INTRODUCTION:
This guide dedicated to UMBRIA was written to provide travellers with as much information as possible about one of the most beautiful regions to help those organizing
a stay in this historical Italian area.
This guide will discuss the history of the main towns of the region as well
as the other spots that really shouldn´t be missed.
We will also deal with the food
and outstanding cultural events of a land that is a real paradise to
explore, boasting cultural and historical places of interest and undeniably beautiful scenery.
Perhaps Umbria has been overshadowed,
in a way, by the nearby and much more famous
Tuscany. Having been the protagonist in innumerable best sellers and the recording location for many famous films has promoted it as a tourist destination. All the same, Umbria is gradually attracting more and more visitors who immediately fall in love with the deservedly named “green heart of Italy”.
The proximity of the Apennines, its
height and weather are factors which have made Umbria´s scemeru so magical and serene throughout practically the whole year.
The region´s geography is
characterized by its mountainous and hills with plains only covering a total surface area of 6% throughout Umbria.The
varied morphology of its scenery is its main feature which in travellers´eyes is “perfect imperfection”
HISTORY: The name Umbria derives from
Umbri which was the name of the first tribe that settled in the region
in the 6th century BC. The Etruscans were the great enemies
of the Umbri and invaded the region between the 8th and 6th
century BC. After the Etruscans’ fall, Umbria did not succeed in preventing the Roman
invasion.
After the Roman victory a period of integration started.The construction of the Via Flaminia turned into the main means of communication and the development of Roman Umbria demonstrates this.
When the Roman Empire fell, the Ostrogoths
and Byzantines fought for control of the region. The Lombards founded
the Dukedom of Spoleto that lies over most of what is Umbria today.
When Charlemagne’s army conquered
most Lombard kingdoms, some Umbrian territories were given to the Pope,
who established his temporal power over some of them.
After the French revolution Umbria
became part of the Roman Republic (1789-1799) and of the Napoleonic
Empire (1809-1814) and in 1860 Umbria was incorporated into the Kingdom
of Italy.
The current borders of Umbria were
established in 1927 after the creation of the province of Terni and
the exclusion of the province of Rieti which became part of the region
of Lacio.Nowadays there are still many traces
in the Umbrian towns of the region´s long, interesting history. Walking along the narrow streets in many
of its towns, it is easy to travel in time and return to a feeling of calm and a slowr pace which modern life does not seem to allow for.
INTERESTING INFORMATION:
Those who enjoy walking won´t mind the steep roads in towns such a
Spoleto,
Gubbio,
Todi or
Perugia, but less active-types will be pleased to know that
many of these towns actually have moving walkways and elevators to make the ascent
easier.
Organizing a trip to Umbria is easy
from a logistic point of view as there are many transport options,
ranging from flights that arrive in Perugia or neighbouring Tuscan
towns ( such as Florence or Pisa), or even which come into Rome, only 130 km from the beautiful
Orvieto, for instance. It is difficult to narrow down the must-see sights in Umbria as there are somany little towns and
singular villages that deserve a visit.
Those visiting
Umbria for the first time should include Perugia,
Foligno, Gubbio,
Assisi,
Montefalco,
Spello,
Città di Castello,
Spoleto,
Terni,
Todi,
Trevi and the marvellous
Lake Trasimeno on their itineraries.
As well as its fascinating history and beauty at a cultural level, among other events, the
Umbria Jazz Festival needs to be highlighted. After more than 36 years it goes on gathering leading figures that fill with music the
streets of Perugia for 10 days in July. The winter version of the festival
is celebrated in Orvieto.
The excellent gastronomy of the region also
deserves attention. And we will highlight that its signature dish is
no doubt the well-liked truffle.
All in all Umbria has whatever you could want to turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.
We also suggest you visit Divino Italy a great site with a huge selection of Accommodation including apartments, hotels and
Villas in Italy with a special section dedicated to
Villas for rent in Umbria.
We hope this guide is helpful to travellers planning a trip to this beautiful region and would appreciate any feedback you wish to share.
