In the harsh winter that enveloped Umbria between 1181 and 1182, a child named Giovanni was born in Assisi.
Author: Elena Aloia
Saint Francis of Assisi: The Conversion
Francis reflected upon both the dreams he had experienced and decided to return to Assisi, following the words he had heard.
The Places of Francis
It was probably in the autumn of 1205 that Francis heard the wooden crucifix, placed above the altar of the little church of San Damiano, speak to him.
Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio
In The Little Flowers of Saint Francis (Fioretti di San Francesco), one of the most famous and captivating episodes is recounted
The Marmore Falls
The work of man and the power of nature. With a drop of 165 meters, it is among the highest waterfalls in Europe.
Rasiglia
Near the banks of Menotre River and near the street leading to the municipality of Sellano, it is hidden the small village of Rasiglia, a fraction of the municipality of Foligno.
Orvieto Underground
Orvieto Underground: the history and events of the underground city from Etruscan times to the Second World War.
The Etruscan Well of Perugia
The Etruscan Well is a 3rd-century BC engineering masterpiece that showcases Etruscan ingenuity and the city’s deep connection to its origins.
Con Francesco – Immersive Experience
An immersive experience that, thanks to Virtual Reality, offers the opportunity to encounter the figure of the Saint directly, tracing his life and listening to his most universal
Walking Tour of Orvieto
A jewel of art and history perched on an imposing tuff cliff.
Walking Tour Todi
An elegant and refined city, suspended between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Walking Tour Spoleto
Among majestic fortresses, Roman theatres and medieval remains.
Walking Tour of Spello
A picturesque village among flower-lined alleys and ancient Roman remains.
Walking Tour Gubbio
Discovering the city of Ceri, with its steep streets and noble palaces.
Walking Tour Assisi
A journey through spirituality and art, following in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
Walking Tour Perugia
Among breathtaking views, medieval alleys and important historical monuments.
The Baptism of Christ at the Oratorio della Nunziatella
The Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto
Festival dei Due Mondi, an international event of art, music, culture, and entertainment held in Spoleto since 1958, also presents a series of projects related to sustainability
The Cathedral of Spoleto
The Cathedral during the Centuries Surely outstanding in Spoleto is the Annunciation Church, that is also the Cathedral. A building so powerful in its beauty that will impress all
The Museo del Capitolo – Perugia
Discovering the Museo del Capitolo
The very special setting of the Museo del Capitolo (Chapter Museum), embedded in the Saint Lawrence “Island” makes it a place worth
The broad beans of Amerino
Broad beans are a traditional dish of the Amerino cuisine, an area located between Terni, Orvieto and Amelia.
Festa dei Ceri, history and tradition in Gubbio
The Festa dei Ceri (or Saint Ubaldo Day) is one of the oldest and most suggestive events that takes place every year on 15 May in the Umbrian town of Gubbio, attracting thousands
Ciaramicola
Ciaramicola is one of the typical Easter cakes in Umbria, in particular in the city of Perugia.
Lake Alviano and the WWF Oasis
Lake Alviano is located in the province of Terni; it touches the Umbrian municipalities of Guardea, Monticchio, and Alviano, as well as the municipality of Civitella d’Agliano in
The Cathedral of Orvieto
The History of a Centuries-old Building Site Origins of the Cathedral of Saint Mary’s Assumption The Cathedral is a sign of the presence of God, as well as of an active and
Lake Piediluco
Lake Piediluco is an alluvial lake that extends mainly in Umbria, but it has also has a small branch entering the Lazio region.
Deruta ceramics
Deruta ceramics are handicrafts that represent the Umbrian cultural and artistic tradition throughout the world. A tradition with Medieval origins During the late Middle Ages,
Narni Underground
Narni Underground is an archaeological trail leading visitors through aqueducts, cisterns and the halls of the Inquisition Tribunal of Narni.
The Perugino exhibition provides a chance for cultural agencies in Perugia to cooperate
Lake Corbara
Lake Corbara is an artificial basin built along the Tiber River in the early 1960s to provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding area and to irrigate fields.
Torta al testo
Torta al testo is certainly one of the typical dishes of the Umbria region, renowned for its simplicity and unique flavour.
The Deposition from the Cross
The torcolo of Saint Constantius
The torcolo of Saint Constantius is a typical cake from Perugia, prepared every year on 29 January.
A fresco depicting Saint Anthony the Abbot
The black celery
In the charming village of Trevi, in Umbria, a particular type of celery is produced: black celery.
The River Nera
The River Nera is a watercourse that, for 116 km, flows through central Italy, touching three regions: Marche, Umbria and Lazio.
La Scarzuola
La Scarzuola is a rural place located in the site of Montegiove, in the municipality of Montegabbione, a little fortified village in the province of Terni.
The Plain of Castelluccio di Norcia
The Plain of Castelluccio di Norcia is a vast area surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains between Umbria and Marche. 1350 metres above sea level.
Pear of Monteleone di Orvieto
The Pear of Monteleone di Orvieto is a variety of pear that takes its name from the municipality of Monteleone di Orvieto in the province of Terni.
Panpepato
Panpepato (also called pampepato) is a dessert of the peasant tradition eaten especially during Christmas time.
The lentil of Castelluccio di Norcia
In the upland of Castelluccio di Norcia, the lentil, also called lenta by the nursini (the local inhabitants), is the protagonist of the culinary culture.
The Altarpiece of Mary’s Assumption
The Christmas tree of Gubbio: the tree of the Guinness World Records
The biggest Christmas tree of the world is in Umbria, precisely in the Medieval city of Gubbio. Made for the first time in 1981, the tree is lit every year on the night of 7
Saint Sebastian between the Saints Roch and Peter
God the Father, and the Saints Roch and Roman
The Virgin Mary and Christ Child
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian
The white steer
The white steer is a bovine typically raised in the areas of Central Apennine. It is the first in Italy to have obtained the IGP label of the European Union
The “opistograph” altarpiece of Monteripido
Tuscan pecorino
The Tuscan pecorino is one of the most renowned Italian cheeses and, since 1996, has been a DOP (PDO – Protected Designation of Origin) product.
The “Standard of Justice”
Lamb breeding in Central Italy: a shepherding tradition dating back to the Roman Empire
Lamb rasing is an ancient shepherding tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. Today it is still one of the main activities characterising the Central
Virgin Mary in Glory and Saints
Red Potato IGP: the core product of Colfiorito
The red potato, thanks to its recent spread in the mountainous area of the Apennines between Umbria and Marche, has become one of the symbolic
Extra virgin olive oil: the yellow gold of Umbria
While observing the Umbrian countryside, it is possible to immediately identify which is one of the cultivated products that best characterises the territory: olive trees,
Perugino’s “Our Lady of Graces”
Discover the testimonies of Perugino today Routes and itineraries to discover the works of the divine painter
The “Baptism of Christ”
Prosciutto di Norcia (Norcia ham): a legacy from the medical science of the monks of Preci
Prosciutto di Norcia (Norcia ham) is one of the many cold cuts products made from the processing of pork meat. It is one of the
Tezi Altarpiece
Montefalco Sagrantino: the nectar of Umbrian hills with DOCG designation
Montefalco Sagrantino is one of the oenological products that most represent Umbria. Together with the Torgiano Rosso Riserva is one of the wines that has
The Adoration of the Magi
Discover the testimonies of Perugino today Routes and itineraries to discover the works of the divine painter
Annunciation, God in glory among angels, and Nativity
Spelt of Monteleone di Spoleto: the first DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) spelt in Europe.
Spelt is a typology of wheat cultivated and used throughout Italy since ancient times. However, the spelt of Monteleone di Spoleto (Umbrian city borders with
Lady of Graces
Umbricelli: pasta of ancient Umbria
In Italy, first courses represent a necessary step of every meal, whether eaten at home or at a restaurant. In Umbria, there is a specific
Truffle
The Adoration of the Magi
Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG: the red treasure of Umbria
The Torgiano Rosso Riserva is one of the most renowned red wines of the Umbria Region and it is a DOCG(Denominazione di Origine Controllata e
The red onion of Cannara
Umbria is a region attracting many visitors for its beautiful historical places and the multitude of cultural events. However, what is surprising is the variety
Saint Peter’s Abbey
The way that starts from the Church of Saint Ercolano, and that in past times led directly to Rome, ends in Borgo Bello, the “Beautiful Suburb,” an area that developed thanks to
The Old Town Center – Perugia
Perugia, the Old Town center: past to present along Corso Vannucci and the alleys of this beautiful town center with a Medieval charm.
Saffron – Umbria
An ancient spice Native to Asia Minor, saffron, or Crocus Sativus, is present in central Italy since the Middle Ages. With a thousand uses, either
Chocolate in Perugia
Perugia only made friends with Chocolate in relatively recent times, but it is a story worth telling as it lets us see how one person – and, often unconsciously – can start a
Olive Oil
Olive Trees in Umbrian Landscape Umbria is a small Region, that can be crossed through in one hour by car. Its aesthetic mark is a
Unsalted Bread
The Poorest Kind of Bread One product that has so many varieties as to mirror, in one way or another, the richness of Italy in
The Ducal Palace
At the Court of the Duke of Urbino
The Ducal Palace was built by decision of Federico da Montefeltro in a town area called Corte Vecchia (the Old Court) – right in front of the
The “Oratory” at Santa Maria dei Bianchi
The Church of Saint Francis Near the imposing Fortress in Città della Pieve a Church of Saint Francis exists, now also renamed Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The Church of Saint
Oratory of Saint Bartholomew, Church of Saint Francis
The Church of Saint Francis Near the imposing Fortress in Città della Pieve a Church of Saint Francis exists, now also renamed Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The Church of Saint
The Eremo delle Carceri in Assisi
For Francis and his companions, it was a place of retreat, surrounded by nature, where they could devote themselves to meditation. Over time, the Hermitage of the Carceri has
San Francesco al Prato, San Bernardino (Churches)
Perugia e San Bernardino
Telling about the beauty of Saint Francis Square, we cannot but start by mentioning Saint Bernardine of Siena, a friar from that town in Tuscany, who
A Fountain for an Aqueduct
The Fontana Maggiore, a gem of Gothic sculpture The Fontana Maggiore (Great Fountain) is the sculptural symbol of Perugia. It was built in 1278 to celebrate the completion of a
The Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi
The second large Franciscan basilica in Assisi houses the remains of Saint Clare and the Crucifix of San Damiano, the same one that spoke to Saint Francis. From the square in
Piazza del Comune in Assisi
The hub of the ancient, medieval and modern city, Piazza del Comune brings together buildings and monuments from different eras that coexist in perfect harmony. Here, life flows
The Palace of Priors
A Town Symbol The Palace of Priors is undoubtedly one of the most important buildings in Perugia, beside being a masterpiece in Gothic style. Its structure develops partly along
The Springs of Clitunno, and the Little Temple
“Now everything is silent”: The Little Temple In 1876 an Italian poet, Giosue Carducci, wrote a famous poem called Alle fonti del Clitunno, “At the Springs of Clitunno” (River).
The Bridge of Towers
The Bridge of Towers as Was Seen by Goethe In September 1786, the great German poet, J. W. Goethe (1749 – 1832), left for a journey to the discovery of Italy, that would last
The Stronghold of Perugia Soldiers
The Rocca dei Perugini Nowadays The powerful Rocca dei Perugini, “Fortress of Perugian (soldiers),” was built along the town walls near Porta Perugina, the town gate toward
The Cattedrale di San Rufino in Assisi
Located in the highest part of the city, the Cathedral, dedicated to Bishop Rufino, is one of the most harmonious and evocative Romanesque churches in Umbria.
The Rocca of Assisi
The Rocca Maggiore and Rocca Minore dominate the skyline of Assisi, ancient medieval bastions that once guarded the city and are now fascinating monuments.
Saint Francis’ Church in Gubbio
Francis, the Man; and Gubbio The story of Gubbio and Francis of Assisi means the discovery of an intense relationship, interwoven with travels, friendship, and feelings. Francis’
The Roman Theater in Gubbio
South of Gubbio’s Medieval quarters the Guastuglia Plain (pron. goo-ast-oo-Leah) lies, delimited west by the so-called vallum (military defense line), and east by a river called
The Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi
The complex of the Basilica of St. Francis is the spiritual heart of Assisi and stands out as one of the most extraordinary historical and artistic complexes in the world, a
Piazza Grande (The Main Square)
A Decentralized Center Gubbio rises at the foot of Mount Ingino with a strong self-consciousness. Framed within a luxuriant Nature, rich in woods and trails, it is considered one
Palace of Consuls
A Giant in the Square The Palace of Consuls (Palazzo dei Consoli), built in the years 1332-49, rises dramatically on the background of Piazza Grande, the Main Square. It is more
Saint Ubaldo’s Basilica – Gubbio
A Brief Biography The personage of young Ubaldo – who was officially declared a saint on March 5, 1192 – cannot be divided from Gubbio and the great love the town’s inhabitants
Della Corgna Palace
Right in front of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful lordly mansions in Città della Pieve rises, the Della Corgna Palace. A study on this building cannot make without the
The Rocca Paolina – Perugia
The Intriguing Story of a Fortress In Perugia’s old town center, at the southern end of Corso Vannucci (Main Street) there is an area with flowerbeds, benches, and fountains,
The Communal/Church Museum
A Museum inside a Church
It is quite unusual to find a church used as a museum. This is however the case with the Museo Civico-Diocesano, the Communal/Church Museum existing
The Cathedral of Saints Gervasius and Protasius
A Cathedral in a Small Town On walking in the streets of Città della Pieve, you will be noticing many fine buildings, both public and religious, that enliven the place. To whose
The Saint Lawrence “Island” – Perugia
The Saint Lawrence “Island”: the ancient district, heart of Perugia since Etruscans. It includes Perugia Underground, the Chapter Museum and the Cathedral.