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LOCAL
PLACES TO VISIT |
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Umbria is a special and
fascinating region of Italy, There are medieval towns and villages dotted
all over the hillsides and valleys. The roads are quiet so just enjoy the
scenery and drive around the rural roads. The cuisine is wonderful and fresh
with seasonal dishes. |
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CITTA DI CASTELLO: A thriving Umbrian market town,
Città di Castello has a charming historic medieval centre. Cobbled streets
wind their way to the main square where there are restaurants, shops and
cafès. At dusk, the pedestrianised Corso (High Street) comes alive as the
locals walk up and down for their daily passegiata, meeting friends and
family. Famous artists Raffaello and Signorelli worked here and some of
Raffaello’s graffiti can still be seen on some of the towns palaces!
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UMBERTIDE: Umbertide was
once an important trading centre on the Tiber river for the ancient Umbri
anEtruscans and is now a busy market town. Although it suffered a lot of
damage in the second world war, the “Rocca” still stands in the middle of
the town. The main square with the town hall is lovely and over the road is
the Piazza San Francesco which has three ancient churches in a row and a
museum with paintings by Pomarancio and Signorelli.d
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MONTONE: Voted one of the 10 prettiest
hamlets in Italy, Montone is an absolute jewel! This medieval hilltop town
is beautiful preserved with stunning views over the Upper Tiber Valley. It
is host to the annual Umbrian Film Festival when a huge silver screen is
hung in the centre of the piazza and films are watched in the warmth of a
summer evening under the Umbrian skies. |
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GUBBIO: Fabulous medieval town situated on the slopes
of Monte Ingino, it is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval
towns in Italy! There are incredible views from the Piazza Grande and a
cable car can be taken up to the basilica of Sant’Ubaldo high up on the
mountainside. In the Palazzo dei Priori are the famous Eugubian tables, 7
bronze tables dating back to 300BC written in ancient Etruscan and Umbrian
language. |
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Monte Santa Maria Tiberina : A long name for a tiny
hamlet found on the top of the hillside near Città di Castello. The Rocca
(castle) can be seen in every direction for miles around. Carefully restored
this 11C village has incredible views and a fantastic restaurant called
“Oscari” right in the centre, reknowned for its truffle and porcini dishes! |
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Corciano :
A
typical medieval walled hilltop village, Corciano has been maintained to a
high standard. Dating back to the Etruscan era it offers a small museum with
artifacts from the past. Around 1200 Corciano had an independent council,
where their own laws were passed in the “Palazzo dei Priori”. During the
month of August the town of Corciano holds a beautiful festival with
displays of various kinds, concerts of typical music and a parade in
medieval costume, accompanied with men bearing flags and music.
The
Christmas season is famous for the Nativity
scene but with a difference: the whole town becomes a living Nativity and is
loved and known throughout Italy. |
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Perugia:
The capital of Umbria, Perugia is an incredible network of cobbled
streets and twisting alleyways! It’s easy to get lost here, but as
long as you follow up hill, you will always arrive at the main
street, Corso Vanucci and the famous fountain, Fontana Maggiore,
infront of the Palazzo dei Priori. With a fascinating and bloody
history, Perugia has many buildings of great beauty and historical
importance and part of the city is underground where you can still
walk the original medieval streets.
Home to the international jazz festival, Umbria Jazz, the capital
comes alive to the sound of blues, gospel, rock and jazz and the
streets are packed with fans. Later, in October, there is the
Festival of Chocolate (Eurochocolate) which brings chocolate lovers
from all over the world to indulge in a week of pure chocolate
bliss!!! |
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Cortona : Although it is just over the border in
Tuscany, Cortona is included as it is within a half an hour drive of most of
the accommodations listed. This sleepy medieval town has been made famous by
the film and book of Frances Mayes “Under the Tuscan Sun”. It has tremendous
views and the windy cobbled streets still have loads of character. Just down
the hill from Cortona is “Le Celle” an ancient monastery which has immense
peace and calm and is well worth a visit. |
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Assisi: On the slopes of the
Monte Subasio, Assisi glistens soft pink and
white in the Umbrian sunshine. Built out of the rock of the
mountain, the town blends perfectly into the surrounding
countryside. The Basilica of San Francesco has breathtaking
frescoes. Early spring or late autumn are great times to visit when
there are less tourists and you can really appreciate the works of
art. Don’t miss the Eremo (hermitage) further up the Monte Subasio,
where Saint Francis used to meditate with his followers. |
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