· IT

Umbria

Umbria, Italy

Umbria: Italy's Green Heart Beats for You Escape the well-trodden tourist paths and discover Umbria, the heart of Italy. Nestled amidst rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient olive groves, this enchanting region captivate…

#Central Italy#Hilltop towns#Countryside#Medieval architecture#Wine region

1/17

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Umbria.

Top Hotels in Umbria

Top Flights to Umbria

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Umbria.

Tours

Explore Perugia's Historic Center

Discover the medieval streets and stunning architecture of Perugia, the capital of Umbria.

Assisi's Pilgrimage Tour

A spiritual journey through Assisi, visiting significant religious sites like the Basilica of Saint Francis.

Historic Orvieto

Visit the hilltop town of Orvieto and marvel at its historic cathedral and underground caves.

Exploring Gubbio

Walk through the medieval town of Gubbio and discover its ancient palaces and Roman theater.

Shopping

Shopping in Spoleto

Explore the charming boutiques and artisan shops in the historic town of Spoleto.

Assisi Olive Oil Tasting

Sample exquisite olive oils from the Umbria region in a guided tasting session in Assisi.

Outdoor

Mount Subasio Hike

Join a guided hiking tour to explore the natural beauty of Mount Subasio, offering stunning views of Umbria's landscape.

Tiber River Rafting

Experience the thrill of rafting on the Tiber River, perfect for adventure seekers.

Truffle Hunting in Norcia

Join a local expert to hunt for the famous Umbrian truffles in the forests near Norcia.

Lake Trasimeno Canoeing

Enjoy a peaceful day canoeing on Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Umbria.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Umbria, Italy is 0.9 million.

Languages

Italian, Italian

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Umbria.

What people love

Umbria, located in central Italy, is known for its picturesque landscapes, medieval hilltop towns, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Umbria:

Scenic Beauty: Umbria is characterized by its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque countryside. The region is known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Charming Hilltop Towns: Umbria is home to a number of charming medieval towns perched on hilltops, such as Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, and Spoleto. These towns are filled with historic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, offering visitors a glimpse into Italy's past.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Umbria is steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of art, architecture, and traditions to explore. Visitors can discover ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, Renaissance art, and local craft traditions, providing a deep insight into the region's heritage.
Culinary Delights: Umbria is known for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh local ingredients such as truffles, olive oil, cured meats, and cheeses. Visitors can sample traditional dishes like umbricelli pasta, porchetta, and wild boar, as well as world-renowned wines from the region.
Festivals and Events: Umbria hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and wine to music and art. Highlights include the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, the Eurochocolate festival in Perugia, and the Calendimaggio medieval festival in Assisi.

Overall, traveling to Umbria offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, making it a rewarding destination for visitors looking to explore the heart of Italy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Umbria, Italy could include:

Limited public transportation: While Umbria is well-connected by train and bus services, the public transportation network may not be as extensive or frequent as in larger cities. This could make it more challenging to explore the region, especially if you do not have a car.
Seasonal tourism: Umbria is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the peak summer months. This means that you may encounter larger crowds at popular attractions and higher prices for accommodations and activities during this time.
Limited nightlife: Umbria is known for its tranquil and picturesque landscapes, which may not offer as vibrant a nightlife scene as other Italian cities. If you are looking for a lively party atmosphere, you may find the options in Umbria to be more limited.
Language barrier: While many people in Umbria do speak English, you may encounter some language barriers, especially in more rural areas or when interacting with older residents. It could be helpful to learn some basic Italian phrases to facilitate communication.
Limited shopping opportunities: While Umbria offers charming local markets and artisanal products, it may not have as extensive shopping options as larger cities like Florence or Milan. If you are looking for high-end fashion or a wide variety of shopping choices, you may find Umbria to be more limited in this regard.

Overall, while Umbria is a beautiful and enchanting destination with much to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty, these potential cons are worth considering when planning your trip.

Umbria is a region located in central Italy, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural heritage. Here is a detailed history of Umbria, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Ancient History

Etruscans and Umbri: Before the rise of Rome, Umbria was inhabited by the Umbri people, an ancient Italic tribe, and its territory was influenced by the Etruscans, who established settlements in the region. The Etruscans were known for their advanced civilization and left behind a rich archaeological legacy.
Roman Conquest: During the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, Rome gradually conquered Umbria. The region became part of the Roman Empire, benefiting from Roman roads and infrastructure, including the Via Flaminia, which facilitated trade and movement.

Middle Ages

Lombard and Byzantine Influence: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Umbria was divided between the Lombards and the Byzantines. The Duchy of Spoleto, established by the Lombards, became a significant political entity in the region.
Rise of City-States: In the Middle Ages, Umbria saw the rise of independent city-states, such as Perugia, Assisi, and Orvieto. These cities often engaged in conflict with each other and with the Papal States.
Saint Francis of Assisi: One of the most significant historical figures associated with Umbria is Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182–1226), the founder of the Franciscan Order. His birthplace, Assisi, is a major pilgrimage site.

Renaissance and Early Modern Period

Papal States: By the late Middle Ages, much of Umbria came under the control of the Papal States. This period saw the construction of important religious and architectural landmarks.
Cultural Flourishing: During the Renaissance, Umbria experienced a cultural flourishing. Artists such as Perugino, the teacher of Raphael, were active in the region.

Modern History

Unification of Italy: In the 19th century, Umbria became part of the Kingdom of Italy during the unification process in 1861. The region underwent significant political and social changes as it integrated into the new nation-state.
World Wars: Like much of Italy, Umbria was affected by the World Wars. However, it was spared much of the destruction that other regions faced, allowing its cultural heritage to remain largely intact.

Important Landmarks

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi: This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important religious monuments in Italy. It houses the tomb of Saint Francis and is renowned for its frescoes by artists such as Giotto.
Perugia: The regional capital, Perugia, is known for its historic center, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art.
Orvieto Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is famous for its stunning façade and the Chapel of San Brizio, adorned with frescoes by Luca Signorelli.
Lake Trasimeno: The largest lake in central Italy, it was the site of the Battle of Lake Trasimene during the Second Punic War.

Umbria remains a region of great historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors with its blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, and historical depth.