Umbria Travel Guide

Introduction

Located at the heart of the scenic Apennine Mountains, Umbria is the smallest, least populous and most sparsely populated region in Central Italy. The region is named after the Umbri, an ancient Italic tribe absorbed by the expansion of the Romans.

Umbria is one of the wildest Italian regions, an idyllic blend of lush rolling hills and forested mountains enjoying a similar climate to that of Tuscany, and dotted with immaculate Medieval towns. Umbria has no industry and few famous natives, apart from Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, after whom San Francisco in California was named.

The region's three top destinations are the beautifully preserved historic towns of Assisi and Orvietto and the university town of Perugia, but Umbria has many more great places to explore. The main natural attraction is the Marmore Falls, the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world, and the flower fields of the Monti Sibillini National Park.

Cuisine

Forget about seafood in this landlocked region. Here everything is about a good roasting with olive oil and herbs. Traditional dishes are heavy on game (wild boar, hare, pheasant, goose, pigeon) and sausages. Frogs and snails are local delicacies. Norcia is particularly renowned for its black truffles, but also for its cheeses (pecorino) and cured meat products (prociutto di Norcia, budellaccio di Norcia, mazzafegati). The Tiber and Lake Trasimeno are rich sources of freshwater fish such as trouts, perches, pikes, carps, eels, barbels, graylings, and tenches.

Typical Umbrian dishes include agnello scottadito (grilled lamb chops), fagiano in salmì (sautéed pheasant sliced and reheated in sauce), galantina (boneless chicken stuffed with beef, boiled eggs, cheese, pistachios, nutmeg and pepper), piccione alla ghiotta (roasted pigeon with the entrails cooked in a sauce), and porchetta (a fatty boneless pork roasted with herbs). Common varieties of pasta are strangozzi (shaped like shoelaces; typically eaten with truffles), pappardelle (wide tagliatelle), umbricelli (thick spaghetti), and cappelletti (a sort of tortellini).

Umbria has 14 DOC wines, 70% of which are produced in the province of Orvieto. The region is mostly renowned for its white wines, although its two DOCG, Sagrantino di Montefalco and Torgiano Rosso Riserva, are red wines, and both from the province of Perugia.

Attractions

North

Gubbio

Gubbio is a stunning medieval town nestled in the northeastern corner of Umbria, Italy, known for its well-preserved historic center and breathtaking landscapes. Located at the foot of Mount Ingino, this ancient city boasts remarkable architectural treasures like the 14th-century Palazzo dei Consoli, a Roman theatre, and charming winding streets that transport visitors back in time. Highlights include riding the Colle Eletto cable car to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, exploring the medieval old town with its craft stores and picturesque squares, and experiencing unique local traditions like the annual "Corsa dei Ceri" festival.

Other attractions

Città di Castello
Montone
Tuoro sul Trasimeno

Castiglione del Lago

Castiglione del Lago is a picturesque medieval town perched on a promontory overlooking Lake Trasimeno. The town has evolved on what used to be an island - the fourth island of Lake Trasimeno. It is recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful towns, boasts well-preserved medieval walls, impressive historical landmarks, and stunning lake views. Key attractions include the 13th-century Rocca del Leone fortress, and the Renaissance Palazzo della Corgna with its magnificent frescoes.

Centre

Assisi ※

Perched on the slopes of Monte Subasio, the enchanting city of Assisi boasts a well-preserved historic center with stunning limestone buildings that sparkle in the evening light. Visitors can explore its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside. The crown jewel of Assisi is the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco, home to some of Italy's most celebrated frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Beyond its religious significance, Assisi offers a blend of Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant piazzas.

Spello

Officially recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy," Spello is a charming medieval town nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Subasio with well-preserved stone architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant flower displays. Highlights include the stunning frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, ancient Roman arches, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. Spello is also famous for its Infiorata festival, where intricate floral carpets adorn the streets each June.

Panicale

Panicale is a picturesque medieval village perched on a hilltop in Umbria, Italy, offering breathtaking views of Lake Trasimeno and the surrounding countryside. Recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, this charming town boasts well-preserved architecture, including ancient walls, stone buildings, and picturesque squares. Panicale is renowned for its rich history dating back to Etruscan times, its artistic heritage featuring works by Perugino.

Perugia

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is a captivating city perched atop a hill overlooking the Tiber valley. This medieval gem boasts a rich history dating back to Etruscan times, evident in its well-preserved architecture and ancient city walls. Perugia's historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, grand palaces, and stunning piazzas, with the impressive Palazzo dei Priori housing the renowned Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. The city is famous for its chocolate, particularly the Baci confection, and hosts the annual Eurochocolate festival. With two historic universities, Perugia maintains a youthful and cosmopolitan atmosphere, blending cultural heritage with modern vibrancy. Founded in 1308, the University of Perugia is the 9th oldest in the world and the oldest in central Italy. Visitors to Perugia can enjoy panoramic views from the ancient aqueduct, explore underground medieval streets and the vibrant local food scene.

Bevagna

Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards and encircled by ancient walls, the picturesque village of Bevagna boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. At its center lies the stunning Piazza Silvestri, home to the 12th-century Palazzo dei Consoli and two beautiful Romanesque churches. The town is also famous for its artisan workshops and annual Mercato delle Gaite, a historical festival that brings the Middle Ages to life.

Other attractions

Colfiorito
Foligno
Montefalco

South

Orvieto

Perched dramatically atop a volcanic rock plateau, Orvieto medieval gem is renowned for its stunning Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Orvieto, which boasts a magnificent facade and intricate frescoes. The town's charm lies in its winding cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. Orvieto's unique appeal extends underground, with a fascinating network of Etruscan caves, wells, and tunnels that visitors can explore. The city is also famous for its crisp white wines and rich culinary traditions, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.

Marmore Falls
The Cascata delle Marmore are spectacular man-made waterfalls created by the ancient Romans near the modern town of Terni. With a total height is 165 m (541 ft), they are among the tallest in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world.

Narni

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Nera River, Narni lies at the geographical centre of Italy. Founded around 600 BCE by the Umbri, it became the Roman municipality of Narnia in 299 BCE. Emperor Nerva was born at Narni in 30 CE. Narni's main attractions include its picturesque historic center, featuring medieval streets, charming squares, and impressive landmarks such as the Romanesque Cathedral of San Giovenale and the Albornoz Fortress. The town's most intriguing feature is Narni Underground, a fascinating subterranean complex discovered in 1979. This underground world includes a 12th-century church with remarkable frescoes, ancient Roman cisterns, and chilling remnants of the Holy Inquisition, including a courtroom and prison cell.

Todi

Todi is a picturesque medieval town perched atop a 400-meter-high hill overlooking the Tiber Valley. It was founded around 750 BCE by the Umbri at the border with Etruria. The gens Ulpia of Roman emperor Trajan came from Todi. The city boasts well-preserved architecture from various historical periods, including Etruscan, Roman, and medieval times. At its center lies the stunning Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, flanked by impressive medieval palaces and the town's cathedral.

Spoleto

Spoleto was first mentioned in 241 BCE as Spoletium. The town successfully repelled an attack by Hannibal during the Second Punic War in 217 BCE, showcasing its strategic importance. From around 570 CE Spoleto served as the capital of a powerful Lombard duchy, playing a significant role in Italian politics until the late 8th century. The impressive Rocca Albornoziana, a 14th-century fortress, dominates Spoleto's skyline and now houses the National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto. Another landmark is the Ponte delle Torri, a remarkable 13th-century bridge and aqueduct that spans 230 meters in length and stands 82 meters high. Spoleto is famous for hosting the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds), an annual international arts festival celebrating music, theater, and dance.

Monti Sibillini National Park

Monti Sibillini National Park, established in 1993, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and ancient history. The park's limestone mountains, formed over 100 million years ago, showcase stunning geological features like chevron folds and U-shaped valleys. The park is steeped in legend, with tales of a prophetic sibyl living in a now-collapsed cave atop Monte Sibilla, a belief rooted in Roman mythology and later embraced by medieval lore. Visitors can explore diverse hiking trails, observe unique wildlife like the endemic crustacean Chirocephalus marchesonii in Lago di Pilato, and marvel at the park's rich biodiversity, including beech forests and subalpine meadows. The park is home to rare species such as the Apennine wolf and golden eagle, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Castelluccio di Norcia

Perched at 1,452 meters above sea level, Castelluccio is one of the highest settlements in the Apennine Mountains. It is located in the Umbrian section of the Monti Sibillini National Park, near Norcia. The village is renowned for its spectacular annual flowering event called "La Fioritura," which transforms the surrounding plains into a vibrant patchwork of colors from late May to early July. Plenty of sheep and horses roam across the surrounding hills and plains. Interestingly, on the flank of Mount Carrier near Castelluccio, there is a unique silhouette of Italy formed by trees, planted in 1961 to commemorate the centenary of Italian Unification.

Norcia

Surrounded by the stunning Sibillini Mountains National Park, this medieval town is renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage, particularly its prized black truffles and exquisite cured meats. Norcia's history started in the 5th century BCE as the Sabine city of Nursia. The renegade general Quintus Sertorius, who famously fought a guerrilla war in Spain against the Roman government (80–72 BCE), was born in Nursia. The city is also famous as the birthplace of Saint Benedict, founder of modern monasticism, and visitors can explore the town's religious significance through its historic churches and monasteries. It is listed as one of "The most beautiful villages of Italy".

Other attractions

Trasimeno Lake
Trevi
Lugnano in Teverina
Terni