Self-Guided Tours - Umbria

Attractions and sites of interest on or close to the routes

• Assisi
  There is perhaps no other place on earth that is as tied to its famous son as Assisi is with Saint Francis, who was born here in 1182. Founder of the Franciscans, he became the patron Saint of Italy in 1939.Possibly the quintessentially perfect Italian hill town, The history, architecture and art of Assisi are among the best to be found in Umbria. Perched on the slopes of Monte Subasio, its buildings shimmer in the sunlight. The Basilica di Francesco is the town’s main draw.
  
  
• Bevagna
  This quiet town began as an Umbrian settlement, became Etruscan and finally became a Roman Municipium on the Via Flaminia. The Roman Mosaic Museum of Antiquities has a well preserved tile floor from ancient Roman baths – there is also the remains of an old Roman theatre. At the end of June, The Festival of the Gaite takes the town back to medieval rimes – you can buy all kinds of medieval inspired handicrafts and food. The Sagra della Lumaca (Festival of the Snail) takes place in August.
  
  
• Bovara
  Near this hamlet close to Trevi you can see the oldest olive tree in the region. The Olivo di San Emiliano, 5m tall and 9m in diameter is estimated to be at least 1700 years old.
  
  
• Citta di Castello
  The town has a beautiful historic centre, many grand buildings and the second most important art museum in Umbria (after the National Gallery in Perugia), containing most notably works by Raphael, Vasari and Signorelli. The Collezione Burri houses the main collection of Alberto Burri’s work – the town’s favorite son began his art career in 1946 after he returned from being held as a prisoner of war in Texas.
  
  
• Eremo delle Carceri
  This is the hermitage to which St Francis retreated to after hearing the word of God. Apart from a few fences and paths, everything remains as it was when Francis lived there.
  
  
• Foligno
  Once one of the major centres of power in mediecval Umbria. The cathedral, in which St Feliciano is buried, dates from the 12th Century and is the end product of many architectural styles. There is some stunning 16th century Vespasiano Strada frescoes.
  
  
• Lucignano
  This peaceful village in the Val di Chiana has an unusual shape, the main street rising in spirals before entering a picturesque maze of medieval streets.
  
  
• Montefalco
  The excellent and highly acclaimed Sangrantino wine is produced here. The Museo Civico has a moving fresco cycle about the life and works of St Francis.
  
  
• Sansepolcro
  The town is best known as the birthplace of Piero dell Francesca. The Museo Civico has some of his works, the most famous being the Resurrezione (Ressurection) The town ha sa cathedral founded in the 11th century,. There is also the Aboca museum, housing displays dedicated to the history of pharmacy and herbal medicine, and a re-creation oif a 17th century laboratory. The Palio della Balestra is a crossbow contest between the men of Sansepolcro and the men of Gubbio, held on the second Sunday in September - participants dress in medieval costumes and use antique weapons.
  
  
• Spello
  Spello is an enchanting and very beautiful little town in the foothills of Monte Subasio. The narrow cobblestone streets provide a fascinating. The colorful L’Infiorata del Corpus Domini is the most beautiful festival and carpets of flowers decorate the streets.
  
  
• Spoleto
  Spoleto’s main claim to fame in the contemporary sense is the immensely popular Spoleto Festival – and international parade of drama, music, opera and dance. Set against the backdrop of Monteluco, the town is dominated by the imposing 14th century Rocca, or fortress. The town harmoniously incorporates superb Roman, medieval and Renaissance monuments, creating a changing architectural atmosphere. The Ponte delle Torri is a spectacular bridge erected in the 14th century on the foundations of a Roman aqueduct. You can walk over the 230 metre wide bridge – at its centre you are a dizzy 80 metres above the valley floor
  
  
• Trevi
  This town calls itself the “Slow City” – it has largely avoided the hustle and bustle of the growing Umbrian tourist industry. Trevi spawned the world’s first pawn shop and the first press association. The olive oils produced in the hillsides around Trevi are amongst the best in Italy.
  
  

« Back to last page