As seems evident from a toponymical analysis of its name, Valtopina, which, in ancient times was perhaps called "Cerqua", springs up along the valley of the Topino river between Foligno and Nocera Umbra.

The first records which testify to the existence of a settlement go back to a few years before the year 1000; from then on, the town has shared the fate of the neighbouring townships, passing under the dominion of Assisi in 1282 and in 1383 under the lordship of the Trinci family of Foligno.