Umbria
Everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of winding valleys make Umbria a region that will never fail to amaze. This region comprises mainly hills, mountains, hollows and plains and extends along the Tiber’s central basin. At the heart of the boot, it is the only region with no coastline. It includes Lake Trasimeno, central Italy’s largest lake. The area still has the remains of Etruscan settlements, particularly around Castiglione del Lago, where the loveliness of the natural landscape combines with the romanticism and stillness of the lake. Moving on from the two lakes, we come to the Cascate delle Marmore waterfalls near Terni, some of the most beautiful in Europe. The waters dive into the River Nera with a spectacular 165 m (541 ft) drop, and are surrounded by lush vegetation. This is the spot for sports lovers who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and not only. Still in the province of Terni, tourists looking to get the feel of Umbria should not miss out on two little gems: one of them is linked to history and the other to the territory. Carsulae is an ancient Roman town traversed by the ancient Via Flaminia, where important public buildings have been discovered. We can still see the remains of the S. Damiano Arch, with particularly beautiful and fascinating surroundings. The other gem, closely linked to the area’s makeup is the Dunarobba Fossil Forest, a rare example of a forest that existed 3 million years ago, with very well-preserved tree trunks set in a lunar landscape. The provinces of the region are Perugia (regional capital) and Terni.
PROVINCE OF PERUGIA
In this area visitors will have the chance to enjoy an atmosphere of bygone times, among the medieval paths, the palaces, the castles and the fortresses of charming villages and will probably feel a strong impulse to come back one day. Located in the centre of Italy, the Province of Perugia is Umbria’s largest, covering two-thirds of the entire region. The landscape presents different aspects: a wide area of plains in the Umbra and Tiber Valleys, framed by hills, and mountains in the eastern part. The rest of the territory is covered by woodland. In this panorama of changing vibrant colors many villages stand on hilltops, overlooking the plains below. These villages are remarkable for their historical and artistic heritage. This province is home to the largest lake in central Italy, Lake Trasimeno, which has three Islands of Polvese, Maggiore and Minore, and two promontories. The landscape is characterised by the relaxing intense green of the vegetation, and everything, from the villages overlooking the lake to the museums, its continuing traditions to its local products, all remind us of its past. Not only art and nature, but also a touch of mysticism adds something special to each route or path in this region. The most important is the Franciscan Path of Peace linking Assisi to Gubbio, which follows the route covered many times by Saint Francis after 1206 when he renounced his father’s properties. It’s a relatively short trip, but it offers the unique chance to experience nature in prayer and friendship. The province of Perugia offers all this and much more. The journey may be a long one, but you will be rewarded by its great beauty.
PROVINCE OF TERNI
Terni is not only the city of steel mills, iron and fire, but a community that hides away plenty of surprises in its millenary history. A modern city that merges well with its ancient center, Terni is surrounded by scenes that have continued to enchant visitors over the centuries. A verdant terrain with Medieval villages (for instance, the lovely San Gemini), the wonders of nature are everywhere to be found, including the Marmore Falls and Lake Piediluco. Terni is also the city of St. Valentine, protector of lovers. Indeed the Basilica that preserves his tomb is an important destination for pilgrims, while every year the entire city holds grand celebrations for their patron saint, culminating in his feast day on February 14th.On the nearby mountain slopes (the tops of which are covered in snow in winter), and on the high grounds looking over the River Nera, age-old borghi, with their towers of stone, stand on guard. It is within the extraordinary, out-of-this-world landscapes of the last stretch of the Valnerina (literally the Nera River Valley), right after the tiny town of Scheggino, the the Province of Terni begins.Numerous are the Provine’s points of interest: Ferentillo, a hub for rock-climbing; Arrone, a departure point for canoe and rafting excursions; andCasteldilago, Montefranco and the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle. The sheer size of the local stronghold – a castle commissioned by Cardinal Albornoz – dominates over the entire scene. Nestled on the underlying slopes is one of the best-preserved villages of Umbria: Narni, with its towers, fountains, and Gothic and Romanesque churches. Towns such as these provoke the ambience and emotion of a Medieval era that becomes all but real during celebrations like the Corsa all’Anello, a race and series of historical re-enactments taking place every late-April to mid-May. The entire territory around Narni offers similar experiences, from Calvi, with its traditional celebrations, to Otricoli, where the vestiges of one central Italy’s most interesting ancient Roman cities are on view, i.e. of an amphitheatre and the Tiber River port. Dense woods and mountains, hills and olive groves, natural oases along the Tiber’s flow, fascinating castles like that in Alviano and Giove, watchtowers and age-old villages where elegant Romanesque church facades and bell towers stand out like jewels from the skyline. Orvieto (Urbs Vetus, the old city), dominated by its Duomo, is the iconic image of this area, known and sought-out the world over. The Cathedral’s facade and the wondrous frescoes by Luca Signorelli render this hilltop town one of the globe’s most-appreciated touristic destinations. Not only, but right in the vicinity of famous monuments, discovery of a thousand hidden corners of the ancient Etruscan city awaits – its underground, the celebrated white-producing vineyards in its environs, castles and old abbey churches. Orvieto is also the capital of Slow Food, resulting in a high-quality culinary tradition.
