Todi

a city to explore
Todi

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...........Page 1: the Monuments, Historical Notes
...........Page 2: Views, Jacopone da Todi
...........Page 3: Archaelogical Todi, Museum and Art Gallery

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Views

Aerial View
	Panoramas
		Alleys

Jacopone da Todi

Jacopone
has been defined as "the greatest religious poet of the Italian medieval
period and one of the world's most significant". He was born to an aristocratic
family in Todi, perhaps in 1230. He studied law in Bologna and worked as
a notary. Brilliant, wealthy and bon vivant, in 1267 he married Vanna dei
Conti di Coldimezzo. The year after, at a party, his wife was killed in
the collapse of a theatre box. While undressing he discovered that she
had been wearing a haircloth under her clothes. This episode sparked a
radical change in his way of life and instilled a burning faith which never
again abandoned him. He gave away all his worldly goods to the poor, became
a Franciscan, practiced humility and penance, passionately preached love
and poverty, debated ironically with philosophers and defended the poor
and the humble. In 1278 he undertook the study of theology and philosophy.
He sharply contested Pope Bonifacio VIII, whom he considered an usurper
and the personification of the anti-Christ. In 1298 he was captured, ex-comunicated
and imprisoned for five years in the dungeons of St. Fortunato. Benedetto
XI freed him in 1303. He died on Christmas day in 1306 at Collazzone, near
Todi. His tomb is in the Crypt of St. Fortunato. Among his most famous
cantiches are the "Stabat Mater" and that commonly known as "Our Lady's
Cry". Both of these works are still represented in Italy and adroad, a
tribute to the universal value of his poetry.

Page 1: the Monuments, Historical Notes
Page 2: Views, Jacopone da Todi
Page 3: Archaelogical Todi, Museum and Art Gallery
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