Umbria
With the ethereal landscapes, seen in so many paintings, medieval hill towns, beautiful frescoes, good wine and olive oil, and the gentle natural rhythm of the seasons Umbria has always been a source of inspiration and a place for pilgrimage, artistic and spiritual. St Benedict and St Francis, both founders of monastic orders, were born in Umbria. St Francis is associated not only with Assisi but with the great monasteries of Camaldoli and La Verna, where he received the stigmata.
Umbria is the ideal place for visitors seeking the beauties of unspoilt Nature, and the splendours of medieval and Renaissance art, or wishing to follow itineraries of historical and religious interest. Pride of place must go to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. This little town, at the foot of Mount Subasio, conserves masterpieces, not only valuable and beautiful but also mystically evocative. Another place of interest in the Tiber Valley is Città di Castello, with the beautiful 14th century churches of St. Dominic and St. Francis and the Gothic Town Hall. Gubbio, to the east is a small ancient Umbrian town that has conserved its medieval appearance and outstanding monuments. To the south, near the Marches border, lie Gualdo Tadino, Nocera Umbra, and Foligno with its 12th century Duomo with a Romanesque façade. Nearby is Spello, an ancient Roman centre where you will find the 13th century church of St. Maria Maggiore with famous frescoes by Pinturicchio.
Heading towards Terni, Montefalco sits in a splendid panoramic position, with interesting religious buildings. Further south lies Trevi and the idyllic surroundings of the Springs of Clitunno and the little early Christian church nearby. Still further south lies Spoleto, the ancient capital of the Lombard Duchy, rich in works of art, and famous for the Festival of the Two Worlds with its splendid theatrical productions, concerts and artistic events. Turning west is Todi, with its fine main square flanked by medieval buildings and the 13th century Duomo. Then Orvieto appears, an ancient Etruscan town, with a wealth of monuments of artistic interest, including the Romanesque-Gothic Palazzo del Popolo and the famous Duomo, one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture housing many famous paintings (L. Signorelli, Beato Angelico).
Other places of interest are peaceful Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by olive-clad slopes and the impressive Marmore Falls. Not far away lies picturesque lake Piediluco. For those seeking more remote and lonely areas, then the wild uncontaminated Val Nerina of great environmental interest, is the place to choose.
