The Holy thorn

The Gift of the Holy thorn is a week-long celebration combining historic and cultural events during which the three Quarters of Montone : Hill Gate, Town Gate and Verziere Gate compete for the victor's banner (the Palio) and the Lady of the Castle (the Castellana) rapresenting Margherita Malatesta from Rimini, wife of Carlo Fortebracci and Countess of Montone who governed the town in her husband's absense.
The Quarters issue dares to one another, re-enact scenes from medieval life and engage in archery competitions. Points are awarded for each event but the tally is kept secret until the very last day so the tension mounts as Quarter keepss alive is hope of victory until the very last.
During the the day one is likely to walk in on the chaoyic preparations for the events as each Quarter's in habitants rush about rehearsing the scenes they will re-enact in the evening. At night  Montone id trasformed beyond recognition becoming a medieval stage on which the whole village in transported back in time to the Middle Ages. In each Quarter, the in habitans set up a medieval inn where music, food and good wine accompany the visitor in this surreal journey.  
 

Hill Gate Quarter

Entering Montone from the soudeast one enters the hill gate Quarter which, during the feast of the gift of the holy Thorn is recognisable by de green and yellow banners hanging from the winows and balconies of the houses.
This Quarter includes the original fortress and the houses of the noblemen of the village. In it one still finds the houses of the noblemen of the village.
In it one still finds the houses of those most noble families who fought for the rule of montone.
Not far from one another, separated by the Church of Saint Mary are the Fortress of Braccio.
Fortebracci and the house of degli olivi family, declaredeminies and heads of the opposing factions, “ghibellini” and “guelfi”, the former loyal to the Emperor and the latter to the Pope.
Througt the years the Shakespearean hatred between these two families eventually dwindled, thanks also to the marriage between Lucia, daughter of Oddone Fortebracci and Vanni degli Olivi. In this Quarter its in habitants like to think that the soul of these noblemen who fought for the control of Montone still wander the streets and that their passions still lie hidden somewher in their own souls.
The costumes which the people of Montone wear during the celebrations are ispired by those of the noblemen who inhabited this Quarter in the XIV and XV centuries. These were carefully tailored after much research and attention to the detail not only in the styles, and the colourful the fabrics, but also in the jewellery. In this Quarter one can find the Locanda del Monte where meats are grilled and dishes prepared accordino to the oldest traditions of Montone.

Town Gate Quarter

This Quarter draws its name from the Village Gate which is the main entrance to Montone and leads straight into the main square. This is the oldest and most suggestive part of Montone and its banners are red and white. From the square, two large stairways lead to the church of Saint Francis and the convent which is now the town museum and houses the its most precious treasures. The austere civic tower and the church of Saint Francis dominate the houses of this Quarter.
Ancient headquarters of the armed militia, the village of Montone embodies the two characteristic aspect of life in medieval Umbria, deep spirituality and military conflict, a land of saints and soldiers whose qualities and defects have been handed down to present generations. The mighty walls which surround the village well reflect the proud and unyielding spirit of its inhabitants, the very spirit which drives them to prepare the celebrations, the costumes, the taverns and the theatrical representations with such fervor and dedication.
The tavern, is situated behind the main square, and occupies the whole of Via Gherardi. There, well into the night, under its white awnings, one can taste traditional Umbrian dishes as well as those prepared according to original medieval recipes. During the celebrations the Tavern becomes the meeting point of the Village Gate Quarter, is it the place where the brave soldiers meet to quench their thirst and hunger where the sounds of laughter and heated discussion fill the air and where the visitor can best experience the feast.

Verziere Gate Quarter

Approaching Montone from the South, the mighty walls are breached by the arch of the Verziere gate which draws its name from the main activity of the town’s ancient inhabitants: the growing of vegetables (“Verzure”).
Through this gate passed the only road wide enough to accommodate carts baring produce from the  surrounding countryside. At the top of the incline just before the second archway stood the checkpoint where soldiers checked the papers of those wishing to enter.
Through the second arch one enters the village into the main street which leads up to the square. This quarter, whose colours are  blue and yellow, is laced with hidden, winding alleys and steep stairways like the “Scalacce” or “Dreaded Stairway”, a steep stairway of 79 steps hidden away in an unlit area between the houses. It also has ample terraces on the village walls with stunning views over the countryside.
Much like their counterparts in the other Quarters, its inhabitants create their costumes and jewellery with dedication and love and create a host of characters who relive the golden age of Montone.
From Via Roma, if one follows the aroma of good food, the sound of merriment and the torch-lit way, one reaches the Verziere Inn or Ostaria del Verziere. Hidden from sight the Inn offers a view over the church of Saint Francis and the civic tower. In a family atmosphere, the visitor can taste traditional dishes and drink good wine from the cantinas of the surrounding countryside.