General

This is the ’green heart of Italy’, with the ancient roman Via Flaminia and Old Father Tiber flowing through its center - a land of verdant valleys and patchwork wooded hills interspersed with buttercups, bluebells, poppies and thousands of other wild flowers. The monasteries and ancient abbeys remind us that this is the ’Terra dei Santi’ - land of the saints: St Benedict and gentle St Francis to name but two. The Umbrians themselves are mild mannered and trusting in keeping with these traditions. Umbria is a land of water too - the Fonti del Clitunno lagoons and islands planted with poplars and weeping willows, or Umbria’s ancient springs such as San Gemini. The towns are magnificent, crammed with art and unchanged since medieval times. Visit the bustling university city of Perugia, balanced high above the Tiber and the regional capital. It is awash with splendid Etruscan and Renaissance monuments. Its gallery in the Palazzo dei Priori houses the region’s finest art and it is also renowned for the most romantic medieval streets and piazzas in all Italy. Mixing the old and new, Perugia is host to an unmissable jazz festival every July, and you’ll be glad to know that its other most famous export is chocolate! Umbria’s best-known hill town is surely Assisi, enjoying far-reaching views over the ’Plain of Angels’. Enchanting old houses with balconies overflowing with flowers line narrow, cobbled streets full of arches and steps. And the Basilica di San Francesco dominates the town, now fully restored and at its most beautiful in the early morning. In contrast to this, Umbria’s countryside is a haven of tranquility, interspersed with historic towns, magnificent views and impressive churches and cathedrals. The cuisine in this region is legendary, and the wines on offer are second to none.

Shopping

As always, you will be close to an outdoor market selling excellent quality meat, fruit and vegetables, but - perhaps more than any other region in Italy - Umbria specializes in specific products, relating to different towns. For example, Gubbio sells hand-painted ceramics, Norcia and Monteluco are famous for their cured meats and truffles, and for a wonderful selection of leather shoes look no further than Perugia.

Local Food

Regional tradition is still important in Umbrian kitchens and local dishes tend to be no-nonsense, with hardly a sauce in sight - expect on pasta, of course! Try Tagliatelle al tartufo, to sample the delicious truffles from the Apennine region, or Cinghiale (wild boar) if you’re feeling adventurous. Freshwater lake trout is a great favorite here, and is served in a variety of ways, and the Fritto misto is a fantastic concoction of lamb chops, liver, sweetbreads and artichokes deep fried in batter. Vegetables are always fresh and tasty, such as courgettes and lentils. And for dessert, treat yourself to the multitude of fruit tarts and ice cream.

Local Wine

Orvieto is the best-known place in Umbria for wine-producing. Made mainly from Trebbiano and Verdello grapes, the dry Orvieto Classico is highly thought of and extremely popular. The very fine dry red Rubesco and the dry light and fresh white wines of Torgiano, which lies between Perugia and Assisi, are well worth a try. Also from the area around Perugia, you will find Colli Perugini.

If you are considering renting a villa in Umbria, Cottages to Castles are pleased to offer a selection of privately owned and superbly presented properties.

Festivals in Umbria