Umbria region

The charm of Umbria starts from the fusion between art and nature, distinguished by the peace and calm of this area that evokes the masterpieces of the Renaissance and by medieval small towns embedded in the hills. In Umbria the traces of the Etruscan civilization are remarkable, as visitors can see in Todi, Bettona, Orvieto and Perugia. Spoleto has important Roman remains; Spello is a city, where the Romans left some impressive remains. Other important Roman works can be found in Assisi and Gubbio. The Romanesque architecture thrived in thins region at the beginning of the twelfth century: some beautiful examples are the Cathedrals of Spoleto and Assisi, St. Silvestro and St. Michele in Bevagna. The Gothic style reached very high levels, and imposing examples are present in almost every city.
The Renaissance can be seen in magnificent monuments in Perugia, Gubbio, Todi, but it enjoyed a smaller development than other styles.

The region is mostly mountainous and hilly and presents a landscape rich in woods and water resources. It is crossed by the Apennines, which form numerous valleys. It is situated in the heart of the boot and it is the only region that has no access to the sea; it includes Lake Trasimeno, the biggest lake of central Italy. From the water of the lake, we pass to the water of the Cascate delle Marmore falls, near Terni, one the most beautiful in Europe. The water of the falls flows into River Nera with a spectacular fall of 165 meters, surrounded by lush vegetation, and is sought-after by sport lovers who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports.

Cities:
Perugia is the regional capital. Other important cities are Assisi, Gubbio, Orvieto, Todi, Spoleto,Terni.

exploring Umbria villas

northern Umbria

The northern area of Umbria is characterized by ancient villages and towns that preserve millenarian art and are set in a natural environment.
Our trip starts from Sansepolcro, entering the upper Tiber Valley through the tree-covered hillsides topped by ancient churches, villages and ruined castles until we reach Città di Castello. The stark Gothic Palazzo Comunale stands in the mediaeval Piazza del Duomo. The Municipal Picture Gallery houses some fine mediaeval and Renaissance paintings.
Gubbio is one of Europe's most perfectly preserved mediaeval towns where two major traditional events take place each year with the enthusiastic participation of the local people: on May 15 the Corsa dei Ceri race, and on the last Sunday in May the Palio della Balestra tournament. Walking past the austere façade of the ancient feudal palaces in Via dei Consoli, including the Gothic Bargello Palace, we reach Piazza della Signoria, which over hangs the lower town and the surrounding plain, supported on massive arches. Among the small villages that preserve millenarian art, we need to mention Montone. Located between Città di Castello and Umbertine, Montone is an enchanting village perched on top of a hill that has preserved its fascinating medieval origins.
Perugia is a city with much to offer to the art lover and the casual visitor. Its typical steep streets offer unexpected glimpses of ancient houses and the surrounding distant green hills. We will begin our visit in Piazza IV Novembre with the 13th century Fontana Maggiore fountain decorated with reliefs by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, and in front of us towers the Gothic Cathedral. The austere Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo dei Priori) with two tiers of mullioned windows and a battlemented roof was built between 1293 and 1443, and inside is the Umbrian National Art Gallery that traces the history of the region's painting from the 13th to the 18th century. Other important monuments are the churches of S. Bernardino (15th c.), S. Pietro (10th c.), S. Domenico (l4th-l7th century), S. Angelo (an unusual 5th-6th century Paleo-Christian church), S. Giuliana (Church and Convent), Porta S. Pietro (also known as Porta Romana), the Arco Etrusco (Arco di Augusto), and Porta Marzia.
On the other side of the Tiber Valley facing Perugia stands Assisi, nestling on a spur of Mount Subasio. Our first call is to the Basilica of S. Francis and the adjacent Friary. The basilica comprises two churches, one above the other, and was begun in 1228, just two years after the Saint's death. Walking along Via S. Francesco past the medieval houses and palaces, we come to Piazza del Comune standing on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. Let's go up to the Rocca Maggiore castle and 4 kilometers away, the Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage of the Carceri), an oasis of Franciscan peace.
Spello rises up between Assisi and Foligno, situated on a spur of the Subasio Mountain above a fertile and well-irrigated plain. Among the neighbouring cities, this is surely the one which preserves the major number of monuments testifying to the Roman era; for example, the town walls, the ruins of the theatre and the amphitheatre, the thermal baths and the splendid town portals Porta Consolare, Porta Urbica and Porta Venere dating back to the Augustean era. In ascent, you'll arrive at the church of St. Mary Maggiore built Between the 11th and 12th centuries, which guards its most precious treasure inside. In fact, the marvellous Baglioni Chapel is to be found on the left-hand side of the nave.

southern Umbria

In the southern territory of Umbria we can find several Etruscan and Roman ruins that narrate the historical duality of Umbria, land of the Etruscans to the west and Romans on the East.
Spoleto has grown in fame since the Festival of Two Worlds has breathed new life to this quiet secluded town with its magnificent 12th century Cathedral and soaring bell-tower (with Filippo Lippi's frescoed interior), 12th century Church of S. Eufemia, and 12th-15th century Church of S. Gregorio Maggiore, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Arroni and Palazzo Ancaiani, the Druso Arch and Roman theatre. Perched on the top of a hill which time and elements are gradually wearing down, Orvieto still preserves the typical layout of the medieval fortress town it was. We can stroll along its silent streets lined with Renaissance buildings and medieval houses, and linger a length in its unique Gothic Cathedral on which artists, architects, sculptors and painters have worked across the ages - Lorenzo Maitani, Andrea Orcagna, Gentile da Fabriano and Luca Signorelli, who left his greatest work here. Just outside the city is the 4th century BC Etruscan necropolis. In Todi we can visit the splendid Piazza del Popolo, with the Gothic Palazzo del Popolo and Palazzo del Capitano and the 12th-16th century cathedral. Just outside the mediaeval town walls you can admire the Church of S. Maria della Consolazione. Todi has also been classified as the 'città ideale', or ideal town, by a group of American researchers who were looking to find an urban center ideal for the social demands of the near future. Why the ideal city? Because it holds no more than 15-20,000 people, it sits in a hilly zone in harmony with its environment, the administrative facilities are all conveniently located in the heart of the town while the ancillary services remain outside the town walls.