Umbria: a region full of surprises and legends

Map of Umbria

Umbria is one of the smallest and the only landlocked Italian regions between Lazio, Tuscany and Abruzzo.

The region beauty lies in the bond that Umbrians have always had with their rich and glorious past: museums, castles and fortresses, modern and contemporary art, artistic and historical events wait for you in Umbria.

The small cities, fortresses and castles are perfectly integrated within the landscape and the countryside,  leaving an extraordinary heritage.

Castle of Alviano

One of the most beautiful example is the Castle of Alviano, guardian of the Tiber valley. Built in the late 15th century by the condottiere Bartolomeo d’Alviano, it has maintained its majesty over the centuries. 

Rocca di Assisi

The Rocca di Assisi, destroyed in 1198, was rebuilt in the 14th century, and then underwent further modifications, without losing its austere appearance. After  the recent restoration, the Rocca has been opened to the publics hosting cultural and artistic events.

View of Spoleto with the Rocca

The huge complex of the Rocca Albornoziana, with the park that extends around it, characterises the city of Spoleto. 

Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is the biggest lake in the central of Italy. It features the monumental Rocca del Leone that dominates Castiglione del Lago, the Rocca on Isola Polvese, and the Castle of the Knights of Malta at Magione.

Santuario della Madonna di Belvedere

Città di Castello is protected by Castello Bufalini, transformed in the 16th century into a refined noble residence decorated with paintings (including a Madonna by Pinturicchio). 

Umbertide's Rocca

At Umbertide rises the magnificent Rocca, the emblem of the city and now a lively cultural centre. 

Valnerina

The Valnerina covers the south-eastern area of Umbria, proclaimed by Unesco a World Heritage site. This area is another beautiful place to visit. 

Umbria is a beautiful place to discover and enjoy, an alternative place where to go for holiday next time you visit Italy!!!

Assisi: the city of Saint Francis

Assisi is a small town in the Umbria region, a beautiful place to visit if you spend some time in Italy. 

I visited Assisi last time in October together with a group of people who have never been there and they really enjoyed the experience.

Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi — patron saint of Italy. Assisi's main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which contains the sacred relics of Francis and beautiful frescoes of his life, including the cycle of fresco decorated by Giotto. 

The town of Assisi, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines, has been a major Catholic pilgrimage destination for centuries and is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

Assisi the city of Saint Francis

walking on the main road...

a small votive Madonna and Child

                                                   on the main square..........

another Madonna

some of the back street...

the view from the top!!

Photos by Simona Albanese

At the end of the day everyone was tired...but it has been a beautiful experience...