Umbria is Central Italy’s beautiful landlocked sanctuary. A region defined by its exceptional quietness and deeply spiritual atmosphere. Lacking a coastline, its focus is entirely internal. Dedicated to the sublime beauty of its soft colored hills. You will find terracotta colored towns that command every horizon.
The road moves along twisting scenic roads that guide you to these historical peaks. You must visit Assisi to experience the powerful spiritual anchor of Saint Francis. Nearby, the clifftop city of Orvieto has both spectacular Gothic art and hidden Etruscan roots. Driving here is an exploration of layers, linking the region’s strong Etruscan foundations to its later Roman and medieval glory. This is a road trip built on discovery, not speed.
Umbrian cuisine is known especially for its truffles, rich pork and olive oil. The region also produces the deep red Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. Every experience here emphasizes quiet, authentic depth and historical purity.
Umbria highlights
- Perugia The lively regional capital is known for its medieval streets, hilltop views and rich student life. Visit the historic Rocca Paolina fortress, elegant piazzas and enjoy Umbrian food and chocolate traditions.
- Assisi One of Italy’s most important spiritual towns, famous for the Basilica of Saint Francis with its frescoes by Giotto. The town itself is a peaceful mesh of stone streets and scenic viewpoints.
- Spoleto A beautiful hill town with Roman roots. Crowned by a massive medieval fortress and crossed by an ancient aqueduct bridge. It also hosts the famous Festival dei Due Mondi each summer.
- Orvieto Set on a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is best known for its stunning cathedral and underground tunnels carved into the rock. The views over the valley are among the finest in Umbria.
- Lake Trasimeno One of Italy’s largest lakes, perfect for relaxed lakeside drives, swimming and boat trips to small islands like Isola Maggiore. Sunset here is especially beautiful.
- Marmore Waterfalls One of the tallest man made waterfalls in Europe created by the Romans. Walking trails let you explore different viewpoints and feel the power of the cascades up close.
- Bevagna A small and well preserved medieval town known for Roman ruins and traditional craft festivals. It offers a quiet and authentic Umbrian atmosphere.
- Montefalco Called the “Balcony of Umbria” for its wide views over vineyards and valleys. It is also famous for Sagrantino wine and small family run wineries.
The local Four
History of Umbria
The history of Umbria traces back to the Umbrii, an Italic tribe. The region's early power actually came from the Etruscan civilization. Cities like Perugia and Orvieto sat upon powerful Etruscan foundations. The region became connected by vital roads like the Via Flaminia.
The Middle Ages was fundamentally shaped by faith. The central event was the life of Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. His Franciscan movement spread spiritual renewal across Europe and made Assisi a permanent religious capital. The region’s wealth was poured into building spectacular cathedrals and fresco cycles. Defining its reputation as a sanctuary of Christian art.
From the late medieval period onward, much of Umbria, due to its strategic position bordering Rome, fell under the direct or indirect control of the Papal States. Unlike coastal regions, Umbria maintained a focus on spiritual and rural life until Italian unification in the 1860s.