Things to do in Umbria
The Italian region of Umbria is home to some of the most captivating examples of the country’s rich heritage and culture. With its historic cities and sites surrounded by its sprawling countryside, there is a wealth of activities, attractions and things to do in Umbria that will be suited to any type of holidaymaker.
A vast collection of museums, art galleries and historical sites are waiting to be discovered and there are plenty of opportunities for hillwalking, bike riding and taking in the views of the rural scenery. Holidays in Umbria are not complete without treating yourself to the fine local cuisine that is served by the abundance of restaurants throughout the region. Of course, every meal should be accompanied by one of the excellent local wines.
Umbria is divided into two areas including the Perugia Province in the north and the smaller Terni Province in the south.
Perugia Province
Home to the Umbrian capital, the cities and towns of this province are highly praised for their immaculately maintained towns' centres. Even though it has now become a cosmopolitan city (with a population of over 160,000), many choose Perugia accommodation to explore its winding historic streets that will make you feel like you have entered another world.
In the main square, the Piazza IV Novembre, sits the stunning Fontana Maggiore, while the famous Cathedral of San Lorenzo is only a few yards away. The city is known for its long artistic history and some masterpieces from local and other Italian greats are housed in La Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria. Other great examples of its rich religious heritage are the Sant'Agnese monastery and Sant’Angelo church.
After a short drive west of Perugia you will come to the charming town of Castiglione del Lago, which sits on the southwest side of the great Lake Trasimeno. The town has one of the most authentic traditional atmospheres of the region and some of its renowned sites include the pentagon-shaped Castello del Leone and the Pallazo del Commune known as the town hall which is located in the main square.
The region's biggest attraction is Lake Trasimeno which boasts a wealth of water-based activities and sights along its banks. Over its 128 km2 surface area there is fishing, swimming and an abundance of wildlife to be enjoyed by those fortunate enough to stay in Lake Trasimeno accommodation.nThe Trasimeno Regional Park that surrounds the lake and is full of great examples of the area’s history, such as the Maggiore and Zocco castles, as well as leaning Pending Tower.
A trip further north is a must if you want to see one of the most quaint and attractive towns of the province. Città di Castello (which literally translates to “Castle Town”) sits on the foothills of the Apennines and its unique atmosphere and setting is unrivalled. The town dates back as far as the Etruscan period and Torre Comunale – a tower overlooking the area – is a fine example of its Renaissance architecture. The Pinacoteca Comunale’s famous façade was desgined by the painter and architect, Giorgio Vasari, and is home to an intriguing display of Renaissance art.
Only a short distance away from Citta di Castello, Gubbio is yet another town steeped in historical wonder. Among its many attractions is the wonderfully maintained Roman Theatre from 1BC, which is still used for performances to this day, while the Duomo in the town centre has some impressive displays of 12th Century religious architecture.
Gubbio is also close the Monti Sibillini National Park which covers parts of the Perugia Province and also stretches into the neighbouring regions. The amount of activities here is vast and varied and aims to suit adults and children alike. Hillwalking, mountaineering, bike riding and unique wildlife are all on offer. There are also some stunning views of Monti Sibillini and the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
What cannot be missed however is the city of Spoleto in the south of Perugia Province. The Roman Theatre and Albornozian Castle overlooking the city and countryside must be visited.
One of the many religious sites dotted around the city is the basilica of San Salvatore from the 4th Century, which incorporates an ancient Roman tomb and is one of the earliest examples of Christian architecture.
Province of Terni
The capital of Umbria’s more rural southern province, Terni, is not as well known as its counterpart, Perugia, but still prides itself on an enviable array of rich architecture. The 10,000-seat Roman amphitheatre is well worth the visit alone and the Porta Sant'Angelo contains one of the city’s four Roman gates which has been kept in wonderful condition. Terni is also in close proximity to the Nera Valley which has some truly breathtaking views and rivers perfect for white-water rafting. Inside the park is the powerful Marmore fall – the highest waterfall in Europe.
Along the road to Rome is the beautiful city of Orvieto, which sits above vertical cliff faces and has seen its fair share of history over the years. Dating back to the Etruscan period, there is also some wonderful examples of the ancient Umbrian civilization, such as the labyrinth of tunnels in the underground city.
Orvieto is best known for the façade of the 12th Century Cathedral Del Duomo, which looks more like an artistic masterpiece rather than the front of a building. Situated close by is the man-made Corbara lake, a great location for water-based activities, viewing historical ruins and staying in traditional style Umbria holiday rentals.
In the centre of the province, Amelia is a town that is nestled behind some of the most beautiful hills and valleys of the Umbrian countryside. Within the town walls there are noted marks of the Roman, Etruscan, Baroque and Renaissance periods. The new Archaeological Museum has been constructed to accomodate the many ancient artefacts from the region. Amelia’s surrounding area has many historic small towns and villages to be explored, while the river leading to the Lago Vecchio (the Old Lake) offers visitors the chance to rent boats and peddlers to take on the water.
