Umbria and Territory

Umbria, the green heart of Italy

Will it be its position truly at the centre of Italy or will it be the splendid panoramas and naturalistic excellence that have earned it the nickname 'the green heart of Italy'?

Perhaps both... In any case, Umbria is a unique region in terms of the variety of places of great natural and scenic interest.
Umbria offers a series of suggestive points of interest related to nature and the environment that have made it famous throughout the world, such as the Marmore Falls and Lake Trasimeno.

But this region is rich in many other areas of undisputed beauty, such as naturalistic oases, rivers, lakes, mountains, parks and nature reserves.

Excursions, itineraries, trekking to discover a still unspoilt place. Enjoy the breathtaking panorama from the summit of Mount Subasio, ride in the immense plain of Castelluccio di Norcia, explore the Monti Sibillini National Park or the fascinating Valnerina. Go rafting on the slopes of the Marmore waterfalls or enjoy a romantic walk on the shores of Lake Trasimeno.

A fun way to get to know Umbria with family or friends. Indulge in the relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking views of beautiful Umbria

A land rich in history

There is no place in all of Umbria that is not pervaded by the scent of history. From the largest towns to the smallest villages, everything exudes an ancient and mysterious charm.

The homeland of the Etruscans, conquered by the Romans, dotted with small local lordships during the Renaissance, absorbed by the Papal States, Umbria offers visitors a mosaic of cultures and artistic movements without equal.

The splendid Roman remains and the magnificent monuments, churches and basilicas of the Christian era, together with the fortresses and castles and palaces of the Renaissance, are the absolute protagonists of this region.

Umbrians, Etruscans and Romans

The remains of these ancient civilisations are scattered along all the main Umbrian cities.

Etruscan finds can be found in many areas: the Etruscan Arch, the Etruscan Well, Porta Marzia in the city centre of Perugia, the necropolis of the Hypogeum of the Volumni in the suburbs, and scattered settlements near Lake Trasimeno.

Near Lake Trasimeno, at Passignano, the Romans erected turrets and forts, traces of which still remain today. Moreover, it was at Lake Trasimeno that the Romans fought against Hannibal during the Punic Wars.

Municipalities and Seignories

Wonderful municipal palaces were built during the Renaissance period.

Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia, in front of the Fontana Maggiore, is just one of the many monuments built by the powerful families of the city.

In many towns, Renaissance culture and the sense of belonging to a city is very much felt, thanks also to the many historical re-enactments, such as the Giostra della Quintana in Foligno.

The cradle of Christian spirituality

Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, is by far the most visited city by tourists and religious people. The Basilica of St Francis and the Hermitage of the Carceri, on the slopes of Mount Subasio, to name but a few, are visited by pilgrims from all over the world.

Neighbouring towns are also places of strong Christian spirituality, such as Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the Basilica of the same name inside which is preserved the Porziuncola, an ancient chapel where the Saint used to gather in prayer.

In Cascia, in the heart of the Valnerina, there is the Sanctuary of Santa Rita, a religious complex that retraces the places where the Saint lived.