When most people think of places to visit in Italy, Umbria isn’t usually the first to come to mind. But many people don’t realize that Umbria is a treasure trove of history, culture, and adventure. Umbria is especially special to me because my mother’s family hails from the region. It’s the only region of Italy that doesn’t border another nation or a coastline, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to visit in Umbria, Italy that are worth your time.
In fact, Umbria’s mountains and valleys make it one of the most picturesque locations in Italy. The Tiber River creates fertile land ideal for cultivating wines and olive oils.
Throw in a little countryside charm, and you’ve got a memorable trip! My family and I spent eleven amazing days exploring the region. Here are five places to visit in Umbria, Italy!
Perugia is the capital and main city of Umbria, Italy. It’s home to several great festivals, including the Umbria Jazz Festival in July and the Eurochocolate Festival in October. But even if you come outside of those two months, there’s plenty to explore in Perugia. One of the most well-known symbols of the city is the Fontana Maggiore, built in the 13th century. Back then, it served as the end of the main aqueduct that brought water to the city. Now, it’s one of the most beautiful medieval structures in town!
The Rocca Paolina fortress is also worth a visit. It has stood for five centuries and provides a glimpse back to the days when the papacy dominated this city. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t miss the Baci Perugina Factory, which allows you to see just how it makes some of its incredible chocolates and taste them for yourself!
Assisi might be a smaller town, but its size doesn’t detract from its cultural riches. To really get a feel for the town, your first stop should be the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the favorite son of the city. Not only does it feature the tomb of Saint Francis, but it’s also the oldest Gothic church in Italy. The architecture and paintings are classic examples of the Gothic era, which has helped it become one of the most well-known places to visit in Umbria, Italy.
The Temple of Minerva is an excellent place to continue your exploration, as it not only shows part of Assisi’s past under the ancient Romans, but it also faces the gorgeous Piazza del Comune, which served as the center of life in Assisi in medieval times. Once you’ve explored, Osteria Piazzetta dell’Erba is a fantastic choice for authentic Italian cuisine. I recommend the truffle pasta made with local Umbria black truffles!
Citta di Castello was once known by the Romans as Tifernum on the Tiber. But after the Ostrogoths destroyed the city, they rebuilt it around a castle by Bishop Floridus. It now stands as a monument to the past. Citta di Castello remains one of the most preserved walled cities in Umbria, Italy from the medieval time period.
Examples of this include the civic tower known as the Torre Comunale and the Romanesque bell tower. If you’re an art lover, the Pinacoteca Comunale features works from the Renaissance artist Raphael as well as several other great artists from the era.
As the home of my maternal grandfather, Gubbio has a special place in my heart. It’s also the home of the Palazzo dei Consoli, which Angelo da Orvieto built in the 14th century. It’s still standing today and provides some of the best views of the countryside in Umbria, Italy.
Other great features of this medieval-era structure include the Civic Museum. It’s home to archaeological treasures from the city and an iron cage that used to house the city’s robbers and criminals. Seeing how society’s lawbreakers used to live can be pretty creepy!
Head south from Perugia about 30 minutes and you’ll find the town of Todi, located on the southern edge of Umbria, Italy. One of the main sites here is the Todi Cathedral, which was once the site of a temple honoring the Roman god Apollo. A fire destroyed that temple in 1190, and it’s now another testament to the Gothic style of medieval times, marked by its beautiful rose window.
The cathedral is hardly the only church in the city. The Santa Maria della Consolazione displays Renaissance features, including a domed ceiling and an image of the Madonna in its interior. There’s also nothing like the views from the roof of San Fortunato, which features some of the best views of Todi. And for a great meal in the city, the Ristorante Le Scalette is the perfect place to try some Umbrian antipasti. What’s better than enjoying Italian meats and local wines while enjoying stunning views of Todi?
As the only region in Italy not touched by coastline or a national border, Umbria is mostly untouched by the constant flow of tourists that explore other parts of Italy. That’s great news for visitors looking to explore. The lack of crowds makes it easy to get to all of the places to visit in Umbria that are on your list. With fantastic Italian meals readily available and a chance to eat local truffles every day, it’s a great place to spend a week or more exploring Italy’s past while immersing yourself in the culture!
I hope you enjoyed this article about the 5 places to visit in Umbria, Italy! Have you been to Umbria before? Where did you visit?
NOTE: Before you travel internationally, make sure all of your necessary travel documents are up-to-date! Keeping copies of them with you can help make your travel experience a smoother, less stressful experience.
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