Umbria

One of the best expressions of Italian heritage, a region from the various and numerous environmental and cultural resources, Umbria is characterized by a green land dotted with forests, olive groves and sunflowers.

One of Italy’s smallest regions, Umbria lies in the shadow of its more illustrious neighbor, Tuscany. The many Umbrian hills and mountains cast long dark shadows over river valleys which are already darkened by lush chestnut groves and elm forests. This landlocked region’s overwhelmingly medieval character harkens one back to the mysticism and mysteries of the Dark Ages. In so many ways, Umbria has lain in the shadows for centuries.

This region has a highly developed spiritual charm, amplified by the presence of towns such as Assisi, Todi and Gubbio, it is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday, or for mistery lovers, that will have the chance to visit many medieval sites.

Perugia, its main city is the lively home of the Università degli Stranieri (University for Foreigners). This picturesque medieval town is reached by a very unmedieval escalator and dominated by Italy’s largest fortress, the Rocca Paolina.

Umbria is the geographical center of Italy, and directly in the center of Umbria is Lake Trasimeno, where it is still possible to admire the many castles and fortresses built in the region, such as the 14th-century Monte del Lago and the 13th-century Torre dei Lombardi. Take an excursion boat to one of the islands; on the largest, Isola Polvese, shady olive groves are rimmed by great sandy beaches. Medieval towns peer down at the edges of the lake, among them Castiglione del Lago, whose Palazzo Comunale is frescoed with heroic and mythological scenes. On the last Sunday of July, the people of Passignano sul Lago host a fishermen’s regatta; and Pilgrims flock to Rigone to visit the church of La Madonna dei Miracoli.

Spoleto, a famous Umbrian town, home of the Festival of the Two Worlds, organized by Maestro Giancarlo Menotti ( from Cadegliano-Viconago – Lombardy), has been a cultural center for centuries. As in so many parts of Italy, the best thing to do in Umbria is rent a car and strike out for places known and unknown.