Umbria
Umbria – nature and culture. Mysticism. Contemplation. Origin. Umbria unifies opposites, connects energies and has kept its authenticity. Umbria is the only region of Italy that does not border the sea or any other country. It is located in the middle, the heart of Italy. And you can feel its pulse. May it be on cultural excursions in nearby cities or villages, in the footsteps of St. Francis, on colorful markets or in pure nature and the vastness of the national parks – Umbria touches you, gets under your skin. It invites to learn and experience more about the country, the people and yourself.
A few Umbrian highlights:
To discover nearby
Assisi und Eremo delle Carceri
Day trip to Assisi and the hermitage at the foot of Monte Subasio. The basilica built in honor of Holy St. Francis lies on 3 levels and especially the burial chamber is worth a visit. The streets of Assisi invite to stroll and chase for souvenirs. The hermitage, which lies in the forest above Assisi, was the refuge of Holy St. Francis where he withdrew from civilization for prayer and contemplation. Link
Depending on the time, a visit in the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Portiuncula) and San Damiano (cradle of the order of St. Clares) is to consider.
Camino of St. Francis
Actually the trail of St. Francis is developed from Florence through Assisi to Rome and is pretty well sign posted. A section of the trail leads from Gubbio to Valfabbrica and passes close to Terra Selvatica. On request we bring you, dear guest, to the trail and pick you up. Like this you might follow the footsteps of St. Francis. Link
Perugia
As capital city of Umbria, Perugia appears more powerful than other cities built on Umbrian hills. The streets and alleys invite to stroll, visit churches and museums and stop at one of the Italian bars or restaurants to have a coffee or a typical Italian meal. Enjoy the view from Piazza Italia and discover the labyrinth of the old stone walls, la rocca, which is especially charming at Christmas time with the market. The main attraction in Perugia is the Umbria Jazz Festival in July, where the whole city is transformed into an open stage.
Typical villages and cities
The following cities and villages are within half-day or day distance: Spoleto (festival dei due mondi), Trevi, Todi, Spello, Città di Castello and Gubbio (medieval times alive). All these places stand out for their location on the hillsides of Umbria. They all have an impressive church or cathedral, a central piazza and thousands of little alleys to stroll and cafés and bars to discover.
Markets and sagre
Weekly markets are all year round, so that on each day there is another one to visit. Worth mentioning are the ones from Bastia Umbra on Friday morning and Umbertide on Wednesday morning. Here you find everything from fresh vegetable to young plants, clothing, jewelry and living animals to household items and stoves.
«La sagra» is the name of the village festival, which all Umbrian villages have. Depending on where it is, it lasts a weekend or 10 days. Each sagra has its own specialty (truffles, asparagus, porcini, spaghetti carbonara, etc.) and is accompanied by music and dance in the original Italian way. Pure italianità!
Because of COVID-19 all the “sagre” have been cancelled until end of August 2020.
Umbria Tourism knows more.
A little further away
Monti Sibilini
The Umbrian national park is per se worth a stay! Wide plateaus and untouched nature. Not appropriate for a day trip. But we have a local partner agriturismo that we recommend to our guests.
… and don’t forget to buy truffles, smoked ham and sausages in Norcia.
More information here.
La Scarzuola
An old Franciscan monastery converted into the „ideal city“ envisioned and initiated by Tomaso Buzzi, an architect from Milano. Reservation needed to go and visit. Not open all year. Definitely worth a visit Link.
For lovers of modern art
Fondazione Collection Burri in Città di Castello
In an old palazzo in the center of Città di Castello and in a former tobacco silo a little bit outside the city center the main work of Alberto Burri’s is exposed in these two spectacular locations. The artist is originally from Città di Castello and had its museum already while still alive. His art work is very inspiring and diversified. Link