ITALIAN
HOLIDAYRENTALS-UMBRIA
VACATIONS
POINTS
OF INTERST UMBRIA
TODI
TODI
Situated in ancient times on the border between the Etruscan
and Umbrian territories, Todi has been defined as the most
livable town on earth by the University of Kentucky for
its size, its climate, its hilltop location and for it harmonious
relationship to its surroundings. An interesting artistic
center in a magnificent position dominating the Tiber valley
famous for its Roman and Etruscan remains, for its palaces,
its churches and its suggestive medieval environment. Picturesque
winding streets, stone buildings, arches, medieval wells,
sudden ascents and descents that create various prospective
and sudden views of faraway valleys, hills and mountains
all contribute to Todi’s unique charm. In the center
of town is the long rectangular Piazza del Popolo, considered
to be one of the most beautiful in Italy, onto which face
the Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo del Popolo and Palazzo del
Capitano all originally 13th c. civic buildings still used
as such today, and the 11th-12th c. Duomo. The newly restored
and reorganized Museo Civico e Pinacoteca houses important
pieces ranging from rare Etruscan coins to 16th c. Italian
paintings. Todi is conveniently located within a short driving
distance from many of the interesting places listed below.
MONTECASTELLO
DI VIBIO
Home of Teatro della Concordia, the smallest theatre in
the world, inaugurated in 1808 and recently restored. Fascinating
hilltop town with breathtaking 360° views of the Umbrian
countryside.
DERUTA
One of Italy’s leading centers for Majolica production
since the Middle Ages. Particularly known for the “lustro”
technique, examples of which can be viewed in the recently
reorganized Museo delle Ceramiche.
SPOLETO
Suggestive town of Umbrian origins well known for its archeological,
late medieval and Renaissance monuments. Italian home of
the Spoleto Festival
TREVI
Situated on a hill covered by olive trees and dominating
the Spoleto valley. The olive oil from Trevi is considered
one the best in all of Italy.
SPELLO
An ancient town located on the southern hillside of Mount
Subasio, between Foligno and Assisi. Famous for the 16th
c. frescoes by Pinturicchio and for paintings by Perugino
in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
ASSISI
Religious and mystic center of Umbria, birth and burial
place of Saint Francis, patron saint of Italy, and Saint
Clare. Extremely important 14th c. fresco cycle by Giotto
and followers depicting the life of Francis in the great
Basilica The valley town of Santa Maria degli Angeli also
conserves major testimony’s of Francis’s life.
MONTEFALCO
Known as the “Balcony-rail of Umbria” and significant
center for 14th and 15th c. art is today known as the textile
center of Umbria where beautiful fabrics are still woven
based on medieval and Renaissance patterns. World renowned
for the production of a robust red wine called “Sagrantino”.
The Museum of San Francesco, once a church, houses works
by Benozzo Gozzoli and Perugino.
CARSULAE
Interesting archeological site of an important Roman municipality
(municipium) along the ancient via Flaminia, abandoned centuries
ago after a devastating earthquake. Excavations are still
uncovering remains.
TORGIANO
Famous for wine production. The Museo del Vino and the new
Museo dell’Olio have a valuable and unique artistic,
bibliographic and artifacts collection illustrating the
techniques of grape-growing and winemaking and olive oil
production in Umbria.
ORVIETO
Set in a picturesque and unique position on the terrace
of a tufaceous cliff with sheer
dropping walls it is an important testimony of the Etruscan
period. The city maintains its now predominantly medieval
aspect and it’s artistic patrimony is best represented
by the spectacular 13th c. cathedral with a façade
enriched by marble bas-reliefs and mosaics and a richly
adorned interior with frescoes by Pietro Lorenzetti, Gentile
Fabriano and Luca Signorelli.
BEVAGNA
Umbria-Roman settlement where many archeological remains
are still visible along with numerous Romanesque religious
and civic buildings.
PERUGIA
The capital of the region of Umbria with a rich historic-artistic
patrimony and a picturesque physiognomy. Home of the Galleria
Nazionale dell’Umbria, one of the most important in
Italy with works from the 13th through 16th cs. including
masterpieces by Duccio di Boninsegna, Bartolo di Taddeo,
Perugino, Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli. Umbria Jazz, the
world-renowned gathering of prominent international musicians
is held here yearly.
FOLIGNO
Set in the plane of the Valle Umbra is now principally a
modern commercial center and yet conserves many Renaissance
monuments and valuable art works. Famous for being one of
the first printing centers in Central Italy established
in 1470.
GUBBIO
Very important city founded by the Umbrian people as can
be documented by the Eugubine Tables, bronze slabs inscribed
with the only written record of the ancient Umbrian language
using the Latin and Etruscan alphabets. Considered now to
be one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Umbria.
CITTA’
DELLA PIEVE
Gracious city in a dominating position in the Val di Chiana,
birthplace of one of the greatest Renaissance painters Pietro
Vannucci, known as Perugino.
LAKE TRASIMENO
Fourth largest lake in Italy surrounded by rolling hills
and olive groves. Shallow with swampy banks, it does have
a few bathing beaches and is a favorite place for wind surfers.
Local
Points of Interest
UMBRIAN
GARDEN
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