Welcome to the discovery of Umbria - Italy

A Brief historical Note

Since the time Dante Alighieri described it, Umbria has remained a fertile land, and in the southern part of the Province of Perugia, it hosts some of the most precious cultures: the Sagrantino grape and the olive. We are in the heart of the Umbrian Valley, a wide plain anciently occupied by two lakes stretching from the provincial capital of Perugia to the south. Here lie the Valle, where towns like Nocera Umbra, Bevagna, Montefalco, and Trevi stand, all medieval boroughs united by the presence of structures and medieval edifices that seem to echo the openness of the natural environment where they are cultivated. Many of these centers, having preserved the atmosphere and traditions of a bygone era, were born on ancient settlements that later became Roman. Like Foligno, Nocera lies along the Via Flaminia, the ancient consular road that connected Rome to the Adriatic ports of Fano, Pesaro, and Rimini. After Narni, the road split into Flaminia Vetus, used for military movements, and Flaminia Nova, which passed through Terni and Spoleto. Umbria is known for its medieval towns rich in history, such as Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, and Todi. These towns are treasures of Italian culture and historical heritage.

A Brief Introduction to the Region?

Umbria, known as the "Green Heart of Italy," is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. It's a landlocked region in central Italy, bordered by Tuscany, Marche, and Lazio. The capital city of the region is Perugia, a university center with a vibrant cultural scene.

The region's geography includes the Umbrian valley, stretching from Perugia to Spoleto, and the Tiber Valley, north and west of the first one, from Città di Castello to the border with Lazio. Umbria's topography includes part of the central Apennines, with Monte Vettore being the highest point in the region.

Assisi is recognized as the city of Saint Francis, a symbol of spirituality and world art, drawing thousands of visitors daily to pay homage to the saint who was born there around 1181 and buried in 1226. The son of a prosperous cloth merchant, the young Francis participated in the war between Assisi and Perugia, was captured, and upon release, began to manifest his conversion that culminated in 1206 with his renunciation of material wealth and the start of a life of prayer and poverty.?

Living costs for a Month:

Living costs can vary significantly, with options ranging from more economical agriturismos and B&Bs to luxury hotels. For example, there are accommodations offering double rooms starting at €40 per night. Accommodation options in Umbria range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious agriturismos (farm stays) that offer a unique experience of rural Italian life. These agriturismos often produce their own food and provide a serene, authentic setting for visitors.

Accommodation: For a two-room apartment in cities like Perugia, the average cost can range from €800 to €1,400 per month. In smaller cities like Orvieto or Spoleto, prices can be slightly lower.

Daily Life: Including expenses like food, local transportation, and utilities, plan a budget of around €500-700 per month.

Coworking Space: If you need a coworking space, the average cost is about €200-300 per month.

Explore Umbria on Weekends

The region is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, which include hills, mountains, and valleys. Among its natural attractions are Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls. The Tiber River, a significant historical and geographical landmark, crosses the region. You could visit the many hilltop towns, enjoy truffle hunting, taste local wines such as Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso, or explore the natural landscape with activities like hiking.

Need to Know

Umbria is renowned for its medieval towns and cities, each offering a unique glimpse into Italy's history and culture. Some notable places include Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with St. Francis of Assisi, as well as Terni, Norcia, Città di Castello, Gubbio, Spoleto, Orvieto, Todi, Castiglione del Lago, Narni, Amelia, and Spello. These towns are not only historically significant but also offer stunning architectural and natural beauty.

• San Rufino and Romanesque Architecture in Umbria

Marked by simple and austere forms, the Romanesque style in Umbria builds upon pre-existing Lombard influences and integrates innovations from the neighboring Tuscany. At the pinnacle of this style stands the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi, dedicated to the first bishop of the city.?

• The Sagrantino Road

To promote the region and spread the culture of the Sagrantino di Montefalco, a wine obtained from the indigenous red grape variety, the Sagrantino Road association was established. This association includes numerous wineries offering tastings, a fine way to savor the flavors of Umbria through a dark, intensely flavored wine, rich in tannins that develop with prolonged maturation. Aged at least 33 months, 12 of which in oak barrels for the dry variety, Sagrantino wine is purely made from Sagrantino grapes, cultivated in a very limited area: the territory of Montefalco and the municipalities of Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritaldi, and Giano dell’Umbria.

Local Cusine and Wines

The Umbrian cuisine is rustic and robust, with dishes that include black truffles, porchetta, chicken cacciatora, and ciaramicola (a sweet cake). Notable wines include Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso. The region is also celebrated for its culinary delights. Traditional dishes distinct from other Italian regions can be found here, with a focus on local products like lentils, porchetta, olive oil, truffles, cured ham, and wine. Umbria's food scene is a must-experience for any visitor.

Recreational Activities

There are numerous recreational activities, such as hiking along the ancient Roman Aqueduct, swimming in Lake Trasimeno, or visiting an olive mill for an olive oil tasting. For those interested in outdoor and extreme sports, Umbria offers a variety of activities. The region is home to one of the world's highest man-made waterfalls, and the mountainous area near Norcia is excellent for hiking. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, rafting, and canyoning on the Nera River, while the Monte Cucco area is known for hang gliding and paragliding.

Useful Tips:

Not specifically mentioned, but many places offer tourist packages or experiences such as wine tastings or truffle hunts that could be booked as part of a tourist experience. For transportation within Umbria, there are various options including trains, buses, and car-sharing services. Trenitalia is the main train company operating in the region, and there are also several bus services like Omio, FS Bus Italia, and FlixBus that offer convenient travel options for exploring Umbria.

List of Villages to See:

• Mount Subasio, Nature and Prayer

Before Saint Francis chose it for meditation, the verdant Mount Subasio, which dominates Assisi, was already considered sacred, likely by the Umbrian people who left traces of their passage there. Established as the Mount Subasio Park in 1995, it still exudes a sense of solemn spirituality emanating from the lush nature and dense forest covering much of its surface. The mountain is home to numerous hermitages scattered along its ridges, with the most famous being the Hermitage of the Carceri, one of the most spiritually evocative places on the mountain, nestled within a gorge over which a glacier once lay.

• Spello, Treasure Chest of Art and History

Not far from Assisi, perched upon a spur of Mount Subasio, lies Spello, elevated to a municipality in Roman times around 90 B.C. and defined as the "splendidissima colonia Julia" by Emperor Augustus. It retains traces of Roman presence in its walls, particularly well-preserved, in the Augustan gates, remains of the amphitheater, and the Villa of Mosaics. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was destroyed like other Umbrian centers by the Goths under Totila and became part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto.

• Foligno, Art and Traditions

Nestled at the foot of the Umbrian-Marche Apennines, at the confluence of the Topino and Menotre rivers, Foligno is surrounded by a landscape of gentle hills. Interestingly, its inhabitants have been known as "cuccugnai" for centuries, a term deriving from "cuccùgnau," meaning owl in local dialect. Foligno is also a center of ancient knowledge; it saw the first edition of Dante’s "Divine Comedy" in 1472. The power achieved by Foligno in the Trecento is evidenced by the Palazzo Trinci, one of the major examples of late Gothic architecture in central Italy.

• Medieval Atmospheres in Bevagna

Set in the heart of Umbria, Bevagna is a gem nestled at the foot of the hills near Montefalco. In Roman times, around 90 B.C., it was a flourishing commercial center known as a municipium by the name of Mevania, served by the Via Flaminia and home to a river port at the confluence of the Clitunno and Timia rivers, directly connected to Rome..

• Trevi, the 'Snail City'

Trevi, known as the "snail city" due to its almost perfect spiral of houses, palaces, and churches wrapping around a hill, offers expansive views over the Umbrian Valley and the surrounding hills.?

• The Panoramic Visions of Montefalco

Perched on a hill covered with vines and olive trees, in the heart of the valleys of Clitunno, Topino, and Tevere, the village of Montefalco offers an incomparable panorama over the green Umbrian landscape that shifts from green to brown and to red in autumn and at sunset. Like many small Umbrian towns, Montefalco is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is a renowned wine capital, famous for producing Sagrantino di Montefalco and Montefalco Rosso, both respected wines with DOCG and DOC status respectively.

• The Springs of Clitunno

Near Campello sul Clitunno, north of Spoleto, lie the famous Springs of Clitunno, a sacred place for the Romans who built shrines dedicated to the river gods there. The stream may seem modest today, but as described by the poets Dante and Virgil, it once flowed vigorously and was navigable during Roman times, stretching a vast distance and allowing boats to sail to Rome following the Tiber. This waterway was drastically altered and reduced in 444 A.D. due to an earthquake.

Events

• Umbria hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Notable among them are: the Eurochocolate in Perugia, the Corsa dei Ceri in Gubbio, the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival in Orvieto, and the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto. These festivals draw visitors from Italy and beyond, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• The Festival of the Gaite (Bevagna), lasting ten days, is not merely a medieval reenactment but a cultural experience of great interest, where the ancient Mevania comes to life: old crafts, settings, costumes, music, and jugglery arts are reproduced and performed with philological accuracy. The highlight of the festival is the Market, set within the four quarters, the Gaite, offering historically accurate and fascinating reconstructions, where visitors can taste sophisticated and recherché foods inspired by ancient recipes.
• Foligno's love for its traditions is kept alive in the Quintana, a jousting tournament where knights from the city's districts compete in a display of speed and dexterity in June and September.
• Spello's beauty is highlighted during the "Infiorata," an event where residents compete to decorate the city's corners with flowers on sunday between May and June (9 weeks after easter).?

Are you intrigued by the idea of exploring this marvelous region? Wondering about the best times to visit and the hidden gems to discover? Looking for recommendations on comfortable accommodations or the finest dining experiences? Reach out to us and begin crafting your Italian escapade now. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in creating a journey that's not just a trip, but a collection of unforgettable memories.

Is your spirit eager to embark on this adventure?

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