Information about Umbria

The Umbria region
Nestled between the two tourist magnets of Florence and Rome, the Tyrennian Sea on one side and the Adriatic coast on the other, lies Umbria, the green heart of Italy. In addition to olive groves and vineyards in the north of the region, dark green forests characterize the landscape in the southern part.

Perugia
The region's liveliest city is Perugia, the capital of Umbria. The university town is known far beyond the borders of Italy because of its renowned “Università per Stranieri”, the university for foreigners, where interested parties from all over the world can take Italian courses and obtain language diplomas. The image of the city is correspondingly youthful, colorful and modern, despite its ancient buildings. The historic center of the city with its medieval churches, palaces and gates is located on a hill. Staircases and e.g. T. Very narrow streets run through the sea of ​​houses in the old town. Above is the real heart of Perugia, the sun-drenched Piazza IV Novembre with the pretty “Fontana Maggiore”. The three-story marble fountain is considered an extremely magnificent example of medieval fountain construction and is decorated with numerous reliefs by the most famous sculptors of the 13th century. Century The masterpiece stands in front of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which has two interesting pulpits, a neat little stone pulpit to the right of the entrance (from here Saint Bernardine blessed the citizens of Perugia in 1425) and an artistically carved wooden pulpit inside. Opposite the cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale impresses, a majestic-looking building with a huge state hall richly decorated with all kinds of fresco motifs, which can be reached from Piazza IV Novembre via an outside staircase. The third floor of the palace now houses the Umbrian National Gallery with works of medieval mystical painting by Umbrian artists such as Piero della Francesca, Benozzo Gozzoli, Perugino, etc. From Piazza IV Novembre, Corso Vannucci leads past classy shops and street cafes to Piazza Italia with another stately palace, the 19th century Palazzo della Provincia. Century From the Giardino Carducci behind it you have a fantastic view over the San Pietro district below and far into the Tiber Valley. An escalator takes you from Piazza Italia to an underground district below that was only opened in the 20th century. Century was excavated and restored. The labyrinth of streets and houses dates back to the 14th century. Century, when rich patrician and merchant families lived here. After the church took power with Pope Paul III in 1540, the residential area was filled in and a papal fortress was built on the site. This in turn fell as a hated symbol of papal power in the 19th century. Century victim of an explosion. The Palazzo della Provincia was built in its place. Another entrance to the “underworld” is at the Etruscan city gate “Porta Marcia” (3. Century v. BC). Nearby, the church of San Ercolano is worth a visit. From the outside it looks like a gigantic tomb, but from the inside it surprises with its baroque splendor. The bones of the city's patron saint, Saint Ercolano, rest here. Some other interesting churches are San Domenico with its massive facade and three-aisled interior, the Basilica of San Pietro in the district of the same name, which emerged from a Benedictine monastery, is one of the oldest in the city, or the Chapel of San Severo, in which there is a fresco by Raphael, “The Trinity of God “is kept. Nearby, in Piazza Piccinino, there is another example of Etruscan architecture, a 36 m deep well (4th century). - 3. Century v. BC), which can be viewed from Piazza Danti (behind the cathedral). At Piazza Fortebraccio, near the Università per Stranieri, there is another relic from the Etruscan period, a mighty Etruscan archway that is part of the city fortifications. Etruscan tombs (Ipogeo the Volumni) were discovered in 1840 during road construction work south of the city near the Ponte San Giovanni highway entrance. This is a crypt built like a residential building with 9 burial chambers in which there are 7 urns belonging to the Volumni family, which was very influential at the time.

Holiday homes near Perugia 

• Umbria Castle

Lake Trasimeno and surroundings
The Umbrian Sea, Lake Trasimeno, is only 20 km from Perugia on the border with Tuscany. The 128 km² lake is surrounded by green hilly landscapes; small steamboats regularly sail to the islands of Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, while the third, Isola Minore, is privately owned. Due to the low water level, the lake is not suitable for swimming everywhere. The total of 18 beaches are mainly located on the north and east banks and near Castiglione del Lago. From April to September, the water quality is checked in accordance with EU standards at 14-day intervals. The water temperature then rises to 25 degrees C.

is the capital of Lake Trasimeno Castiglione del Lago. The picturesque town lies on a peninsula to the west of the lake. The medieval core is surrounded by a high fortification wall and dominated by the Renaissance palace of the dukes “della Corgna”. The palazzo now houses a museum. A long tunnel takes you to the Lion Castle (Rocca del Leone) from the Middle Ages. Because of the magnificent view over the lake, we recommend a tour of the citadel wall.

In Saint Felician There is a very informative fishing museum, some with explanations in English.

The few houses in the small town Mount of the Lake are densely packed on a hill. From here there are always great views of the lake. It is said that the Bavarian King Ludwig I and his Umbrian lover, the Marchesa Fiorenzi, had their love nest here.

Magione is located east of the lake, somewhat out of the way in the hinterland. Outside the small town there is a 700-year-old castle complex belonging to the Order of Malta, which is now used as an agricultural business. The Maltese are everywhere else in town too. The early Gothic church is dedicated to John the Baptist, the patron saint of the order. The old people's home was made possible through financial support from the Maltese and the Torre dei Lambardi, a defensive tower that is visible from afar, was also built by them.

Passignano sul Trasimeno, located on the north bank, is the second largest urban settlement on the lake. The old fishing village lies dreamily, high up on a hill, while life pulsates down on the lakeshore. During the First World War (1917), Italy founded its first school for seaplane captains here, which is commemorated by a metal sculpture of three planes taking off and three landing next to the pier.

The place of pilgrimage Castel Rigone with its pilgrimage destination, the church of Maria dei Miracoli, is located in the northeastern hinterland of the lake. The journey is already worthwhile as it always offers breathtaking views of Lake Trasimeno. But the small town with many pretty alleys, stairways and squares is also worth seeing. The pilgrimage church is located below the fort.

In Tuoro, on the north shore of the lake, the Campo del Sole sculpture park, founded in 1980, is worth a visit. It is a memorial to the Battle of Lake Trasimeno in 217 BC. BC Hannibal's troops defeated the Romans.

A 10-minute steamboat ride separates Tuoro from the Isola Maggiore, a green paradise where the residents live primarily from fishing and lace making. Two churches from the 12th and 14th centuries as well as a bronze statue (1982) that commemorates Francis of Assisi are worth seeing. The Isabella Castle of Marchese Giacinto Giuglielmi has not been open to the public since 1999.

It is better suited for swimming Polvese Island. Located in the southeastern part of the lake, it is the largest of the three islands with an area of ​​almost 70 hectares. In the 14th century around 500 people lived here. A malaria epidemic in the 17th century decimated the number considerably. Today no one lives on the island anymore. Nevertheless, in the summer months there is a lot of activity and activity here due to the 100 m long sandy beach with shady bays. A walk across the island promises more peace and quiet.

About 25 km south of Lake Trasimeno, the old episcopal town of Città della Pieve lies majestically on a hill. The magnificent palaces of the old town were almost exclusively built of red brick, which gives the historic center a very impressive image. The city's most famous son is the painter Pietro Vannucci, born in 1445, the great master of the Umbrian school and teacher of Raphael, better known as Perugino.

Holiday homes near Lake Trasimeno

• Umbria Castle

City of Castello
The medieval Città di Castello is a typical country town in the upper Tiber Valley. Until the last century, economic life here was shaped by the textile industry. In the 1920s, the local weaving factory Tela Umbra employed around 60 weavers, although the number shrank significantly after the Second World War. Today, seven skilled workers maintain the old tradition of weaving and continue to produce fine fabrics known under the quality name Tela Umbra, such as tablecloths, napkins, towels, etc. Visits are possible during working hours, and a small museum also provides information about the history of the workshop.

The town center is small and manageable. From the tower in Piazza Gabriotti, the Torre civica, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the red tiled roofs of the city. The cathedral is dedicated to Saints Floridus and Amantius. The Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera is home to the municipal art gallery, which contains, among other things, several unusual depictions of the Madonna and Child (e.g. a blonde Madonna or one with short hair) as well as a standard painted on both sides by Raphael, during his early creative period lived in Città di Castello.

Also worth seeing is the collection of the artist Alberto Burri (1915 – 1995) in the Palazzo Albizzini (Via Albizzini) and in a former tobacco factory on the old road to Perugia. Based on the colors white, black and red, Burri, who was born in Città di Castello, has created works of art from all available materials that, if not everyone likes them, are at least worth seeing. There is also a farming and crafts museum (Centro delle Tradizioni Popolari), also on the old road to Perugia, where visitors can learn many details about the farming tradition of the area.

Gubbio
On the slopes of Monte Ingino lies the ancient Umbrian town of Gubbio. With its medieval buildings and alleys made of dark cobblestones, the city offers a uniform architectural overall picture. A special feature are the narrow archways above the main entrances, the so-called Porte dei Morti (Doors of the Dead). They were used to carry the deceased directly from the upper floor. Traditionally, ceramics and blacksmithing are at home in Gubbio.

The Palazzo dei Consoli, the city's landmark, is worth seeing. The impressive building from the 14th century shapes the cityscape with its high supporting pillars and battlements. Inside are the Archaeological Museum and the Pinakothek. An elegant staircase leads from the entrance portal down to the spacious Piazza Signora, where other palaces rise. The cathedral is comparatively simple and dates from the 13th/14th century. Century. Several bishops from Gubbio are buried here. The art gallery is now located in the Palazzo Ducale. The Fontana dei Matti (Fountain of the Crazy) in the Piazzetta Largo del Bargello is curious. According to legend, strangers only have to walk around the fountain three times, shouting loudly and clearly “sono pazzo/a” (I am crazy) to become citizens of the city of Gubbio. There are still two monasteries in the city, San Agostino and San Francesco. The latter is the largest church building in the city and was built on the site where the house of the wealthy Spedalunga family once stood, who, according to legend, took in the young Francis (of Assisi) after his father had thrown him out. High above the city, below the Monte Ingino summit, sits the Basilica of San Ubaldo. Inside, in a glass coffin above the altar, is the mummified corpse of Sant'Ubaldo.

Every year on May 15th, the anniversary of the death of the patron saint, the so-called “Festa dei ceri” takes place. This is a very special spectacle. “cero” is a wooden structure, weighing around four hundredweight, which is attached to a stretcher. There are a total of three “ceri”, each with a specific statue of a saint, with Ubaldo standing for the guild of masons, Giorgio for that of craftsmen and merchants and Antonio for that of farmers. On the first Sunday in May it is traditional to bring the “ceri” into the city before sunrise and then ceremoniously carry them through Gubbio on May 15th. The highlight of the event is a fast-paced relay race in the late afternoon, in which the heavy load is brought back to the Basilica of Sant'Ulbano on the mountain within a very short time, where the “ceri” can be admired for the rest of the year. From the Porta Sant'Ulbano above the cathedral, a small street zigzags up to the basilica. If you want to take the cable car, you will find the valley station near Porta San'Agostino. Finally, outside the city walls, in the west of the city, there is a fairly large Roman theater that dates back to the first century AD and has a diameter of almost 70 m. Classical theater performances take place here in summer.

spello
The small town of Spello dates back to the former Roman colony of Hispellum. The city wall has been almost completely preserved to this day. Spello is also built from the light reddish Monte Subasio rock. The path through the historic center takes the visitor through picturesque alleys and staircases past churches and palazzi. The Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore should be mentioned here, not only because of the decorative wood carving of the portal, but above all because of the famous Bagnoli Chapel, which is located inside the church and is decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio. There is also a work by the master in the Franciscan Church of S. Andrea, the “Madonna with Saints”. Some Roman portals are also worth seeing, such as the Porta Venere or the small Porta dell'Arce, which also offers a wonderful view far into the Spoleti Plain and as far as Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Assisi
Assisi, built from the light stone of Monte Subasio, was already a wealthy small town in Roman times, as the Temple of Minerva in the Piazza del Comune bears witness to. The pagan temple with its six Corinthian columns thrilled Goethe more than anything else in the city. However, it was Christianized in the 16th century and converted into the baroque church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Below the Piazza del Comune, a museum (Museo e Foro Romano) provides information about the former site of a Roman forum.

Today Assisi is best known as the city of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan order that was later named after him here around 800 years ago. The offspring of a rich family from Assisi was born in 1182 under the name Giovanni di Bernardone. Only a serious illness forced the young man, whose infatuation with the French troubadours earned him the nickname “Francesco,” to radically change his lifestyle. From then on he renounced earthly wealth, lived abstinence and poverty and traveled through Italy as a lay preacher. In rousing sermons, he championed early Christian values, emphasized the equality of all people and condemned the secularization of the church. Francis died in 1226 at the age of 44 and was canonized just two years later. His legacy continues to have an impact, not only in Assisi, but can be felt at every turn here in his hometown. Today the city lives mainly from pilgrim tourism.

The great earthquake of 1997 hit Assisi particularly hard, meaning that the city's important sanctuaries and main attractions were inaccessible until the turn of the millennium. In 2000, John Paul II held Christmas mass here again, but traces of the earthquake can still be seen today. Anyone approaching Assisi from the west will first come across the Franciscan convent with the double basilica. Here two churches were built on top of each other, which actually contradicts the principle of poverty that Francis advocated. The foundation stone for the construction of the two churches was laid in 1228, one day after the canonization of Francis of Assisi. In the Gothic upper church you can find a cycle of frescoes attributed to Giotto, with a total of 28 depictions that tell of the life of Saint Francis. From the lower church, which is also decorated with frescoes, you can reach the crypt, where the bones of the city's saint have rested since 1230.

The Basilica di Santa Chiara rises almost at the opposite end of the old town. At the age of 18, Clare of Assisi became an enthusiastic follower of the itinerant preacher Francis. She also renounced everything worldly and led the female branch of the Franciscans, the Poor Clares, in the San Damiano monastery below Assisi until her death (1253). After she was canonized two years after her death, construction of the basilica began in her honor. In the crypt, Saint Clare can be seen as a wax figure in a glass shrine.

The Cathedral of San Rufino dates back to the 12th century and honors the city's first bishop, who was martyred in the 3rd century. It was restored in the 16th and 17th centuries, so that the Baroque style predominates inside today. Also of interest is a collection of religious paintings, primarily by regional artists from the period between the 14th and 16th centuries, in the Pinakothek, which has been located in a palazzo on Via San Francesco since the 1997 earthquake. The medieval fortress Rocca Maggiore from the 12th century stands proudly above the city. A dodecagonal tower was added three centuries later. A wall through which a 100 m long corridor runs connects it to the Rocca. The climb to the tower is rewarded with a fantastic view all the way to Perugia and Spoleto. From Piazza Matteotti via Via Eremo delle Carceri and Porta Cappuccini you reach the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage in a steep climb of 300 meters. Today three monks still live here in the middle of oak forests and idyllic solitude.

Monterchi
The small town of Monterchi is still in Tuscany, but right on the threshold of the neighboring region of Umbria. In Roman times it was called “Mons Herculis” (Mountain of Hercules), which refers to the Hercules cult that used to be at home here. Today, medieval Monterchi is particularly famous for a painting by the painter Piero della Francesca, the “Madonna del Parto”. This is a very unusual image of the Madonna that was discovered in 1888 during restoration work in a cemetery chapel outside the town. It shows the still pregnant young Maria and is on display in the Museo della Madonna, in the town's old schoolhouse.

San Giustino
Umbria's northernmost town is San Giustino, whose village center is dominated by Bufalini Castle, a castle-like complex. Before you cross the border with Tuscany from here, a sign informs you that you are now in the territory of the former Republic of Cospaia. In fact, the village was forgotten during border negotiations between Florence and the Papal States, so that the residents declared their own republic, lived from tobacco cultivation and were able to maintain their independence without government, without army and without taxes for almost 400 years.

Santa Maria degli Angeli
The small town of Santa Maria degli Angeli just outside Assisi also plays a historical role. Here was a 4th century chapel called Porziuncola (small portion), built by returning Jerusalem pilgrims, a quiet place surrounded by forest at the time, which became St. Francis' favorite place. The Franciscan order has its origins here. The monumental basilica, half Renaissance, half Boroque style, was built later around the original chapel.

mutton
South of Città di Castello lies a typical medieval borgo of this area. The town of Montone is completely surrounded by a wall and is car-free inside. It stretches between two hills, each with a former monastery. Holiday apartments were set up in the Franciscan monastery, while the former St. Catherine's monastery now houses the city archives. The two cafés on Piazza Fontebraccio, whose interior has a museum feel, are worth seeing.

Todi
The old town is a rare mix of art, culture, history and scenic beauty. Since the city is built on a hill, the view from up here is rewarded in every direction with breathtaking views of Umbria's beautiful, green hills, which alternate between grape vines, olive trees and sunflowers. It is estimated that Todi approx. is 3000 years old. History has left traces of many eras in this ancient city. According to legend, it was founded by Hercules on the spot where he killed Caco. The name is of Etruscan origin (Tutere meant border) and indicates that the place served as a border fortress along the Tiber back in Etruscan times. Remains of the old city wall from this period are still present in several places in the old town, e.g. B. at the Porta Libera, Via Paolo Ruoloi, Via Montarone and the old city wall. The Porta Mazia in particular bears impressive testimony to the architecture of the Etruscan period. Many important additions date from Roman times. So the Romans built an amphitheater and temple in honor of Jupiter, Juno, Mars and Minerva. They also built a second circle of walls to reinforce the city's fortifications. So z. B. the Porta Catena of Roman origin. In Roman times, Todi was even granted its own right to coin money. In the Middle Ages, the city was initially its own municipality (approx. 12.-13. century). The Porta Romana dates back to medieval times. Subsequently, papal influence increased until Todi was finally fully incorporated into the Papal States, where it remained until the 19th century. Century remained inside. In the fight for the national unification of Italy, Garibaldi found enthusiastic supporters in Todi. In a 1992 report, an American journalist described it as the city with the highest quality of life in all of Italy. The town is traversed by a network of steep, narrow streets and alleys, typical of medieval mountain villages. The clear showpiece is the Piazza del Popolo, which is best approached from the direction of the Porta Romana. If you follow the street straight ahead, the spectacular piazza suddenly opens up, at the head of which a wide staircase leads up to the cathedral. Three magnificent medieval palaces rise around the piazza, the Palazzo dei Priori, which now houses the administration building, the Palazzo del Popolo, which houses the Pinacoteca and the attached Palazzo del Capitano. In addition to a few other churches and a monastery, Todi also has a very special gem to offer: the Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione, a magnificent Renaissance building built around a Madonna fresco. The cultural activities that the city offers during the summer months are numerous. So there is e.g. B. in April an Italian antiques exhibition in nearby Collevalenza. In May, the characteristic historical torchlight procession follows within the walls of the church of San Fortunato in Collazzone. The castle festival in June is followed by a very special event in July, the “International Balloon Grand Prix”. On 10. In August, the day of “Saint Lawrence” is celebrated with a solemn procession in medieval costumes. During the summer there are various open-air sagras (culinary events) with local specialties and entertainment. Umbrian cuisine is very down-to-earth and emphasis is placed on original products. The summer ends with various open-air concerts in the city. The September music festival takes place in various Umbrian cities.

Orvieto
Orvieto sits on a tuff hill and its city walls are mostly natural tuff ramparts. From a plateau, also made of tuff, the visitor enjoys a wonderful view of the surrounding farmland, vineyards and the Tiber. Orvieto has two souls that live together in perfect harmony, making the city both magnificent and mysterious. On the one hand, it is a classic city, famous primarily for its Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, a jewel of Gothic architecture with frescoes by Signorelli. The medieval and papal character of the city is reflected here, as this place of worship was built by the popes in competition with the Siena Cathedral.

On the other hand, Orvieto is also known for the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering that was built by the Pope in 1527 to guarantee the city an adequate water supply in the event of a prolonged enemy siege. So Orvieto is also considered a perfect example of an underground city, where you can walk in grottoes, small tunnels and labyrinths and discover the city beneath the city.

Bevagna
Bevagna is a beautiful, cheerful and very ancient little town just a few kilometers from Foligno. It has several monuments from Roman and medieval times: the Roman thermal baths with very beautiful mosaics, a Roman amphitheater, the splendid Piazza Silvestri with the Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli and the beautiful churches of San Silvestro, San Michele and San Domenico.

Bevagna is also known for its summer festival called “Il Mercato delle Gaite”. In the center of the city, the medieval craftsmen's shops and a medieval market are coming to life. Craftsmen, salesmen and saleswomen wear authentic old costumes. The historical reconstruction takes advantage of the numerous corners of the old hamlet where time seems to have stood still and brings medieval crafts to new life. It shows, among other things, how parchment paper, glass, wax, textiles, vases and terracotta tiles were made and how ironsmiths and many other craftsmen worked. An archery competition also takes place at this medieval market, which takes place every June when the evenings are warm, the sun sets late, and the colors and scents of summer revive the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Panicale
This picturesque medieval hamlet sits at the top of a high hill with stunning views of Lake Trasimeno and Tuscan Cortona, on the other side of the lake. Due to its proximity to the Tuscan border, Panicale was often under Tuscan rule in the Middle Ages. The short distance from Lake Trasimeno probably contributes to the fertility of the soil, so Panicale is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The small town is quiet and peaceful, but there are still three good restaurants.

In earlier times, Panicale was an invincible medieval fortress, important for the control of Lake Trasimeno and for trade between Umbria and Tuscany. Here you can admire works of art of undeniable value. Inside the small church of San Sebastiano there is a fresco by Pietro Vannucci from 1505, also called il Perugino, and a painting attributed to Raffaello, his student at the time. Inside the Cathedral of San Michele there is a beautiful painting by Masolino da Panicale, who was born in Panicale.

Also worth mentioning is the 15th century fountain in Piazza Umberto I, which is still perfectly preserved and was the main source of water for the city until the end of the 19th century, the square at the top of the hill with the medieval town palace and the Teatro Caporali, a small, very charming, ancient theater. Panicale became famous throughout Italy for its tulle embroidery art. This ancient tradition had the Latin name ars panicalensis and was passed down from mother to daughter. There is an embroidery museum in town.

Montefalco
Montefalco is known for its Sagrantino wine, which is one of Umbria's most popular wines and is made from local grapes. For this reason Montefalco and its surroundings are called Terra del Sagrantino. The olive oil produced in Montefalco is also of very high quality. Because of the fantastic views in all directions of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, Montefalco is also called “La Terrazza sull'Umbria” (the terrace of Umbria). One should not neglect the historical and artistic heritage of this hamlet, which is one of the “Borghi più belli d'Italia” (the most beautiful medieval hamlets in Italy).

It has several churches and monuments worth seeing, all within the 13th century city walls. Worth mentioning are, among others, the Chiesa di San Francesco, seat of the Museo Civico, and the Chiesa di S. Agostino, which dominates the town with its Gothic facade. In the Museo Civico you can admire works of art and sculptures by local artists as well as archaeological finds from different eras.