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
Tag: Tradition
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,
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
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
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
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 black and scented stone of Umbria
Umbria, as well as being known for its Medieval villages and ancient rural traditions, is famous for a black and scented stone jealously guarded in
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
Chocolate in Perugia
A Modern Tradition
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 process destined to change the lives of many people, even a whole geographic area. In this case, it was not some foreign Lord of old (as it happened in other areas where food until then unknown was imported), or trades with exotic countries, what made Perugia “the town of chocolate.” The cause of this new tradition was simply one person with her own genius and passions – Luisa Spagnoli.
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
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 still have for him. More than eight centuries later, in fact, its unique memory has not faded away: a sign of gratitude toward the Patron Saint for having been an inspirer of peace and reconciliation
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’ father, Bernardone (“Big Bernard”), had frequent trades with Gubbio, often taken care of by Francis himself, who therefore happened more than once to get there for business. In Gubbio the wealthy Spada familiy, a.k.a. Spadalonga (respectively = sword, and long sword), active in the field of wool and fabrics, also “provided” Francis with the friendship of their young sons, with whom he would spend his days over there. One of them was among his comrades in arms in the 1202 war between Assisi and Perugia.
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 of the most beautiful Medieval towns in Italy. A major feature of the old town center are the buildings in calcareous stone, that gives them a typically gray color. Stones that still envelope the secrets of past masters and masterpieces while filling one’s eyes and soul with awe and wonder.
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, where the Palace of Perugia’s Province and the equestrian monument to the first king of united Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II (1820-1878), also rise. This is where a group of buildings existed, called Rocca Paolina: a fortress built by decision of Pope Paul III in the mid-16th century.
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 Main Street (Corso Vannucci) in the old town center, and has its acme in the façade facing the main square, Piazza IV Novembre.
The square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, is marked by the strong polar opposition between the civil side of the town, precisely the Palace of Priors, and the religious side, i.e. the buildings in the so-called Saint Lawrence “Island,” in a Medieval atmosphere enlivened by the water springing from the Great Fountain.
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 discovering together with the many artifacts it houses. It would be possible to draft a story about each of those objects, from paintings to manuscripts – so, let us listen to what Time has to tell.
The Fontana Maggiore – Perugia
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 long aqueduct that, by taking cleverly advantage of the principle of communicating vessels, could even conduct water uphill on Perugia’s hills. The fountain, surely among the oldest and most beautiful in Italy, is in fact considered a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture.
