Sightseeing in Umbria

Perugia is the capital of Umbria, a beautiful hill town and important center for art and architecture. Full of art treasures and grand medieval buildings the city has an air of splendor. The town's main square is the Piazza Grande a center of civil and religious power since the city's foundation. Here stands the impressive Fontana Maggiore one of the finest medieval fountains in Italy. Have a look on the scenes around the lower basin showing stories form the Old Testament, the founding of Rome, an astrological calender, and a representation of the seven arts. The statues on the top represent famous personalities from Perugia's history as well as important biblical figures, such as Moses, John the Baptist and the Archangel Michael.

The fountain is in front of the Palazzo dei Priori the place where the town councilors used to meet. Decorated with beautiful 13th century frescoes and wooden furniture the building hosts the National Art Gallery of Umbria with works of famous Italian artists. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo stands out from the buildings of Perugia. It is a huge cathedral, but without the decorated facade of the other Italian cathedrals. Inside the church there's a cross protected by glass. This is a symbol of Perugia's revolt against the Pope who imposed a tax on salt. There are some significant ancient remains in the city worth to be visited. You can walk along the remains of the massive Etruscan wall around the city and pass under the Etruscan Arch which is one of the city gates. A great way to spend the afternoon is to visit the underground streets in the Rocca Paolina. Perugia is also famous for its delightful chocolate festival is in November and its Jazz festival in July. Planing to spend more time near Perugia? Our holiday homes in Corciano and Paciano are the right choice for your acommodation.

Located in heart of Umbria, Assisi is one of the most popular sightseeing and pilgrimage destinations in Italy. The city is famous not only for its historical center of prominent monuments, collections of art and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, but it sits on the doorstep of the Parco Regionale Monte Subasio a land of magical charm. Located high on a hilltop the city was the home of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order of friars. The city has a number of beautiful churches and castles to visit. Their cultural richness attracts even non-religious people with its peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

The Basilica di San Francesco Assisi is the city's definite jewel. Built just after the death of St. Francis, the basilica is made of two churches, one built above the other and a crypt with the Saint's tomb. The entrance is through a courtyard with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. The lower church contains remarkable Romanesque arches and frescoes by great painters of the 13th and 14th centuries. Assisi's main square, the Piazza del Comune is built on the foundations of the 1st century Roman Temple of Minerva. The facade of the temple with its six fluted columns supporting Corinthian capitals has survived surprisingly well. Nearby, stands the Palace of the People's Captain, with a splendid, tall tower and unique architecture. The Pinacoteca is a significant art gallery which preserves 13th century artifacts including remains of ancient frescoes, paintings and other relics. The mystical atmosphere of the city is highlighted by the charms of the narrow cobblestone streets. Assisi has a number of traditional festivals such as the medieval festival at the beginning of May and the picturesque Easter celebrations. Looking for a holiday home close to Assisi? We have the finest vacation rentals in Bettona.

Gubbio is located a few kilometers north of Assisi and is one of Umbria's most scenic towns. Spread along the foothills of Mount Ingino, Gubbio is the best example for the masterpiece of the medieval civilization. The perfectly preserved walls protect a large number of centuries old houses and public buildings with fascinating medieval appearance. Confused about finding an affordable lodging in Gubbio? Check out our spacious holiday homes in Umbertide or Monte Santa Maria Tibetina. The sun-shaded main street of the city leads up to the town's architectural centerpiece the magnificent Piazza Grande offering spectacular views over the neighboring countryside. Here you can admire the Palazzo dei Consoli, a huge 14th century Gothic limestone building hosting an art gallery and two museums. Here you'll find the valuable Eugubine tablets, seven bronze inscriptions written in the ancient Umbrian language over 2000 years ago.

The Church of San Francesco, in the lower town with an impressive rose window. Inside you will find beautiful frescoes from the 13-14th century. The Roman Amphitheater below town, dates from the 1st century. Today is used for open-air performances during summer. Porta Romana is a museum at the east end of Gubbio, with an impressive collection related to medieval gates, including old keys and drawbridges. For some refreshing moments tourists head to Ranghiasci-Brancaleoni Park spread below the Palazzo Ducale. You can have a suggestive, picturesque walk among chestnuts, limes and holm-oaks and admire the covered bridge or the neoclassical pavilions, or sit at a cafe. This beautiful hill-town of Gothic silence occasionally bursts out with spectacular traditional festivals full of color and noise. The feast of candles, Corsa dei Ceri, is celebrated on May 15. The festival starts with a procession through the streets up the hill to the Abbey of Saint Ubaldo, just outside town. Then a race starts with 3 teams carrying tall, candle-shaped pillars weighing 200kg each, topped with statues of St. Ubaldo, St. George, or St. Anthony. The traditional crossbow competition is organized in the last Sunday of May between the archers of Gubbio and nearby Sansepolcro.

Spoleto is a classic hilltop town that has a history which sweeps back 2,000 years, so it should be no surprise to find its streets brimming with outstanding relics from the past. The town has several interesting Roman monuments, including the classical Arch of Druso. This belonged to an aqueduct which carried water into the city. The former grandeur of the Roman Theater is witnessed by the 10 open arches that remained near the entrance of the Spoleto Archeological Museum. Rocca Albornoziana is an imposing medieval fortress built by the pope in the 14th century as a seat for the papal governor. The fortress has two courtyards and six towers. The interiors are decorated with many fine decorations, including the camera pinta with a cycle of frescoes depicting the courtly life. The Rocca hosts temporary exhibitions, and is home to the European school for book restoration.

One of Spoleto's highlights is the Ponte delle Torri an 80 meters high and 230 m long bridge, famous for its imposing pillars linked together by 10 short arches. It is considered a marvel of medieval architecture. An interesting site is the 1st century Roman Villa owned by Emperor Vespasian's mother. The well-preserved remains of a house contain a typical Roman courtyard and an upper-level dining room, which keeps the traces of the original decorations. There are also several delightful Romanesque churches in Spoleto and the high spot is the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is with its golden Byzantine mosaic and Lippi's frescoes. In recent years Spoleto has been reawakened by the Festival of Two Worlds a major annual arts event that runs each summer with three weeks of music, theater and dance performances.

Rising on the top of a huge volcanic tufa surrounded by a landscape of green fields and vineyards, the hill town of Orvieto is an impressive sight with a unique character. Populated since Etruscan times, Orvieto's monuments and museums cover thousand years of history. The city's most striking sight is, the lively facade of its cathedral. A glowing mass of mosaics, stained glass, and sculpture, the Duomo was ordered built in 1290 to celebrate the miracle that had occurred 27 years earlier. A skeptical priest who doubted that the bread used in communion was the body of Christ passed here while on a pilgrimage to Rome. During Mass, the bread started to bleed, spotting a linen cloth. Such a miracle needed a magnificent church. The relic is kept in a huge gilded silver case. To the right of the high altar is the Cappella San Brizio, containing one of the greatest fresco cycles of the Renaissance. The horrifically realistic and fascinating interpretation of the Last Judgment impressed even Michelangelo.

Orvieto is dotted with Etruscan and medieval caves. Guided visits will lead you through the labyrinth of caves and tunnels hidden below Orvieto. Some of the endless succession of tunnels, stairs, passageways and subterranean paths run parallel to the cliff wall, while the openings offer fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Now you can enjoy a pleasant vacation in Orvieto by choosing our holiday homes and apartments in Umbria.

The most amazing site of Orvieto is St. Patrick's Well. Modern engineers are impressed by this 13 meter wide 53 meter deep well. The design is unique. The well is quipped with a pair of wide spiral staircases, lit by 72 internal windows, forming a double helix so that mule-drawn carts could descend on one ramp and come back up the other without colliding. You can climb down the 248 steps to the bottom and walk on to scoop up water. To round out your Orvieto visit, window-shop for ceramics, and taste some Classico wine. Our holiday homes in Fabro are just a few minutes away from Orvieto and are idealy suited for families and couples.