Umbria
- Umbria’s rich in natural beauties but also in great and ancient
civilisations. The mountains of the Apennines in the north and east
descend into hills, many capped by medieval towns. Perugia, the region’s
capital is a city of great cultural traditions that enjoys a lively
nightlife. Spoleto’s internationally renowned arts festival,
the beauty of the Valnerina area in Umbria’s southeast, and
the Italian peninsula’s largest lake, Lago Trasimeno, are all
powerful attractions. Umbrian cuisine is simple but delicious and
based on locally grown ingredients.
Umbria shares the beautiful Monti Sibillini national park with Marche.
Perugia, is one of Italy’s best preserved medieval hill towns
with a strong artistic and cultural tradition. The university, founded
in the 13th century, is one of the oldest in the world. The historical
centre of Perugia is a steep drive up from the more modern sections
the town below. The most important sights are the cathedral, the Fontana
Maggiore, the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, the Oratorio di
San Bernardino, Chiesa San’t Angelo, the Museo Archeologico
Nazionale dell’Umbria. Umbria Jazz attracts international performers
for 10 days each July.
The fourth-largest lake in Italy, Lago Trasimeno offers swimming,
fishing and other water sports. Passignano and Castiglione del Lago
are popular spots for holidaying Italians.
Assisi’s the home town of St Francis. The Basilica di San Francesco
is the city’s and possibly Umbria’s main draw. The Piazza
del Comune is the centre of Assisi and the upper and lower church
are with the basilica the most important sights of the town. The Festa
di San Francesco falls on 3 and 4 October and is the main religious
event of the city’s calendar.
Gubbio is seated on the steep slopes of Monte Ingino overlooking a
picturesque valley.
Each June and July in Spoleto there is a stage for an international
parade of drama, music, opera and dance. The Festival has given the
city a worldwide reputation.
Tourists in Orvieto are drawn first and foremost by the magnificent
cathedral, one of Italy’s finest Gothic buildings.
