friends show a passion for exercise and calisthenics. They are seen throughout Todi perfecting their skills. Calisthenics is a form of exercise consisting of a variety of movements which exercise large muscle groups.
After a successful career as an art director of Gilda and Alien, famous nightclubs in Rome, Angelo is a major celebrity known as the “Legend of the Nightlife” before retiring to his home town of Todi.
A surrealist painter, Giancarlo has been creating beautiful paintings since 1963. Giancarlo Biagini was born in Todi in 1940, where he lives and works. He has held various exhibitions both personal and collective and is best known for creating abstract silhouettes of Todi.
Rita Miranda was born in Todi, where she lives and runs a gallery on Via Roma. After combining drawing and painting with scientific studies, she identified ceramic jewelry as a way to express her art form.
Auro and Celso are identical twins born and raised in Todi by their father who is a famous painter. They enjoy life together while working with their father conducting various art exhibitions.
Edvina is an Albanian woman who lives in Todi. She is a seamstress in Porta Romana and the mother of four children. While Edvina works, her youngest child Ester, keeps her entertained.
Giorgio followed his father’s footsteps when taking over his workshop of glassmaking. He has constructed many windows of the beautiful homes in Todi.
Ashnikko is an upcoming musician from London, England, enjoying the history and peace of Todi on her vacation.
Aldo Luzzi is enjoying his retirement eating fresh fruit from his beautiful garden in Todi’s historical center. He was the owner of Vasciano Aqua produced from a natural spring in neighboring Vasciano and distributed throughout Italy.
Brunella enjoys the young nightlife of Todi at her bar near the famous church of Santa Maria della Consolazione.
Claudio Peri is Professor Emeritus in Food Science and Technology at the University of Milan, and President of the Center for Quality Studies of the Academy of Georgofili, Florence. He remains an expert on the history of Todi as well as Jacopone da Todi.
Elisa’s passion for Todi and its history is known by all. She is always involved in tours and historical events throughout Todi. Here she is proudly showing the beauty of the “Painted House” in Todi. This home is owned by artist Patrick Ireland and his wife. Patrick is a pioneer of conceptual and minimal art.
Fernando is a master at furniture restoration. He has been perfecting his trade in his shop near Porta Nuova where he has been in business for over 40 years.
Luciano and his son Pietro, have been cutting and selling wood for as long as they can remember. Luciano’s father and Pietro’s grandfather, Saturnino, started their wood fire business over 100 years ago in Todi.
Federico’s family has been running a Menswear shop in Todi’s center since 1928 with a wide selection of italian and international brands. A native of Todi, Federico now manages the shop.
Caterina is a native of Vasciano. She is a great reader, loves theater, dance, piano, and is passionate about history. As she approaches her twelfth birthday, she remains very curious, and wants to know everything and more. She enjoys riding her bicycle at full speed with her hair in the wind.
Daniele is a master craftsman and his bottega has more than thirty years of experience in woodworking with inlays called intarsia. Intarsia is a medieval tradition that is kept alive by a few craftsmen who know and bequeath this old technique.
Alessandro and his dogs hunting for truffles. Pettino is a tiny historic village surrounded by the Apennine Mountains. The mountains around the village are rich in wildlife and the forests are full of the famous Umbrian black truffles and prized mushrooms. The villagers are farmers, hunters, winemakers and custodians of culture and traditions dating back many centuries.
Todi is home to a Master Luthier, Cesare Toppetti. His hand made violins have been inspired works of art in Todi for many years.
Anna Maria is a long time resident of Todi. She and her son Francesco run an upholstery shop outside the town walls.
Sergio is well-known for his bookshop selling a wide variety of novels and textbooks under the Duomo near the Piazza del Popolo. He loves to read and he loves to sing classical songs in the Piazza of Todi.
Gianni runs a Butcher’s shop in Vicolo Bello near Porta Nuova. His prowess with meat is only surpassed by his great sense of humor.
Paolo is one of several generations to run a barber shop across from the Fonte Cesia. Unchanged for over 105 years, this family shop remains an important depiction of the history of Todi.