Umbria is often called the “green heart of Italy”. Indeed, once you look at the flower fields of Umbria, its emerald valleys and mountain slopes, you are convinced that this definition is 100% correct.

And if Russian tourists choose Umbria’s neighbor – Tuscany – for their holidays, Italians prefer to holiday here.

Well, they can be understood: the landscape is pleasing to the eye, gourmets are attracted by the gastronomic traditions of the region, tourists are attracted by necropolises and temples, National parks and, of course, the hospitable Umbers, for whom every traveler is a guest of their home.

Umbria is the only Italian region that does not border neighboring countries and does not have access to the sea.

The region of Umbria is landlocked

The decoration of its eastern part is the Umbro-Marcian Apennines, and the western part is Lake Trasimero. Plains in Umbria make up only 6% of the total area (8,456 km2), and this affects the heterogeneity of the climate.

So, in the hilly areas it is temperate continental, summers here are hot and dry. In the mountains the climate is already temperate subcontinental. There is practically no heavy rainfall or strong winds here.

There are no serious temperature changes (probably for this reason there are so many people who want to buy property in Umbria): the average temperature in January is +1.6 °C, in July - +21.6 °C.

The region is divided into two provinces:

  • Terni is the industrial center of Umbria;
  • - the capital and at the same time Cultural Center"the green heart of Italy."

There are 92 cities in the region, and only three of them have populations exceeding 100 thousand people. Most towns in Umbria have a population of no more than 10-20 thousand people, and they are often engaged in agriculture.

How to get there

Airplane. Getting to Umbria from Russia and the CIS countries is extremely difficult. There is only one airport in the region - St. Egido, and it is located in Perugia, 12 km away. from the city. There are no direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, so in any case you will have to fly with a transfer in Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Brussels or Warsaw.

Direct flights are only available from airports in London, Barcelona, ​​Milan, Bucharest, Monaco and some Italian cities.

Opposite the main exit from the airport is bus stop, from which buses depart several times a day to Perugia, Assisi and Foligno.

There is only one airport in the Umbria region

Train. If we talk about other types of transport, it is convenient to get to the Umbria region by train. For example, from Florence. The train departs on the route (they are usually described in guidebooks to Umbria) Florence - Cortona / Terontola every hour, where you need to change trains to Foligno.
In this way you can reach Perugia, Asisi and Spella. From Rome there is also a train to Foligno (passing through the above cities).
You can also get to the towns of Umbria by buses of private companies:

  • Sulga(from Rome, Naples to Perugia and Assisi, from Ravenna to Cita di Castello and Perugia);
  • Ias Auto Line(connect big cities region of Apulia and Umbria);
  • Sena(connect Umbria with Sicily, Tuscany, the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, Abruzze, Emilia-Romagna).

Tourist centers of the region:


What to see in Umbria

Tevere River Park, stretching along the river of the same name and including Lake Corbara and the Forello Gorge, it is interesting not only because it is home to rare species of birds and fish.

The park is a kind of museum of archaeological excavations under open air. Ruins from the Umbrian, Etruscan and Roman eras are scattered throughout its territory.

Located next to the park Dunarobb Forest- a unique place from a paleontological point of view - here petrified tree trunks (their age exceeds 2 million years) have been preserved in their original form and position.

The remains of another ancient Roman settlement of Plestia can be seen in the Colfierito Park, founded in 1995 on a karst plateau formed from seven sinkholes of dry lakes.

It is rightfully considered a symbol of the charm of Umbria. national park Monty Sibillini. The Nera River originates here, Mount Vettore is located, and the most attractive place for tourists is the flowery Umbrian valley of Castellucci. People flock here to see the blossoms. various types orchids and Apennine edelweiss.

Another symbol of the region is Marmore waterfall. The three cascades of the waterfall, which flow into each other, are a marvel of engineering by the ancient Romans.

In 271 BC, when the Velino River was causing waterlogging, the consul Mania Curia Dentata ordered a canal to be dug to collect standing water.

The canal ended at a rock from which the water fell directly into the Nera River. In the 20th century A hydroelectric power station was built on an artificial waterfall; around the same time, the 165-meter waterfall became a tourist paradise in the province of Terni. You can visit this attraction on your own, or you can order sightseeing tours to Umbria.

The symbol of the Umbria region is the Marmore waterfall.

By purchasing a ticket for 10 euros, you can not only walk along specially laid paths around the waterfall, but also cross streams to get to the upper part of Marmore.
Keep in mind that the waterfall is “turned on” at certain times and days. Current schedule It’s worth checking on the website http://www.marmorefalls.it

Umbria with children

On the streets of Assisi and Perugia you can often see vacationers with children. Often they do not stay in hotels, but in “agriturismos” - family farms with rooms equipped for tourists.
Your child won’t be bored here, because the owners of the “agritourismo” offer a lot of entertainment:

  • educational games on the farm (they teach you how to make cheese, pick olives, milk a goat);
  • rides on ponies, horses and donkeys.

IN absolutely delighted children also come from local festivals. If you go to Umbria in October, be sure to visit Eurochocolate festival in Perugia.

Here you can taste, buy, and sometimes receive as a gift chocolate spread, hot chocolate, cupcakes, pralines, and you can also see chocolate statues.

Watch the video to see how the Eurochocolate festival takes place in Perugia:

Taste chocolate products and make your own chocolate delicacy at the Perugina factory and it’s possible at any time of the year.

With children you can also visit some of the natural attractions of Umbria: waterfalls and the Cita della Dominica park. In the latter, by the way, you can see yaks, ostriches, albino donkeys, and also play in Sleeping Beauty's castle, Pinocchio's village and Snow White's house.

There is a park on the Nera River in Skegino active rest Aktivo Park, younger children can ride on an inflatable sled, walk along high-altitude routes and get out of the maze, while older children can have fun “like adults” - test themselves on a climbing wall, ride bike choppers and go-karts, and go rafting.

Even wineries offer special offers for couples traveling with children: while parents explore the wine cellars, children learn about grape varieties in an interactive way.

Sport

The region has a network of green routes that offer relaxing cycling along lake shores and hills. You can even take a naturalistic tour of the area with a guide. Alviano conservation area(is under protection World Fund wild hunt) and perhaps see marsh falcons, water blackbirds and other birds that have disappeared in other regions of Europe.

Horseback riding enthusiasts can go on long rides in Umbria horse ride through the Villa Paolina Porano park in Orvieto, and fans of flying can explore the Sibillini, Cucco and Subasio mountains by paragliding and hang gliding.

There is also the opportunity to swim through natural tunnels formed from mountain ranges and trees. This opportunity is provided by specialized rafting and canyoning agencies. They have developed routes to Marmore waterfalls (Cascate delle Marmore) and the Corno river near the town of Norcia for children and adults, as well as for people with disabilities.

Kitchen

Umbrian cuisine can satisfy the needs of even sophisticated gourmets. This is probably why the region is called “the small land of great tastes.”
“Meat-eaters” should try this variety of boar and pork sausages such as “salsiccia di cinghiale”, bag-shaped sausages with a piece of lard inside called “coglioni di mulo”, as well as sweet-tasting pork salami “corallina”, skillfully prepared butchers of the town of Norcia (always with unleavened bread, which only emphasizes the taste of the meat).

Meat eaters will appreciate the corallina pork salami

In addition to pork, restaurants in the region offer meat dishes from game, lamb, duck, rabbit and chicken. Baked potatoes and lentils can be a side dish for meat dishes.

The nutritional properties of lentils are especially appreciated in Castelluccio di Norcia, where they prepare a hearty and tasty dish, salsicce con lenticchie - lentil spaghetti in tomato sauce.

Although going to a restaurant to taste local dishes is not at all necessary. On the central streets of Umbria there are a lot of merchants ready to prepare torta al testo before your eyes - a flatbread inside which they put salsiccia, spinach, arugula, cheese, potatoes or eggplant.
Another option for a street snack is porchetta. This huge size pork roll, which is cut into slices, placed on fresh bread and seasoned with aromatic herbs.

Pork porchetta roll is a great snack option

Like all Italians, Umbrians love pasta. Pasta strangozzi, its shape reminiscent of shoelaces, and pasta alla norcina are considered traditional. If the first is served with black truffles, then the second with cream and sausages from Norcia.

If you want to try dishes with white truffle, then go to Orvieto and Gubbio - the cities in the vicinity of which it grows.

Those with a sweet tooth should try traditional delicacies - panpepato (the so-called sweet bread flavored with honey, spices, chocolate, nuts and almonds), caramicola (pink Easter pastries with the addition of Alkermes liqueur), strufoli (dough balls drizzled with honey), bombolone ( donuts with various fillings in powdered sugar).

If we talk about local wines, we cannot fail to mention the white and red vintage wines of Assisi Grechetto and Sagrantino di Montefalco. The title wine of the region is considered to be Lungarotti Vigna Monticchio Rubesco Riserva.

It is produced only in best years a harvest of two grape varieties grown in the town of Monticchio (Umbria) at an altitude of 300 m above sea level.

Finished wine first 12 months. aged in wooden barrels, and then simmered in bottles for 4 years. The aging period of this wine is 30-35 years.

The wine is aged for a year in wooden barrels

Annual calendar of regional events

Throughout the year, the Umbria region hosts many holidays and festivals:


Perugia - administrative center province of the same name, part of the Umbria region. It is secretly called the green heart of the country - it is the only region in the Apennines that does not have access to the sea. This city is quite large - today it is home to about 170 thousand people. Perugia, of course, is not Moscow, but here you can also find accommodation and excellent hotels for the night or rent housing for any time. In Moscow, you can rent an apartment for daily rent on the website www.nochuem.ru, where it is convenient to choose the area of ​​the city you need or the metro station that best suits your transportation needs. No matter what purpose you come to Moscow for, you can find a suitable option in terms of comfort and cost. In Italy there are also no problems with rented housing - in any city there is a budget option or a comfortable villa with all amenities for tourists and visitors.

Among the patrons of Perugia there are three saints - St. Lorenzo, St. Ercolano, St. Contanzo. Twice a year local Italians celebrate the city day - on January 29 and August 10.

In the territory modern city the first settlements were founded by the legendary Etruscans no later than the 6th century BC. They built the first protective structures, Etruscan well, Gate Marcius and arch. It was later rebuilt in 40 BC. and renamed by the Romans in honor of Octavian Augustus. The first name of the city, Perusia, was engraved on this arch. The Romans gave this name to the old Etruscan city.

Perusia was part of the Etrurian confederation, as one of 12 cities. It was at that time that the city was first written about in historical documents. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Goths tried to take over the city, but the inhabitants repelled the attack of the barbarians. After 553, Perugia became part of the Ravenna Exarchate. The apogee of city power falls on the XIII-XVI centuries. It was during this period that the settlement acquired that unique architectural style that is so valuable today.

One of the oldest universities in Europe opened here. In 1540 the city was captured by Pope Paul III, who took it from the Baglioni family. It was only in 1860 that Perugia became part of Umbria and became part of the united Kingdom of Italy.

Little has survived from Etruscan times. Except for the Etruscan Gate Marcius and a collection of objects in the Archaeological Museum of Umbria. Of great interest is the famous Maggiore Fountain from 1277-1278, commissioned by the commune to supply the city drinking water. The papal period in the history of the city was reflected in the Paolina fortress, which was built by order of Paul on the lands of the Baglioni family. The wonderful climate and rich architectural heritage make Perugia attractive to the discerning, intelligent tourist.

Perugia has not only a wonderful climate and numerous architectural monuments, but also jazz festivals, and the world-famous European Chocolate Festival. Vannucci Boulevard is considered the central street of the city. It is always crowded, and nearby there are many coffee shops and restaurants that offer delicious cuisine.

It is worth noting the amazing Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the paintings of Perugino and Raphael, stored in the Church of San Severo.

The city's National Gallery will present an excellent collection of works by famous sculptors and artists of the Middle Ages. The gallery houses works by Piero della Francesca, Arnolfo di Cambio, Luca Signorelli, Perugino and other representatives of art. Tourists will be pleasantly surprised by the collections that date back to the prehistoric period, the period of the Roman Empire, as well as the Etruscan civilization, which are presented at the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria. In order to visit all the museums and monuments of Perugia and not go bankrupt on the cost of tickets, it is worth purchasing the “Perugia citta museo”. This is a museum card that gives you a discount on dozens of city museums and attractions.

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Umbria is the only region that is landlocked and does not border neighboring countries. It is surrounded on different sides by such regions as, and. In the east, the area is decorated with the Umbro-Marcian Apennines, with majestic mountain Vettore, whose height reaches almost 2,500 meters, and in the west lies the expanse of water of Lake Trasimeno. Olive groves and dense green forests, colorful waterfalls and mountain rivers, shape the appearance of these places, making the area one of the most picturesque in the Apennines.

Peculiarities

Umbria consists of 2 provinces: Perugia and Terni. Each of them has its own administrative center of the same name and several dozen communes, including cities and settlements. Thanks to the mild climate and fertile soil, the region is one of the leading agricultural regions of the country, where agriculture is well developed and crops such as grapes, olives, wheat, tobacco, as well as fruits and vegetables are grown. Huge attention is paid to tourism in Umbria. Excellent conditions have been created for guests here, including comfortable hotels even in the smallest cities, convenient transport links and abundance tourist routes, both for lovers of historical sights and for fans active species sports including rafting, cycling and horse riding. There are many hiking trails and bicycle paths across the expanses of the region, which promote not only a healthy lifestyle, but also allow you to appreciate all the beauty natural landscapes the edges.

general information

The territory of Umbria covers an area of ​​about 8.5 thousand square meters. km, with a population of just over 800 thousand people. The number of communes is 92. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in the summer. Official website www.regione.umbria.it.

A brief excursion into history

For a long time, the local lands were inhabited by tribes of Umbrians and Etruscans, and in the Roman era new settlements were founded here and the Flaminian Way was built. After the fall of Rome, the territory was invaded by the Ostrogoths, and then Byzantine rule reigned in the region. In 571, Umbria was divided between the Lombard duchy of Spoleto and the Ravenna exarchate that remained in Byzantium. After some time, the region was captured by the Franks, and a little later it became part of the possessions of the Holy See. The following years passed under the sign of communal revolutions and internal political upheavals. During the Napoleonic conquests, Umbria was captured by the French, creating a satellite Roman Republic on its territory, which, however, did not last long. In the fall of 1860, the region became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During the Second World War, these lands were occupied by the Germans and many civilians died here, and the liberation operation ended only in the summer of 1944. After the surrender of Germany, Umbria recovered over a long period of time, steadily progressing and developing, as well as preserving its historical and cultural heritage, successfully preserving it to this day.

Climate

The region has a temperate continental climate, with cool winters and warm sunny summers. The average air temperature in the winter months fluctuates around just above zero, and in the summer it consistently exceeds +20 degrees, but there are usually few truly hot days. In the northern part of Lake Transimen, the climate is somewhat cooler than in the western uplands and in the south, where it approaches the Mediterranean. The best time The best time to visit these places is summer, when the sun shines and the weather is stable and warm.

How to get there

Largest international Airport Umbria is located 12 km from. By land, many settlements in the region can be reached by train or bus from different parts of Italy, including and. Intercity communication is well established in the country, so tourists usually do not have problems with transfers.

Transport

It is most convenient to travel around the cities of the region on foot, since they are small and located in mountainous areas, where it is simply impractical to travel by transport.

Main cities

Serves as the capital of the region historical city, nestled among green hills, with stunning views of the Tiber Valley and Lake Trasimene. It abounds with numerous ancient temples and buildings from bygone eras, representing a treasure trove of history. The status of one of the religious centers of Italy belongs to small town Assisi, also located on a hill and has an impressive number of churches and monasteries. In 1182, Saint Francis of Assisi was born here and the history of these places is connected with him. Compared to those times, the appearance of Assisi has undergone little change, although the number of pilgrims coming here is increasing every year. Other cities in the region include Spoleto, Orvieto, Sitta de Castello, Gubbio, Foligno, Spoleto, Todi and the capital of the province of the same name, Terni. In general, the settlements of the region are not large in size and sometimes 1–2 days are enough to get acquainted with their main attractions. All of the cities listed can be classified as tourist centers region, as they represent the cultural and historical heritage of Umbria, attracting increased tourist interest every year. There are no resorts as such in the region, but in various areas there are many opportunities for sports.

Attractions and entertainment

Along with the most beautiful natural landscapes, Umbria has an abundance of cultural and historical monuments. Among them, the National Gallery with a unique collection of art objects in the Palazzo Dei Priori and the Maggiore Fountain in Perugia, the Archaeological Museum and Palazzo Ducale in Gubbio, the outstanding Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the Church of San Michele and the Monastery of San Francesco, near the lake, deserve special attention. Trasimeno, as well as the magnificent Bridge of Augustus in Narni. No less remarkable are the Duomo Cathedral in Orvieto and the Romanesque Palazzo dei Consoli in Deruta. This is only a small part of the architectural masterpieces that Umbria is rich in. Among the famous natural attractions, the breathtaking cascade of Marmore waterfalls, 7 km from Terni, and Lake Trasimeno, along which a small tourist boat plies, stand out.

The region is also famous for its special events, such as the Euro-Chocolate festivals in Orvietto and the con Gusto wine festival. A huge number of people are annually attracted by the truffle fairs in Valtopina and Norcia, as well as the international art festival in Stroncona and the Umbrian Jazz music festival, all in the same Perugia. The town of Castiglione del Lago welcomes guests in April and May, when it organizes first the Tulip Festival and then a festival kites. In June, music lovers should visit the city of Spoleto when the music Festival Spoleto due dei Mondi. Umbria is generally distinguished by its cheerfulness and ability to celebrate all kinds of festivals on any scale.

Kitchen

The main ingredients that form the dishes of the region's culinary establishments are vegetables, mushrooms, olive oil, aromatic herbs, chicken, pork, all kinds of cheeses and grains. Among the most popular creations of local artisans, it is worth noting a dish of black truffles, anchovies and chicken liver called “crostini al tartufo”, spit-roasted dove “terni’s colombaccio selvatico” and “drunken chicken” gallina ubriaca, baked in wine. As elsewhere in Italy, much attention is paid to drinks, as well as the signature Umbrian chocolate.

Shopping

Throughout the year, various fairs are held in the cities of the region, where you can relatively low prices, buy unique ceramics and jewelry, paintings and interior items, jewelry and much more. The centers of such trade are traditionally Spoleto, Todi, Deruta and Bastia-Umbria. Shopping in these cities is akin to pleasure, and even people who do not experience positive feelings from the flashing neon signs and inviting speeches of merchants souvenir shops, do not disdain the opportunity to make purchases here.

Umbria is one of those Italian regions that fascinate with their national flavor and a benevolent, hospitable atmosphere. Here you can not only get acquainted with the natural and architectural wealth of the country, but also feel the unique ambiance that is unique to this area.

The Cathedral of Orvieto is an ancient Catholic church of the fourteenth century, located in the city of Orvieto, Italy. The cathedral is the city's largest landmark and is recognized as an important monument of medieval religious architecture.

Construction of the cathedral in Orvieto began in 1290 by order of Pope Urban IV. The building took an extremely long time to construct - finishing work was completely completed only in 1591. Over the long centuries of such monumental construction, the cathedral was influenced by many architectural styles, but ultimately experts classify the building as Gothic.

The facade of the cathedral is considered one of the main masterpieces of medieval religious architecture - it is decorated with a huge number of statues, carvings, mosaics, pilasters and bas-reliefs on religious themes. The interior of the cathedral is also very beautifully decorated, and many of the frescoes here are recognized as real works of art.

The Cathedral of Orvieto is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Italy. It is of significant interest even for a completely non-religious person - the exquisite architecture and rich interior decoration of the temple invariably make a strong impression on tourists.

Church of St. Francis

northwest of cathedral there is a basilica built in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in these parts. This ancient temple included in the list World Heritage UNESCO and is one of the main monuments of Assisi.

Saint Francis was born in Assisi around 1181. With his actions he marked a turning point in the history of the ideals of asceticism. He became a real symbol of a new era in the history of Western monasticism. Two years after his death, on July 16, 1228, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. The day after the canonization, the Pope and Brother Elijah, one of the followers of St. Francis, laid the first stone of the future basilica on the mountain, once nicknamed Hell's Hill. Legend has it that Francis himself bequeathed to be buried on this hill, which received this name because of the public punishments and executions of criminals. But gradually a new name was assigned to the hill - Paradise - since the relics of the saint are kept here. The basilica in honor of St. Francis became a kind of monument marking the place of burial of the saint. In addition, it was the first church of the Franciscan Order. Over time, a whole monastery complex grew up around the basilica.

What sights of Umbria did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Orvieto - city in the rock

Orvieto is a small Italian city located on the Tuff Rock. Despite its modest size and population of less than 20,000 people, Orvietto has great history. The first settlements appeared here during the Etruscan times thousands of years BC. Tufa Rock was later captured by the Roman Empire, which founded a city here. After the fall of the empire, Orvietto was of great importance in the religious sphere - the bishop was transferred here. One day Orvietto received a high-ranking guest - Pope Benedict VII.

The main attractions of Orvietto are gothic cathedral Duomo, Papal Residence, Etruscan Necropolis and the whole underground city, whose existence has been a mystery for centuries.

The unique museum of painted eggs is located in the province of Umbria near the small village of Civitella del Lago. It was opened in 2005 and quickly began to gain popularity among tourists and local residents, since the unusual coloring of eggs often surprised even the most indifferent people to art. The main role in the museum's exhibition is given to samples dedicated to the Italian poet Dante Alighieri and actor Alberto Sordi. Also here you will find exclusive eggs presented in the shape of a carriage and a pumpkin, which evoke memories of the world famous fairy tale “Cinderella”.

It is strictly forbidden to touch the samples; the most valuable of them are located under glass. However, photography and video shooting in the museum is absolutely free. If you know English well or Italian language, you can rent an interactive audio assistant. Its price is only 3 euros, but you will get much more impressions from walking through the museum.

The tradition of dyeing eggs has come down to us from ancient times, when the Apostle Peter said that he would believe in the absence of Christ in the tomb only if the eggs in the basket turned red. Admire modern miracle art you can visit the Museum of Painted Eggs. The symbolic entrance fee here is only 2 euros.

Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi

The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi is one of the six great basilicas of the Catholic Church and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique 13th-century frescoes by Giotto brought the temple worldwide fame.

The scenes depicted were based on scenes from the life of St. Francis. The architects of the basilica deserve special praise for their planning for the possible penetration of rays of sunlight into the halls of the cathedral. Italian architects shifted the architectural emphasis - interconnected columns support the ribs of the vaults, which span four rectangular bays.

A magnificent ensemble of Italian variations of the Romanesque style and the best traditions of French Gothic, popular at that time, presented the world with a creation that still catches the admiring glances of city guests and parishioners.

Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the cathedral of the Franciscan Order in the city of Assisi, where St. Francis was born and died. The basilica is one of the significant points of Christian pilgrimage in Italy.

Construction of the basilica began in 1228. It consists of two churches: Lower and Upper. The lowest level of the building is the crypt, where the remains of the saint are interred. The Upper and Lower Churches are decorated with numerous late medieval frescoes by artists of the Roman and Tuscan school, giving the basilica a unique role in showcasing Italian art of this period.

The architecture of the temple is also a synthesis of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The lower temple was built entirely in the Romanesque style. It has low semicircular vaults, greatly expanded by a series of side transepts and a chapel built between 1350 and 1400. The interior of the Upper Temple is a striking example of the emergence of the Gothic style in Italy.

Another distinctive feature of the basilica is its unique stained glass windows. It is assumed that they were created by German craftsmen at the end of the 13th century.

There is a crypt under the lower temple. This burial place of Saint Francis was found in 1818. His remains were hidden to prevent his relics from being spread throughout medieval Europe.

Abbey of Saints Severo and Martirio (Abbazia dei Santi Severo e Martirio)

The Abbey of Saints Severus and Martyria is located in a very picturesque area outside of Orvieto, 3 kilometers south of the city. According to ancient legend, the monastery on this site was founded in the 6th century, when the relics of Saint Severus, a monk from Antrodoko, were brought to the city. Soon his disciple Saint Martyrios was buried next to his tomb. In 1100, Benedictine monks settled in the monastery, with whom the first stage of construction of the abbey was associated, when a church and a tower were erected here. In 1220, the monastery was handed over to the French canons, who erected the abbot's palace and the atrium of the church.

The abbey is a closed ensemble consisting of the main church, a large refectory and a chapter hall. Adjacent to the walls of the monastery outside is the Chapel of the Crucifixion, a rebuilt ancient monastery refectory with a single nave. On its walls there is a 13th century fresco depicting the Crucifixion with the saints in attendance. There is also a twelve-sided tower adjacent to the walls of the abbey, built in 1003 in the style of Longobard romance.

The plan of the church is very simple; it is a single-nave basilica without an apse, covered with a sail vault on intersecting arches. The floor covering, inlaid in the Cosmati spirit, dates back to the first phase of the church's construction. Of particular interest are the frescoes of the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries that decorate the walls of the sacristy and the former refectory of the abbey.

Currently, part of the monastery buildings is occupied by a hotel and restaurant, but despite this, most of the abbey’s buildings retain their ancient structure and appearance.

Palazzo Capitano del Popolo building

One of the many architectural landmarks of the Italian city of Orvieto is the Palazzo Capitano del Popolo, built in 1157. The structure is characterized by a luxurious arched portico, small stained glass windows, as well as pointed battlements located along the entire perimeter of the roof, and a bell tower. The architecture of the building lacks unnecessary hyperbolic details, which makes it quite simple and harmonious. The palace received its name in honor of the famous Captain de Popolo, who lived here in 1651. Palazzo Capitano del Popolo has 400 rooms, most of which have preserved original interior elements.

During the history of the building, it housed a university and a theater, in which avant-garde students often performed. In the late 1980s, the Palazzo Capitano del Popolo building was closed for restoration; it currently houses the city's most famous conference center. During archaeological research, valuable medieval cisterns were discovered in the basement of the palace.

The most popular attractions in Umbria with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Umbria on our website.

Umbria's western neighbor is Tuscany, the eastern one is Marche, and the southern one is Lazio. In the West of Umbria there is Lake Trasimeno, and with east side– Umbro-Marcian Apennines. Right there, on the border with Marche is located highest point Umbria - Mount Vettore, whose height is 2476 meters. The lowest point is the province of Terni (96 meters above sea level). By the way, in the territory of this province there are the Waterfalls delle Marmore, overall height which is 165 meters.

Story

The territory of present-day Umbria has been inhabited since Neolithic times. On the border of the 2nd and 1st millennia BC. these regions were the habitat of the Umbrian tribes. Afterwards, they were replaced by the Etruscans, who founded almost all the cities of this region. In the III-II centuries BC. The area was conquered by the Romans. During this period, the Flaminian Way was built, which connected Rome and Arimin. In the 3rd-5th centuries AD, Umbria was attacked by barbarian tribes. Since the 12th century, the region has been part of the Papal States. And in 1860, Umbria became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and then became part of Italy. The modern borders of Umbria were established in 1927, when the province of Terni was created and the region of Rieti was separated into Lazio.

Climate and demographics

The climate of Umbria is continental: hot in summer and cool in winter. However, the western part of the region is characterized by a milder climate. In Perugia, the average temperature in January is +1.6 °C, and in July +21.6 °C.

According to 2013 data, Umbria has a population of 886,239.

How to get to Umbria?

In the vicinity of Perugia there is S. Egidio Airport. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia here, however, by making a transfer in Milan, you can easily get to Umbria.

You can also get here by train from Rome or Florence.

What to see in Umbria?

The main attractions of Umbria are its lush green landscapes, but there is also plenty to see in the region.

  • In Perugia, be sure to visit the Church of San Pietro, which is famous for the frescoes of Raphael and Perugino.
  • Tourists are attracted to Derut ancient fortress, built in the 12th century with preserved fortress gates, as well as Palazzo dei Consoli -a beautiful palace in the Romanesque style, inside which there is a ceramics museum.
  • In Gubbio, considered the most beautiful medieval city, visit the Archaeological Museum (Museo Civico), Palazzo dei Consoli and the famous Palazzo Ducale.

What to try in Umbria?

Umbrian cuisine is replete with a variety of meat dishes, so try them first.

  • For starters, we recommend ordering strangozzi - this is a typical Umbrian spaghetti-type pasta with truffles and pork cheeks.
  • Also be sure to try the pride local cuisine- a goose on a spit.
  • We recommend trying local wines: Sagrantino and Montefalco, they are not only incredibly tasty, but also incredibly aromatic.

What to bring from Umbria?

Souvenirs from Umbria are most often gastronomic: pecorino cheese with truffles or nuts, prosciutto from Norcia, black truffles, olive oil, local wines, bitter herbal liqueur Vecchia Umbria and chocolates produced by the Perugia factory.