Why Umbria Entices


"I have never seen anything more pleasing", said St. Francis of his own Umbria, often called "Italy’s green heart". The greens are of infinite shades: the deep green of the forests, silver green of the olive groves, bright emerald green of early spring’s wheat, oats and barley.

This mystical region (one of Italy's least-populated regions) is a gracious gathering of all that captivates one about classic Italy: medieval hilltowns showcasing an endless patrimony of art and architecture. In the walled hilltowns, narrow cobblestone streets twist and turn their way to delightful piazzas, Etruscan arches, Roman temples, Romanesque cathedrals, stately Gothic civic buildings, and imposing feudal fortresses. Forested mountains backdrop the surrounding hills laced with vineyards and olive groves.

Come and enjoy bellissima Umbria which shares all the beauty of neighboring Tuscany - but where lodgings cost less and tourists are fewer! Many travel writers have termed Umbria "the undiscovered Tuscany". Many first-time travelers to Italy hit the usual spots: Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, and Pompei. Returning travelers might venture to Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and one stop in Umbria: Assisi. However, Umbria has so much to offer and is so centrally-located, that you certainly should consider spending more of your vacation time here.

© Annesitaly - Anne Robichaud