Described as "a stern old town under the steep slopes of Monte Serra Santa" in the guidebook Tuscany, Umbrian and The Marches, Gualdo Tadino has survived some difficult days. Conquered by Hannibal, then by Ceasar, and then sacked and destroyed by the Goths, the town was rebuilt in 1160 with the name Gualdum.

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Giochi de le Porte

Despite devasting earthquakes in 1751 and 1997, the town has retained much of its medieval character. During the 13th century, the feast of St. Michael the Archangel was heartily celebrated in the town and to perpetuate this tradition each year Gualdo Tadino holds its ritual "games".

"Gualdo has preserved four 13th-century gates, and in the last week of September the townspeople from the four quarters, or "gates," of Gualdo don their medieval glad rags to play the Giochi de la Porte -- archery and slingshot competitions and pell-mell donkey races around town," authors Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls explain in Tuscany, Umbrian and The Marches .

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The festival's climaxing event is the burning of the witch "Bastola," an enemy of the town.

This well-used guide, now in its ninth edition, directs travelers to the natural beauties and enchanting histories of three regions in central Italy.

In addition to descriptions of over 1,200 restaurants, bars, cafes and accommodations, this book describes the people, culture, foods and customs of Tuscany, Umbria and the Marches. The authors detail nine special interest travel itineraries, including "Two Weeks of Wine" visiting Tuscan and Umbrian wineries, and "Ten Days of Curiosities" ranging from the leaning tower in Piza to Napoleon's death mask at Elba.