Umbria is a beautiful region in central Italy known for its rolling hills, picturesque towns, and delicious cuisine. While some parts of the region, such as Assisi and Perugia, are popular tourist destinations, there are plenty of hidden places to discover that offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are just a few of the hidden gems you might want to explore during your visit to Umbria:
Narni
Located in the southern part of Umbria, Narni is a charming medieval town that is often overlooked by tourists. The town is known for its winding streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of Narni is the underground tunnels that run beneath the town, which were used in ancient times to transport water.
Castelluccio di Norcia
Nestled in the Sibilline Mountains, Castelluccio di Norcia is a tiny village that is famous for its stunning fields of wildflowers. Every year, from late May to early July, the fields bloom with an array of colors, creating a breathtaking landscape that is truly a sight to behold. If you visit Castelluccio di Norcia outside of the blooming season, you can still enjoy the village’s tranquil atmosphere and beautiful mountain views.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Often called the “dying city,” Civita di Bagnoregio is a town that seems frozen in time. The town is perched on a cliff and is only accessible by a footbridge that spans a deep gorge. With its narrow streets and historic buildings, Civita di Bagnoregio feels like a living museum, and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside make it well worth the visit.
Lake Trasimeno
While not exactly hidden, Lake Trasimeno is often overshadowed by other Italian lakes such as Como and Garda. However, this large lake in central Umbria is a peaceful and picturesque place to visit. You can take a boat tour of the lake, visit the small islands that dot its surface, or simply relax on one of its many beaches.
Perugia
Get ready to discover the hidden gems of Perugia, the city that’s full of surprises! While this medieval Italian town is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, there are some off-the-beaten-path spots that are sure to blow your mind.
First up, we have the Fontana Maggiore, a jaw-dropping medieval fountain located right in the heart of the Piazza IV Novembre. The intricate carvings and sculptures on this beauty are truly a work of art and a must-see for anyone visiting Perugia.
Next, we have the Oratorio di San Bernardino, a hidden gem of a church that’s decorated with colorful frescoes and boasts a stunning altar. If you’re into art and architecture, this is the spot for you!
Finally, nature lovers won’t want to miss the Giardino Botanico dell’Università di Perugia, a beautiful botanical garden that’s home to a wide variety of plants and trees. This peaceful oasis is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.
Perugia is a city that’s full of surprises, and these hidden gems are sure to take your breath away. So why wait? Plan your trip to Perugia today and get ready to be entertained by all this city has to offer!
Montefalco
Known as the “balcony of Umbria,” Montefalco is a hilltop town that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The town is also known for its wine, particularly the Sagrantino di Montefalco, which is considered one of the best wines in Umbria. While in Montefalco, be sure to visit the town’s many churches and museums, including the Museo Civico di San Francesco, which houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
Umbria that is known for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and rich history. But there’s more to this region than just its beautiful sights. Here are some of the unique food, traditions, and artisan crafts that you can discover during your visit to Umbria:
Food
Umbrian cuisine is simple yet delicious, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of the region’s most famous dishes is pasta alla Norcina, a hearty pasta dish made with sausage and cream. Another regional specialty is cinghiale, or wild boar, which is often served as a stew or roasted with herbs and garlic. For something sweet, try the torcolo, a traditional Umbrian cake made with almonds, lemon zest, and raisins.
If you’re a fan of delicious, mouth-watering sandwiches, then you’ll love the panini culture in Perugia! This Italian city is known for its amazing cuisine, and the panini culture is no exception.
The locals in Perugia take their panini very seriously, and you can find a variety of mouth-watering options at numerous cafes and restaurants throughout the city. From savory to sweet, there’s a panini for everyone in Perugia.
One of the most popular panini in Perugia is the panino al porchetta, a delicious sandwich made with roasted pork, garlic, and herbs. Another local favorite is the panino al tartufo, which features truffles and pecorino cheese.
But the panini culture in Perugia goes beyond just the ingredients. It’s also about the art of making the perfect sandwich. From the way the bread is toasted to the order in which the ingredients are added, each panino is carefully crafted to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
And let’s not forget about the wine! Perugia is also known for its excellent wines, which pair perfectly with a tasty panino. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of red or white, there’s nothing quite like savoring the flavors of Perugia’s panini culture with a delicious glass of local wine.
Traditions
Umbria is a region steeped in tradition, and many of its customs date back centuries. One of the most famous traditions is the Festa dei Ceri, or Race of the Candles, which takes place in the town of Gubbio on May 15th each year. During this festival, three teams race through the town’s streets, each carrying a tall wooden candle that weighs over 400 pounds. The race is accompanied by music, dancing, and fireworks, and is a truly unforgettable experience.
Another Umbrian tradition is the art of olive oil making. Many families in the region have their own olive groves and produce their own olive oil using traditional methods. During the harvest season in November and December, you can visit local mills and watch as olives are pressed into oil.
Artisan Crafts
Umbria is home to many talented artisans who create beautiful handmade products. One of the most famous crafts in the region is ceramics, particularly in the town of Deruta. Here, you can visit workshops and see how artisans create intricate, hand-painted ceramics using techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Another artisan craft that is popular in Umbria is weaving. In the town of Montefalco, you can visit a museum dedicated to traditional Umbrian textiles, and see how fabrics are woven using ancient techniques.
Finally, Umbria is also known for its leather goods, particularly in the town of Todi. Here, you can visit workshops and see how artisans create beautiful leather bags, belts, and other accessories.
Now you probably want to know why we are writing about Umbria. Yes you got us! We are looking currently for a place to live and work in Umbria. Dreaming from a artisan shop and a lovely community who loves good things and sharing passion for art, design and good food. Lets see who will cross our trail and love to work with us in future.
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