Self Guided Excursions in
UMBRIA
Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto, Todi, Gubbio, Spello
Middle and high class holidays' villas, apartments and farmhouses
| Umbria
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ASSISI
the land of
PEACE |
 from
Rome: 2h
***from Florence: 2h
 from
Rome: 2h', 200 km.
***from Florence: 2h |
UMBRIA,
the region of the numerous medieval cities blended
with lush rolling hills, is well known as the "Green Heart
of Italy".
This territory has a huge cultural patrimony from the priceless
museums of Perugia, Todi, Foligno and Montefalco, to the modern
art galleries in Città di Castello, as well as the specialised
wine and ceramic museums respectively in Torgiano and Deruta.
In Umbria there are also many aquatic resources such as Lake Trasimeno,
Lake Piediluco, Lake Corbara and the river Tiber, the longest river
that cross the region from north to south.
The breathtaking Marmore Falls are formed by the confluence of the
rivers Nera and Velino near the town of Terni.
Also underground one can find many caves and springs that are very
interesting from a speleological point of view.
This springs give a good mineral water also used for therapeutic
purposes.
Umbria is famous for its natural simple and delicious cuisine. The
basic products of this region include sausages, cheese, dairy products,
legumes and truffles. The region's climate favours the cultivation
of grape vines allowing for the production of world famous wines
such as Orvieto, Torgiano, Montefalco.
This region is famous all over the world for some
important events during the year, such as "Umbria Jazz",
the "Two World Festival", the "Sacred Music Festival,
the "Nations Festival" and recently the Valentiniane commemoration
in Terni, where St Valentine, protector of lovers has born.
Spirituality in UMBRIA, has always been compared to the HOLY LAND.
Cause its hilliness is very similar to the land where Jesus was
born, moreover, has been considered during the centuries as a land
full of touching spirituality. Let just think to the many Catholic
Saints which were born in this region such as: St Benedetto da Norcia, St
Francisd'Assisi, Santa Rita da Cascia,
frà Jacopone da Todi, St Ubaldo and St Valentino.
The religious fervour has left in this land an important trace in
the following Regions: Assisi, Gubbio, Norcia, Cascia, filled of
churches and monastries of incomparable beauty, Spoleto and Orvieto
with their enchanting Cathedrals.
Umbria is at the top of the Italian Regions for
its first quality standard of living. Moreover its people traditional
civil ness and its interesting history offer a social environment
mainly based on a high civil degree and rich of a tolerant spirit.
In respect of this fundamental principle, people are constantly
engaged to find a solution for the common problems.
Città di Castello
This area, situated in the northernmost part of Umbria, bordering
the Marche and Tuscany regions, is composed of various villages
and towns riches of history and traditions. These villages have,
over time, preserved their artistic and environmental heritage in
a perfect harmony between ancient and modern, tradition and progress.
Among these towns is to be noticed Gubbio and Città di Castello
with their enduring medieval walls, wich lovingly preserves the
traditions and customs of their pasts. Artisan here are distinguished
for their wrought iron work, "birds-eye patterned" linen,
fine linen with imberline motifs and majolica ware.
The traditional cuisine is dominated by black and
white truffles (white being rarer and with a stronger, more unique
taste), which are an important part of market exhibitions
Perugia
The area of Perugia embodies each of the distinctive characteristics
of the region. The panorama ranges from pristine landscapes to incoparably
beatiful historical centres.
Perugia boasts a vast historical and artistic culture, wich is composed
of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Moderne influences,
wich are richs its museums. Perugia and University for Foreigners
that offers at the town its cosmopolitan image, celebrate, also
the most important Jazz event in the world, during Umbria Jazz.
The centres of Corciano and Deruta are no less
fascinating, with their narrow alleywais and nobile buildings.
The hills and countryside are primarily cultivated with vineyards,
olive trees and grain. Artisan crafts flourish here; wrought iron,
lace and majolica ware (at Deruta important is the Museo della Ceramica).
The gourmet selection of food is extremely rich, from olive oil
to wine, chocolate and traditional pastries.
Assisi
Assisi, a land of Saints and religious movements, represent the
heart of Umbria's spirituality. Set above a spur of Mount Subasio,
which overlooks the verdant Umbrian valley in the broad basin of
the Chiascio and Topino rivers, Assisi appears from a distance to
be terraced with a cascade of churches, houses and bell towers.
The area also includes others important towns that are true gems
of art and history such as for example Bettona (with its precious
Pinacoteca), Cannara and Bastia Umbra. Now as in the past, the shops
in Assisi and the nearby towns display fabrics with tight, geometric
embroidery representing imaginative patterns and animal's shapes
("Assisi stitch"). And in Umbrian cuisine, olive oil plays
the leading role.
Spoleto
The District is an ideal starting point for those wishing to explore
the most important town of central Italy. It maintains the delightful
lush-green setting, the woods, the olive groves, hermitages and
churches and clear spring (Campello sul Clitunno).
The spirit of Spoleto skilfully rides the ride than ever (for example
the Rocca Albornoziana), like the atmosphere redolent with learning
that seems to impregnate the stories of the city, only to bloom
in June, when Spoleto celebrates the splendours ot its more recent
traditions: "The Festival of Two Worlds".
A similar melting pot of history and tradition can be experienced
in the flavours of the local cuisine, robust yet unexpectedly refined,
caressed by the delicate whites and vigorous reds of an ancient
enological tradition. One more reason to maintain a special memory
of Spoleto's district, and even to take home some of the local homemade
produce of the fertile Umbrian hills: olive oil, wine, mushrooms,
sausage meats, truffles, honey and chestnuts.
Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno lies between Umbria and Tuscany. framed by a gentle
landscape planted with vines and olives.
Three islands surface from its waters: Maggiore and Minore close
to the northern shore, and Polvese in the southeast corner. Its
banks are dotted with tourist resorts, in particular Passignano,
Tuoro and Castiglione del Lago. To defence its fascinating and wonderful
environment the Region created, with a Regional Law, the Natural
Park of Trasimeno. The lake offers countless water sports activities
and is a real paradise for anglers and keens on nature.
Pike and the prized carp "in porchetta" are gourmet specialities
of Lake Trasimeno. Irish lace and pillow lace add lustre to the
Trasimeno's crafts.
Foligno - Norcia - Cascia
The district, one of the most enchanting for landscape and architecture
includes important villages and towns such as Foligno, Nocera Umbra,
Norcia e Cascia in the Valnerina.
Situated in the most mountainous and picturesque area of Umbria,
the Valnerina is at the heart of the Mount Sibillini National Park.
Over its beatiful landscape, the Valnerina is also well know as
an ideal sports tourism destination.
Norcia and Cascia are the preason headquarters for many high-ranking
sports clubs, whither the velvet plains of Castelluccio have been
described as the best area for paragliding training in all of Europe.
A trading crossroads since ancient times, this area is covered with
villages of medieval origin; Bevagna, Montefalco, Spello, Trevi
and Nocera Umbra, Norcia, Cascia. Artisan crafts flourish in this
area, especially in Bevagna, which is known for its basket and hemp
weaving, and in Foligno with its pipe organ restoration and leather-working
activities.
The Foligno area, rich with olive groves and vineyards, boasts numerous
wines whitch is the most prized in the region (Trevi).
The Valnerina is a true paradise for connoisseurs of fine foods:
sausage metres, black truffles, cheeses and lentils are the main
ingredients of the delicious and genuine cuisine that revolves around
the typical "norcineria".
Todi
At the centre of a charming panorama, positioned on a high hilltop,
lies Todi, dominating a landscape which is considered among the
most beautiful and pristine in all of Umbria.
Todi, of ancient origin which we are important remains in the local
museums, attract visitors for its numerous medieval lanes and alleyways,
richly lined with artisan craft shops, for its renaissance churches
(Tempio della Consolazione) and for its Roman's rest found all over
the district (Massa Martana). The bordering towns are equally charming:
Marsciano, Collazzone, Massa Martana and Monte Castello di Vibio,
which is host to the smallest theatre in world (99 people). The
Tuderte region boasts a tradition of gourmet cuisine which is rich
with delicious, characteristic dishes : dove with drippings, sweet
macaroni and fire-baked pizza.
Orvieto - Terni
At the border of Lazio, a short distance from Rome, this territory
is positioned between the most important lines of communication
and is, therefore, easily reached. There is a wide variety of landscapes
here: green pastures, vineyards, olive groves and lush forests,
all of which are reflected in the fresh water of brooks, lakes (Piediluco,
Corbara).
The city of Orvieto, positioned high up on a tuff crag, dominates
the landscape.
Orvieto, which was an important Etruscan centre, is rich with highly
prized archaeological findings, possible to visit as it is possible
to visit those of Narni.
Terni, one of Umbrian country town, is known for the Basilica of
Saint Valentine and for spectacular waterfalls of the Marmore Falls,
some of the many centres and areas particular interesting are Calvi,
Amelia, Otricoli, Narni and Carsulae.
The artisan craft tradition is distinguished for its gold work,
costumes, masks, majolica ware, wrought iron and wooden furniture.
The predominant cultivation here is olives and vineyards (which
produce, in particular, the "Orvieto Classico", a white
wine renowned around the world). The traditional cuisine has remained
intact: game, mushrooms, truffles and "la porchetta" (roast
suckling pork) are the main specialities
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