Destination of the Week

Umbria

Travelers to Italy often talk about the wines, food, and cities of Tuscany often followed by the Veneto region.   But there's a lot to be said for aiming just a little farther south.   And "little" is the operative word.   Just below Tuscany is Umbria, an inland region of cities and villages hundreds of years old.

From its origins, Umbria has really existed as two factions on either side of the Tiber River.  On the west side were the Etruscans - highly advanced, travelers and traders.  On the east were the Italics - the Umbrians.  

If your interests lie in this area, visits to Orvieto, Spello, and Perugia are in order.  All were centers for the Etruscans building high-walled cities with large gates to guard the populace.   Tombs from 600 to 300 BC can be found in the area.

Umbria has become known as the green heart of Italy.  Forests on the hillsides have yielded to olive trees and vineyards.   The wonderful growing conditions created make Umbria a center for fine olive and olive oil production.  With that go cheeses, meats prosciutto and sausages, truffles and, great Umbrian wine.

In and around Orvieto you'll be able to see and taste its namesake wine.   Orvieto is probably one of the best known whites in the world.   Historically, it is as old as the Etruscans who dug cellars out of the rock to ferment it.   Later it is referenced in history by Popes, and political leaders. Orvieto Classico is produced from the Procanico, Malvasia, Verdello, Grechetto, and Drupeggio varieties.  Try it with local white meats and cheeses for a superb combination.

On the red side, Sagrantino di Montefalco ranks as one of the best wines in Italy.   Though you can buy it throughout Umbria (in America, too, of course) it's worth the trip to Montefalco to taste in at its origin.

In addition to wine, when you look at Italy's reputation for fine fashion and jewelry, for glass, ceramics, and food, you will find that it can all be found in Umbria.  

In Spoleto, there's shopping in the Piazza Mercato in the oldest part of town and, of course, plenty of places for food and wine.  While there, you'll be able to see a cathedral that dates from 1100, the Ponte delle Torri, built in the 1300's and an open Roman theater that dates back to 100 BC.

A short distance away are the Clitunno Springs.  The area is in the Biber valley (which flows on through Rome) and the water flow from the Tiber, Chiascio and Topino rivers through Umbria is sometimes through shallow lakes and other times a spring like Clitunno.

If you're interested in art, Spoleto is a great starting point but be sure to get to Assisi, Gubbio, Spello, Trevi, Montefalco, Todi, Perguia and, of course, Orvieto . . . the town most people think of when they think of Umbria.  There you can visit the famous Cathedral of Orvieto.

Got a destination in mind? Start planning your trip here.