Egidio Albornoz was a Spanish cardinal, politician and leader. He arrived in Italy at about the second half of the 1300s, sent by Pope Innocent VI who was in Avignon at that time, with the aim of consolidating the power of the Pontifical State.

The Cardinal was responsible for reconquering wide territories of central Italy, carrying out a policy of control including through the construction of fortresses. He had numerous fortifications built with the aim not only of reinforcing the Papal state at the military level, but above all to allow a control over communication roads as well as over the population.

After this quick historical outline, you can start the tour crossing all Umbria to discover the Rocche (Fortresses) Albornoziane in Narni, Spoleto and Assisi, that dominate the underlying towns in a perfect state of conservation.

The route starts in Assisi, from the Rocca Maggiore, above town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view. Then enter the fortress; inside its halls, you can admire some re-enactments inspired by medieval life.

Originally, this fortress was a feudal castle built for Federico Barbarossa: the first historical information dates back to 1174. In 1198 it was significantly damaged by the people of Assisi during the popular revolts supporting independence. It remained fragmentary until the intervention of Albornoz who had it rebuilt by reusing a portion of the western external walls as well as part of the internal ones.

Continuing south about 50 kilometers from Assisi, you reach Spoleto and its fortress, an imposing monument dominating the town skyline.

Located on Sant'Elia hill, the fortress rises next to the Monteluco wood to which it is connected with the monumental Bridge of the Towers, a former acqueduct.

August 2019 - Note that the Bridge of the Towers is currently closed for restoration. Until it is reopened, visitors who wish to reach Monteluco on foot or by bike are advised by the Comune di Spoleto to follow CAI trail n.3 from via del Tiro a Segno, then taking the right turn at the junction to follow CAI trail n.1 (view the trail map).

Construction of the fortress is documented starting from 1362 and was directed by Matteo di Giovannello, called Gattapone. Inside its rectangular form, you can visit the extraordinary National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto, open to the public since 2007, with works dating from the fourth to the fifteenth century, the period of the Duchy of Spoleto. If you fancy taking a walk, we suggest the looped pathway below the base of the fortress: a path about one kilometer long, where you will be able to admire the most significant monuments of the city and sweeping views over the countryside.

The fortress itinerary finishes with a visit to the Narni fortress. It's the southern-most fortress in Umbria, about 50 kilometers from Spoleto and just above the historical center of the village of Narni. It was built in the second half of the 1300s and, thanks to recent renovations, today it hosts a big interactive museum.

So, if you have children along, this is the right occasion to help them discover the the fascination of the Middle Ages. Inside the fortress, see perfectly rebuilt spaces to discover the clothing, musical instruments and weapons used in the Middle Ages.

Beyond the classical visit, you will be able to enjoy a real Middle Ages experience. From April to September, guides dressed in historic costumes will accompany you in an alternative visit during which you will be able to challenge family and friends in the walnut game and catching the ring, as well as try archery or sword-fighting.

If you are interested in seeing the Marmore Waterfall from different points of view and if you want to totally lose yourself in the surrounding countryside, there’s for you an extensive paths and routes network well marked and plotted which weaves its way inside the Park.

You will be welcomed by a luxuriant and rich vegetation and by a natural environment populated by holm oak, black hornbeam, alder trees and Aleppo pines. Many aquatic animals complete this ecosystem zone. Paths are populated by many species of birds, among them the crag martin, the redstart, the short-toed eagle and the kestrel.

Path no. 1 “Old passage”
It’s a challenging path, less than 1 km in length with an altitude difference of 150m. (walking time: 1h 5min, of which 40min rising), it’s the only one leading you to the Lovers Balcony, just under the first Waterfall jump. It’s a slice of heaven, set in the travertine rock, from which just stretching your hand you can touch the Velino river waters in free fall.
On the Top Viewpoint border we find the “Specola” (Observatory), a small panoramic tower erected in 1781 by Pope Pio VI. From here you can see the Marmore rainbow, evident when there are peculiar weather conditions related to the presence of steam.

Path no. 2 “Nymph’s Ring”
It’s an easy and short path which leads you in the hearth of the Waterfall (300m, with an altitude difference of 40m and a walking time of 20 minutes). The water sound and the untouched nature make it one of the most exciting. Starting from the Centre of Environmental education zone in the Bottom Viewpoint, walking down some stairs and some wood walkways, you will go through a Waterfall back channel, hidden in the rich vegetation. We’re talking about a small waterfall, lateral relative to the second jump.

Path no. 3 “Waters Meeting”
It’s another easy path, but really beautiful (150m in length and an altitude difference of 15m and a walking time of 20 minutes). This path will lead you in the down side of the waterfall until the Nera riverbed. In this zone, because of the water pressure on the middle tiers, is formed an aerosol which creates an habitat full of vegetation.

Path no. 4 “The majesty”
Known as the Pennarossa’s path, it’s the tourist route par excellence; the largest part of this place photos, which surely you have seen, were taken from the viewpoint along this path. A moderately difficulty for 500m in length will take you to the impressive view of the three waterfall jumps.

Path no. 5 “The cliff and the man”
This easy path is 1km in length, starting from the Top Viewpoint, it’s a level road path and it extends on the Marmore edge, giving us stunning landscapes.

Path no. 6 “The expert holm oak”
This path of 1km in length connects the Bottom Viewpoint to the Top Viewpoint and it’s suitable for expert hikers, equipped with trekking shoes because it contains a rough terrain sometimes steep.

Check-out here opening hours and some information about guided tours and educational activities.

Lose yourself in the hearth of this waterfall along the six natural paths which weave their way inside the Park.

A wonderful area, full of natural beauty and local flavours and traditions: today we will give you plenty of reasons to discover Valnerina, a spectacularly scenic green valley crossed by the river Nera.

This is a landscape dotted with medieval fortresses, lonely abbeys and hermitages abandoned by both people and time. But this is also a place where you will able to taste food specialties of the highest quality, produced in this area for centuries, such as prosciutto of Norcia, black truffles, emmer (farro), lentils, or goat cheeses.

If you like discovering new places by bike or by foot, mount Fionchi is an ideal destination. This high mountain, sometimes visible even from Perugia, is a favourite pasture for wild cows and horses. It appears almost like a scene from a painting.

Usually, the itinerary for the mountain starts from Mezzanello, near Ancaiano, and leads to grassy clearings that are ideal for picnics and relaxing in the open air. The sentiero Francescano (Franciscan path) also passes near here from Assisi and towards Greccio, making it also possible to go on a more spiritual kind of journey.

Mount Civitella, instead, is located in the comune of Scheggino and is part of the Coscerno-Aspra ensemble which is made out of various peaks including mount Eremita and the so-called Quota 1546 (‘Height 1546'). As well as through the Val Casana valley, which connects up with the town of Gavelli and with forca della Spina, it is also possible to walk through the Melette plateau, a wide expanse which used to be used by the local inhabitants as an agricultural reservoir for things such as hay, forage, and fruit trees.

Also worth seeing are the muraglie, rocky cliffs which may remind one of the balze present in other regions. Open grasslands, fragrant flowerbeds, and much more: the landscape you will find is assured to delight your senses.

The walk begins in the centre of Perugia. You need a good pair of legs to face the challenge of some of the steep streets.

Your first effort will be fully compensated by the sight of one of the city's most important landmarks, the Etruscan Arch, where three steep streets rise upwards to the city's main Piazza IV Novembre. Recently restored, it has regained the white splendour of the original travertine with which it was built. The sheer mass of this arch will remain impressed in your memory as you gaze at it from Piazza Fortebraccio just below it.

Part of the route along the city walls opens up at its southern tower, which from here curves southwards along Via Battisti, a road of panoramic glory which offers views over the rooftops of the houses nestled around the characteristic via dell'Acquedotto. It's a truly breathtaking spectacle, especially at sunset.

Once you reach the top, you'll be just a few steps from the top of the centre, the original hub of the Etruscan settlement. You can see traces of it in the underground areas of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, where you can also admire the remains of what was once the town's largest temple. You don't need to book a visit, just go to the Museo Capitolare located in the lovely cloister of the building adjacent to the cathedral.

The Etruscan Well is very nearby and is an amazing example of hydro-engineering. You can still hear the sound of drops of water that once flowed in abundance to fill the ancient city's main well.

There are also many Etruscan remains in areas just outside of Perugia's historical centre. The most famous is the Ipogeo dei Volumni, a gorgeous underground tomb along the local road that leads to Assisi. Other important necropoles are east of the city and they can be seen making a few short stops. From the Ipogeo di San Manno in Ferro di Cavallo, incorporated into a XIV Church, to the Necropoli di Strozzacapponi and the Tomba del Faggeto further north, where your journey will end in quiet open spaces where you can rest before heading off to enjoy a nice torta al testo filled with prosciutto.

This walking tour begins at the Etruscan Arch and follows along the walls of the city, stopping at places in the city centre that still bear witness to the passage of the Etruscans. Some tips on things to see just outside the walls.

Sometimes it doesn't take that much to regain your strength and energy: a break from work, a destination to explore, the right company. Take three days off and follow our suggestions and you will feel satisfied and ready to get going again.

The specific tour we suggest today starts in Orvieto, though this city would merit an entire weekend to be fully enjoyed. However, we will try to concentrate all the best the town has to offer in the shortest possible amount of time.

Among the unmissable attractions is the Duomo, a splendid building erected in the distant 13^th century under the pontificate of Pope Urban IV. One is immediately struck by the Gothic façade with its mosaics and bas-reliefs, and by the Chapel of the Holy Body. The reliquary that is held here still preserves the cloth stained with blood that dripped from the host during a Mass celebrated by a Bohemian priest who was undergoing a crisis of faith.

At the back of the imposing building we find the Palazzi dei Papi, dedicated to, among others, popes Martin IV and Boniface VIII.

We then delve into the magical atmosphere of the underground city (the città sotterranea), filled with caves and grottoes, including the Pozzo di San Patrizio, which was completed in the 16^th century to furnish water to the fortress of Albornoz.

We end the first day with a bang by dining with the area's typical dishes. On the menu you will surely find wild pigeon alla leccarda, chicken cacciatora, and for dessert, ciambelloni with aniseed. And if you really want to spoil yourselves, try a glass of Sangiovese or Trebbiano, two truly excellent wines.

The next morning we move a few miles away and start our itinerary from Todi, a town perched atop a hill, like a lighthouse over the Tiber Valley. Within the three-fold city walls, dating from various historical eras, we find Piazza del Popolo, the town's beating heart, overlooked by the Palazzo Comunale, which includes in its interior the Museo Lapidario, the Pinacoteca Civica (town painting gallery), and the Museum of Roman and Etruscan history.

Nearby we come across the Church of San Fortunato, dedicated to the local patron saint, which also holds the tomb of the humanist poet Jacopone of Todi. Art lovers cannot miss the Tempio della Consolazione, erected in the 17^th century following a design by Bramante.

After visiting the archaeological treasures that are the Cisterne, underground cisterns that were used to collect rainwater, we definitely need a tasty break!

On Todi's tables the real specialties are caciato or nociato bread, spit-roasted wild pigeons, and cured meats, accompanied by a Grechetto DOC wine, which was beloved also by Pliny the Elder.

We end our journey with a visit to Terni, dedicating the third and final day to the beauties of the city and its natural setting. In this area, after all, we find the Marmore Waterfall, one of Europe's tallest.

In this case as well, following a good long walk in the greenery or after trekking out in the open air, you'll welcome a nice rest in front of a good old plate of ciriole alla ternana, a traditional hand-made pasta usually served with a tomato, garlic, olive oil, and chili sauce. Also popular around here are game-based dishes of grilled meat. To end on a sweet note, try panpepato, a typical Christmas dessert bursting with nuts and candied fruit in a chocolate base.

Three days of wellness and discovery in Umbria: from Orvieto to Terni passing through Todi, you will discover spectacular locations, stories and legends, not to mention the excellent food.

Un’immersione nella natura del Cuore Verde d’Italia con tanti stimoli e numerose opportunità di gioco e di divertimento per una vacanza a misura di bambino.

Bosco di San Francesco – Assisi (Pg) – tel. +39 075 813157 – www.fondoambiente.it

Centro Rafting Umbria – Serravalle di Norcia (Pg) – tel. +39 348 3511798 – www.raftingumbria.it

Tra avventura e divertimento, vi portiamo alla scoperta di attrazioni immerse nella natura che regalano a grandi e piccoli momenti di grande spensieratezza per una vacanza da vivere all’aria aperta.

How many times have you felt like you needed a break from work and the everyday? And how many times has the best solution been to just set off to discover new places? If you too feel this urge, know that the answer to your problems has a name: Umbria.

You need only spend two days in this wonderful land to come back feeling completely regenerated. The itinerary we suggest today starts from Orvieto, one of Italy's most ancient towns. Its past has left us many monuments and churches to visit.

We begin with the Duomo, a dazzling example of Gothic-Romanesque architecture. Inside, the cathedral holds the Sacred Body and is adorned with unique frescoes painted by Lucal Signorelli. Also worth seeing just a few metres away are the Palazzi dei Papi, the Palaces of the Popes, imposing buildings which testify to the prestige of three great personalities of the Papal State: popes Urban IV, Martin IV, and Boniface VIII.

The ideal to-do list has to include a trip to the subterranean city, made out of caves and wells dug over the centuries by local inhabitants.

After visiting the Etruscan Necropolis, we recommend an aperitivo, or a wine tasting in one of the local cellars, as excellent wine grapes are cultivated in this area.

The following day we start our tour from Città della Pieve, where absolute must-sees are the house of the artist Perugino and his frescoes, such as the Madonna with Saint John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Gervase, and Protasius, the Baptism of Jesus, as well as the works of Pomarancio, such as The Eternal and the Angels.

After all this art, let us reward ourselves with a delicious lunch on the shores of Lake Trasimeno. An escape into the greenery is just what we need to relax and enjoy the local products.

We end on the second evening at Maggiore Island, which still today boasts the typical look of a 15^th century fishing village. The characteristic local lace-making, the Casa del Capitano, and the Church of San Salvatore render this place magical and evocative, the perfect last stop of a journey that is bound to remain in your hearts.

Museums, churches, and subterranean cities: nothing better for an ideal weekend. Orvieto and the towns around it are the perfect destination to enjoy Umbria's typical produce and flavours.

A beautiful day and an enthusiasm for walking: ever thought of taking a trip in the environs of Norcia? The town, whose ancient name is Nursia, is located between the two rivers of Sordo and Torbidone. In Roman times, it was a politically very relevant place.

Sadly, many important monuments and sites have been damaged due to numerous earthquakes in this area. Today, inside the walls, it's worth visiting the gothic church of St. Benedict, the first Christian monk, who was born here. Also not to be missed is the Duomo, dating from the Renaissance, and the Castellina, a fort designed by the architect Vignola, which today houses the museum of the diocese.

Exiting from the city gate, we move towards Preci, entering the path of the Patino valley which leads to the homonymous cave, hidden among the beech trees. This mysterious-looking grotto used to be a great refuge for herdsmen, quite possibly since prehistoric times.

We find ourselves not far from mount Patino, a highly-recommended viewing point from which to admire the might mount Vettore in its entirety. We thus arrive to Monte Fusconi and then to Poggio di Croce, which originated as a castle but with time was transformed into a country village; only the entry-way and the formwork remain of the original settlement.

The town, famous especially in spring for the blossoming of its many plants and flowers, is an excellent destination for those wishing to do sport, in particular mountain-biking, horse-riding, and – in the wintertime – cross country skiing.

Not just churches and monuments: set off into the nature at the foot of the mountains and live Umbria's spirit to the fullest.

Are you looking for a walking itinerary? Possibly among wild flowers and plants? As always, Umbria will delight you.

Whether you like trekking or mountain biking, the most important thing is always to leave with a few essentials in your backpack and dive into the greenery, without looking back.

We suggest a really enticing excursion which starts from Colle Fergiara, an area renowned for its variegated vegetation but also for its recently discovered marine fossils which testify the deep transformations effected here over time through tectonic shifts.

This area is particularly suited to spring outings, when gentians, tulips and peonies release their scents and lively colours.

From here one easily reaches Salto del Cieco, the ancient border post which used to divide the Papal State and the Bourbon kingdom. There are still some old ruins to be seen, some restored but others left to themselves. Also worth seeing are the specimens of Aleppo pine tree, holms, and downy oaks.

We thus come to Polino, located at about 830 metres above sea level, and in the past part of the dominion of the Castelli family, rulers of Terni, who took advantage of Polino's strategic position. Near the main square, the town gate and a tower – which used to serve as a military office – are immediately noticeable. The castle, fountain, and Oesina tower are other monuments worth seeing in the historic centre, though the most striking thing around is the surrounding greenery. Only a few miles away one finds the Coscerno and Aspra mountains, or Piediluco Lake and Monteleone di Spoleto.

We continue our journey towards Colle Bertone, a town perched on a rocky hill, around which it is possible to find the fossilized remains of so-called sea-lilies and sea urchins.

Our final destination is La Pelosa Mountain, the highest peak in all of Terni province. From the summit it is possible to gaze over five Italian regions: an exceptional point to see all of the marvels of the Valnerina, the central Apennines, the Sibillini Mountains, the Laga and Gran Sasso. This destination is also ideal for lovers of animal-watching: if you're lucky, you can sight roe deer, foxes, squirrels, and various species of birds.

From Colle Forgiara to Mount La Pelosa, passing through Colle Bertone and Salto del Cieco: our destinations along this journey into beauty.

The territory of the Martani Mountains community is a range enclosing the southern Umbrian valley, from Assisi to Spoleto. This is an ideal location for lovers of the outdoors who also do not want to miss out on discovery and history.

From a geological viewpoint, these mountains are made out of marine sediments, particularly of limestone from the Triassic era. Plant life here is rich and varied and it is possible to explore variegated forests populated by oaks, holms and beeches. But the true particularity of the Martani Mountains is the abundance of caves, sinkholes, and gorges, caused by the erosive effects of water and time.

Worth seeing in the area is the town of Macerino, of Roman origin and located along a road essential for communication and commerce. This town was once the capital of the Terre Arnolfe, and its walls are still intact, as is its castle, built above the main town. The churches of San Biagio, San Giovenal, and of the Madonna del Fiore also survive to this day.

If you are instead fascinated by ghost towns, of uninhabited places that excude a magical and evocative atmosphere, seek out Scoppio, a collection of stone houses and alleyways that has been abandoned since the 1950s. Though it has often been shaken by tragic earthquakes, a part of the original castle still stands in the town centre.

But this area is also a real spiritual oasis, as it hosts the prehistoric settlement of Cesi, the fortified sanctuary of Sant'Erasmo, located between the Naia valley and the Terni gorge, and the sanctuary of mount Torre Maggiore

Walking, cycling, or on horseback: here are some things to do on the Martani mountains. From the greenest nature to ancient forgotten towns: unmissable places in Umbria.

An easy itinerary and completely level, also suitable to beginners and families with children, which unfolds among sweet and flat landscapes of the Umbrian Valtiberina.
For beginners and for those who want to practice sport and to know this territory, it is possible to split the journey into two stages: the first one from San Giustino to Umbertide and the second one from Umbertide to Ponte San Giovanni.

A cycle path of over 80 kilometers which links Città di Castello to Perugia and it is spread over the Tiber river banks. An easy itinerary and completely level, also suitable to beginners and families with children, which unfolds among sweet and flat landscapes of the Umbrian Valtiberina.

The climb to the Mount Acuto takes about four hours, the itinerary is 11.450 km long and the difference in height is 678 metres.

During the climb there are woods and pastures and at the altitude of about 700 metres the path forks off. Going through a thick beech forest you will reach the Cima Cerchiaia, where you can find the remains of a fortified borough that demonstrates the strategic importance of the Mount Acuto in the past.

It’s an elliptical-shaped construction of the protohistoric age, from which the name “cerchiaia” derives (cerchia means circle). This facility was used in the past to control the underlying territory.

On top of Mount Acuto (923 metres) there was also a presidium for the defence of the border between the Etruscan and the Umbrian territory, marked by the course of the river Tiber.

Between the 6th and the 7th century B.C., the peak of the hill became the centre of a mountain sanctuary devoted to a goddess protector of the agricultural and breeding activities and several small votive bronzes that were found during the archaeological excavations were devoted to her.

The climb up Mount Corona takes about 4 hours and a half, the itinerary is about 12.5 km long and the difference in height is 690 metres.

Uphill from the Abbey of Montecorona you will begin to climb towards the hermitage; if you go along the ancient path built by monks (today called “Mattonata” for the presence of a pavement) you will see a shrine devoted to the Lady and the view from the estate of St. Savino opens on a wonderful panorama towards the Apennines.

At the crossroad you can decide to reach the Hermitage on the top of Mount Corona and go on then towards the fortified borough of St. Giuliana, of private property.

If you descend towards the valley you will pass by the estate St. Giuliano delle Pignatte, which has a church that preserved a precious ciborium of the 8th century, today in the Abbey of Montecorona, as well as by the Toro estate and, if you walk along the hill of Castiglione dell’Abbate you will return to the point of departure.

According to the CAI definition it is an itinerary that travels along pathways with a varied terrain (pastures, debris and screes).

It requires a good training for the length of the pathway and for the difference in height, beyond a suitable equipment.

The village of Colfiorito, near Foligno, is located on a plateau immersed in the green of the Apennines between Umbria and le Marche, at about 800 metres above sea level. You can reach it via the SS77 Val di Chienti and when you arrive at the pass of Colfiorito, it becomes immediately obvious what the local industry is. Along the sides of the road, you'll see farmers selling local products: different varieties of legumes and the famous patata rossa (red potato), which is the symbol, par excellence, of the area and to which the festival/fair which has taken place in every August since 1978 is dedicated.

The patata rossa di Colfiorito does not originate from the area but derives from the Dutch variety Désirée and has flourished thanks to the climate of the plateau, the abundance of water, the composition and fertility of the soil as well as the altitude of the land. The red potato has very particular features which distinguish it from the classic white variety: its typical red skin, yellow flesh and its oval, elongated shape.

It is particularly popular for making gnocchi thanks to its consistency and is often used in the preparation of frittate and focacce, as an accompaniment to main courses dressed with rosemary, thyme, oregano or parsley, or simply cooked over embers, with the addition of oil and salt. The versatile red potato of Colfiorito is also used in the preparation of the famous fried sweet doughnuts.

Among the local products of the Colfiorito territory we also want to highlight the delicious legumes including the lenticchia di Colfiorito (lentil of Colfiorito), lesser known and smaller than the one from Castelluccio di Norcia, but just as tasty. It is a high-quality product, delicious in stews, as a purée or in soups and it doesn't need to be soaked before cooking.

Other characteristic products from the plateau are spelt, beans, chickpeas, cicerchie (grass peas) and roveja, a legume similar to the pea but of a dark brown, reddish or dark green colour with a flavour similar to the broad bean. Roveja is cultivated in very few plots of land in the territory and boasts a high protein content, is low in fat and contains important minerals like phosphorous and potassium. Its cultivation had been progressively abandoned because of the large amount of manual labour required, but today, it has been rediscovered and valued as a niche product. In this area there are also numerous cheese factories, where you can buy cheeses of the highest quality directly from local producers.

A territory which is profoundly attached to the traditions and fruits of its land, which boasts a proud tradition of local products: the famous red potato, different varieties of legumes of the highest quality, as well as cheeses and meat with enriched flavours, thanks to the animals grazing on mountain grass.

Do you know that Umbria is the first Italian region that obtained the recognition of the PDO for the Extra virgin olive oil throughout the region?

The Umbria PDO designation is accompanied by five geographical references: so here we have an itinerary among gastronomy and culture, from Magione to Passignano, to discover one of these geographical references, the one of Trasimeno Hills.

The olive production area includes the territories of Perugia, Piegaro, Paciano, Panicale, Castiglione del Lago, Magione, Tuoro sul Trasimneo, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Lisciano Niccone, Umbertide, Città di Castello, Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Corciano, Citerna, San Giustino, Montone e Pietralunga.

It’s an extra virgin olive oil derived from the following olive tree varieties: Moraiolo and Dolce Agogia (no less than 15%); Frantoio and Leccino (jointly no less than 65%) and possibly other varieties up to a maximum limit of 20%. Thanks to its colour that flows from green to golden yellow, to its fruity taste with a slight bitter and spicy taste, it would be ideal on freshwater fish carpaccio, roasted fine fishes and vegetable soups.

The period between October and November is for sure the best one to get to know closely the oil production in Umbria, especially on the occasion of Open Oil Mills that will enable you to take part in tastings, walks and olive harvest, in order to celebrate the arrival of the new Extra virgin olive oil, together with the other food and wine excellencies of the Italian Green Heart. More specifically, “Olivagando” takes place in Magione each year, whereas Passignano hosts “OIiamo”: both initiatives are an excellent occasion to discover better the extra virgin olive oil of the Trasimeno (we recommend you to check the programme of Open Oil Mills to verify the dates).

A dozen or so of oil mills are located in the Trasimeno areas. If you want to take advantage of the event to visit them, simply check which oil mills are joining the initiative.

The following itinerary starts from Magione, nevertheless with a unique integrated ticket you can start from any Umbria spot and thanks to the integrated travel document you will be able to travel on all local transport services (bus/train/boat, minimetrò, funicular) without extra costs.

Leave in the morning, so to enjoy the whole day with calm and without missing anything that these splendid areas offer.

Our itinerary starts from Magione, a village dominated by the majestic castle of the Malta Knights standing on the hills of the Trasimeno eastern shore.

The castle of Malta Knights is precisely the most representative building of the town and consequently you can not miss a visit to it: it is located within the town of Magione and today it is perfectly integrated in its urban centre.

Always in the village we recommend you not to miss the Church of St. John Baptist, with an imposing façade enriched by the cycle of frescoes of Gerardo Dottori; the church of Our Lady of the Graces that preserves “The Virgin enthroned with the Child” (1371), a painting attributed to Andrea di Giovanni from Orvieto; and the Lombardi Tower, executed between the 12th and the 13th century by the Jerusalem Knights as defensive system.

You will arrive thus at lunch time and you should enjoy a break in one of the local restaurants, where we recommend you to choose one of the dishes that will give you the opportunity to taste the raw oil in combination with one of the typical products of the lake, such as the fagiolina (a little bean) of the Trasimeno.

At this stage leave again and travel towards Passignano: just take the regional train that runs every hour and that in few minutes will lead to your destination (here you find the timetables).

Once reached Passignano that stands on a small promontory made up of the last foothills running along the northern shore of the Lake Trasimeno, you will find yourself in a village that combines perfectly nature, history, art and folklore.

The Medieval Fortress rises in the highest point of the village and houses the Boats’ Museum, that we recommend you to visit.

Among the buildings of artistic value we remind you to visit the Church of St. Cristoforo, the 15th century Church of St. Rocco, the Church of St. Bernardino and the Oratory of San Rocco.

Before leaving again, enjoy an aperitif along the lake and maybe you could taste a good glass of DOC wine coming from the Trasimeno hills: the colours of sunset will leave you breathless.

In order to return to Magione it will be sufficient to catch the train you took at the departure.

An itinerary among gastronomy and culture, from Magione to Passignano, to discover the PDO Trasimeno Hills.

Lungo il tracciato si incontrano, in sequenza, la meravigliosa Abbazia di San Cassiano del secolo X, dove il tempo sembra essersi fermato, l’antico Santuario della Madonna del Ponte, luogo frequentato dai pellegrini sin dall’antichità e, in località La Cerqua, il Santuario di Santa Maria della Quercia. Il cammino raggiunge, infine, San Gemini, incantevole borgo medioevale ricco di storia che diede i natali a San Pietro, protomartire francescano. La tappa termina nella Chiesa di San Francesco.

La tappa si sviluppa interamente nella splendida campagna fra Narni e San Gemini.

A route that takes place in the midst of nature, demanding in the first part for the presence of the continuous ups and downs between the hills and for the strong ascent to the pass that leads to Calvi dell’Umbria. The stage continues to Aguzzo, the village of Sant'Accursio, Franciscan protomartyr. Along the way you will find the Hermitage of Sant'Urbano (Sacro Speco) where St. Francis stayed until you reach Calvi dell'Umbria, the village of San Berardo that preserves a monumental sixteenth century terracotta crib, unique in Umbria. The stage ends at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

From the Convent of San Francesco in Stroncone to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Calvi dell'Umbria.

Cammino in pianura, ma reso difficile sia dalla lunghezza del percorso sia dai numerosi saliscendi che si susseguono fra le colline. Si inizia con la Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, antica abbazia benedettina a Schifanoia, per poi proseguire con Santa Pudenziana, chiesa di origine romana, e la Chiesa di Sant’Angelo in Massa, in origine abbazia benedettina, per finire con la imponente Rocca del Cardinale Albornoz. Narni, terra di Sant’Adiuto, è città medioevale dal ricchissimo patrimonio storico, artistico e culturale, nota per la stupenda cattedrale e celebre per la Corsa all’Anello. La tappa si conclude alla Chiesa di San Francesco, datata al XIII secolo.

Located in the green hills where Umbria and Tuscany meet, between the Aral and the Amiata mountains, rises the beautiful town of Città della Pieve. It is a unique place, with a very particular architecture and an urban pattern distancing itself from the typical Umbrian features: in 1188 Castel del Pieve was declared a free district, so emancipating from Perugia. Its inhabitants created an urban structure that proves the presence of knights, with wide streets, whilst the closest more narrow and fragmented streets show the presence of citizens who walked along the streets.

We propose that you visit this town through a tour covering its alleys and crossing the heart of its historical center, to discover its spectacular view and evocative streets.

When you arrive in Città della Pieve, follow the blue signs leading to a labyrinth of evocative places of the memory and spaces representing the meeting points for the Città della Pieve inhabitants. Leave from Via delle Scuole Pie, on the northeastern side of the historical center, its name deriving from the Orca Palace that until the unification of Italy was the seat of Scuole Pie (Pius Schools). Right after Giacomo Matteotti Square, along the central road leading to Plebiscite Square, walk through Via Borgo di Giano. You will recognize it from the high tower located here. Pass through the Via delle Nottole alley, where were ancient workshops produced barrels. A little further on you will find Via Roma, the ancient Via del Vecciano that is the old gate of the early urban center. Then pass through via Manni, former via Lombardia, one of the most ancient roads of Città della Pieve: the Lombard master artisans devoted to working with clay lived here. Amongst the alleys, you don't miss seeing two beautiful squares: Antonio Gramsci square, the ancient square of the oven, and piazza Plebiscito, Città della Pieve's main square, where the façade of the Cathedral of Saint Gervasio and Protasio can be admired.

The path will then lead you to via Fiorenzuola, the Florence merchants' street, passing through Piazza di Spagna and Piazza XIX Giugno, formerly Piazza Mercato, and then leading you along two very particular streets. The first one is via del Barbacane that owes its name to the defensive supports of the overlooking medieval walls. The second street recommend seeing is Via Baciadonne (""Kiss-women street"") that is just past the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, where The Adoration of the Three Wise Men by Perugino is preserved. Biaciadonne alley is considered one of the narrowest ones in Italy and probably owes its origins to conflicts between separate neighborhoods. After going through the alley, stop and look at the panorama laid out in front of you: on the left is Umbria and the Terni province, on the right is Tuscany and the Chiusi area.

When you walk through the town's alleys you should stop to taste one of Umbria's most precious agricultural products: the saffron of Città della Pieve.

We propose you follow a path in the heart of Città della Pieve, an itinerary across evocative and small alleys as well as across majestic streets, once covered by knights.

Tappa impegnativa per via dei continui saliscendi sulle colline ternane. Il cammino di sviluppa in mezzo alla natura. Nella Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pace potete ammirare l’imponente ciclo pittorico sui Protomartiri Francescani dell’artista Stefano di Stasio. Lungo il cammino si possono visitare i resti dell’antica Abbazia Benedettina di San Benedetto in Fundis e il Monastero di San Simeone fino a raggiungere Stroncone, città natale di Sant'Ottone, uno dei borghi medioevali più belli dell'Umbria. La tappa si conclude al Convento di San Francesco del XIII secolo.

In cammino sulle colline ternane. Dalla Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pace a Terni al Convento di San Francesco a Stroncone.

Lungo il cammino si incontra il Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Oro, ove sorgeva l’antico convento francescano costruito per volontà di San Bernardino da Siena. Il percorso termina alla Chiesa di Sant’Antonio di Padova – Santuario Antoniano dei Protomartiri – meta del pellegrinaggio al cui interno sono riposte le reliquie dei Santi. Tele di Piero Casentini ornano l’altare della chiesa.

Tappa conclusiva del Cammino dei Protomartiri Francescani, che si svolge in prevalenza su strade asfaltate.

Percorso impegnativo per via della forte ascesa all’ Eremo di Portaria, detto anche la Romita di Cesi, e per la successiva discesa a Cesi. Lungo il percorso potrete visitare lo splendido sito archeologico di Carsulae. Si raggiunge la Romita di Cesi, antico eremo francescano immerso nel silenzio dei boschi. Il Convento fu fondato nel 1213 da San Francesco, che qui si ritirava in preghiera. La Tradizione vuole che qui Francesco abbia composto la Exhortatio ad Laudem Dei, considerata un primo abbozzo per il Cantico di frate Sole. Possibilità di accoglienza. Il cammino raggiunge Cesi, borgo ricco di storia che si affaccia sulla conca ternana. La tappa si conclude alla Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta.

Berardo, Ottone, Peter, Accursio and Adiuto are the names of the Franciscan Proto-Martyr-saints, the first martyrs of the order, killed in Morocco in 1220, for their profound and unconditional faith in Christ.

We propose a walking route starting from Terni and crossing Stroncone, Aguzzo, Calvi dell'Umbria, Narni and San Gemini, native cities of the Proto-Martyr-saints, and ending in the Saint Antony Sanctuary of the Franciscan Proto-Martyrs in Terni, following a path along the places where Saint Francis preached the Gospel.

The path is divided in six stages, but you can even create intermediate ones for an easier walk or to deepen the knowledge of some places.

The first stage goes from Terni to Stroncone: the path is throug nature, along Terni's hills. In the church of Saint Mary of Peace, you can stop to look at the painting ensemble by Stefano di Stasio dedicated to the Franciscan Proto-Martyrs. Along your path, you can glimpse the remains of the ancient abbey of Saint Benedict in Fundis and the Saint Simeon Monastery today used by the religious community of the Ricostruttori nella Preghiera (Rebuilders in Prayer). The path ends in the Convent of Saint Francis in Stroncone, the village where Saint Ottone was born.

The second stage of the path goes from Stroncone until Calvi dell'Umbria. Even this part of the road takes place entirely in the nature. You will pass through Aguzzo, the town of Saint Accursio and the Hermitage of Saint Urban, where Saint Francis stayed for a long time and where he transformed water into wine. You will find yourself in Calvi dell'Umbria, the town of Saint Berard: here you can admire a monumental nativity scene made of the sixteenth century terracotta, unique in its kind in Umbria. You will end the path in the Church of Saint Mary Assunta.

The third stage of the walk leads to Narni: it's the longest stage of the route, but also the richest of places to visit. It starts with the Saint Michael Archangel church, an ancient Benedictine abbey in Schifanoia and then to Saint Pudenziana, church of Roman origin, and Saint Angel Castle in Massa, originally a Benedictine abbey, and finally a visit to the majestic Albornoz fortress in Narni, city where Saint Adiuto was born. The path finishes in Narni in the Saint Francis church.

The fourth stage takes place in the beautiful countryside connecting Narni and San Gemini: first, visit the 10th century Saint Cassiano abbey and the sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, a place visited by pilgrims since antiquity as was the Sanctuary of Saint Mary of the Oak. You'll continue to San Gemini, the village where the Proto-martyr Saint Peter was born, where you'll end the stage in the Church of Saint Francis.

Start again from San Gemini and head towards Cesi, along mountain paths. Visit along the road the Carsulae archeological site. At the end of the stage, you will reach the Romita di Cesi hermitage, where a Friar Minor, supported by a group of volunteers, restored the ancient splendor of a beautiful Franciscan convent, where the Poor Man of Assisi composed the first version of the Canticle of the Creatures.

The last stage starts from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cesi and returns you to the starting point: Terni. This part takes place almost entirely along a paved path; along the way, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Oro, ste of an ancient Franciscan convent, built on orders of San Bernardino da Siena. The path of Franciscan Proto-Martyrs ends in a symbolic place: the Church of Saint Antony of Padua, which holds relics of the Franciscan Martyr-saints.

A spiritual and cultural itinerary in the native places of the Franciscan Proto-Martyr-saints as well as in the places loved by Saint Francis, amongst hermitages and abbeys immersed in the green and in the silence of Terni's beautiful hills.

Departure: Collestrada – Enpa Resort (connection Bike Lane of the Tiber) │ Arrival: intersection Via Francesca and Mattonata (connection Bike Lane Assisi –Spoleto) │ Distance: 12,8 km │ Difference in level: +80m; -30m │ Difficulty: easy │ Road surface: asphalt 10 km (79,1%) dirt road 2,8 km (21,9%) │ Bike recommended: hybrid, mtb │ What to visit in the area: Perugia, Collestrada, Bastia Umbra, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi.

The bike lane connection among Perugia and Assisi does connect the bike lane of the Tiber (which from Città di Castello, with a stop in Umbertide, it does arrive to Ponte San Giovanni in Perugia) with the bike lane Assisi –Spoleto (passing through Bevagna). This will allow you to walk an itinerary of about 200 km from North to South of Umbria, across several regional bike lanes, starting from San Giustino, passing through Ponte San Giovanni, Assisi, Spoleto, Sant’Anatolia di Narco, up to the Marmore Waterfalls.

This connection is spread over a low traffic viability, especially through rural areas. You can reach Assisi enjoying its view for the most part of the trip.From Collestrada until the end you can travel it by every kind of bike (except racing bike).The first stretch, indeed, is earthy and it could be muddy in the flat part, furthermore it is pretty rough along its short uphill which leads to the first buildings of Collestrada, for which it is practicable just by mountain bike and fat bike.

INTERMODALITY
To reach Perugia:
By train:
Line Milano – Firenze – Roma Line Ancona – Foligno – Firenze: Railway Station of Foligno and then a connection with regional train to Perugia.

A short stretch to be covered in complete peace, which connects Perugia to Assisi. A way to pass through all Umbrian wonders by bike, from North so South, among different bike lanes.

Departure: Chiusi │ Arrival: Passignano sul Trasimeno │ Distance: 16,9 km │ Difference in level: +30m; -20m │Difficulty: easy │ Road surface: asphalt 10,4 km (61,9%); dirt road 6,4 km (38,1%) │ Bike recommended: hybrid, mtb │ What to visit in the area: Chiusi, Castiglione del Lago, Paciano, Panicale.

This connection is spread over ordinary roads of low and medium traffic intensity, it allows to connect with a small flat path the Bike Lane of the Sun from Chiusi Scalo to the Bike Lane of the Trasimeno. Near “Muffa”, you can follow two panoramic paths:
- one that is grafted into debike lane at Sant’Arcangelo sul Trasimeno;
- the path to the railway station of Terontola, from which you can easy reach the bike lane of the Trasimeno.

Departure: Cycleconnection Chiusi – Trasimeno near Muffa │ Arrival: Graft bike lane of the Trasimeno at Sant’Arcangelo│ Distance: 12km │ Difference in level: +150m; -150m │ Difficulty: easy │ Road surface: asphalt 5,75 km (47,9%); dirt road 6,25 km (52,1%) │ Bike recommended: hybrid, mtb │ What to visit in the area: Paciano, Panicale, Sant’Arcangelo sul Trasimeno.

An itinerary slightly more challenging will let you reach the district of Sant’Arcangelo sul Trasimeno and its hills, from which you can admire in all its beauty the Lake landscape. If you want to have a break in this village you must visit the same name Abbey or “Badia”, as it is called by local residents, whose origins are very old (its presence is documented since 1115). You also have to see the Colombaia tower and the San Giovanni ai Baldami Chapel. Very interesting is the Church of “Santa Maria di Ancaelle”, a small church of the 13thcentury, within which you can admire a precious table representing the “Virgin holding her Son” of the 13thcentury, and you can see some paintings attributed to Giovanni Battista Caporali, of the 12thcentury.

Departure: Cycle connection Chiusi – Trasimeno near Muffa │ Arrival: Graft bike lane of the Trasimeno at Borghetto │ Distance: 34km │ Difference in level: +200m; -200m │ Difficulty: medium-easy │ Road surface: asphalt 32,1 km (94,4%); dirt road 1,9km (5,6%) │ Bike recommended: hybrid, mtb │ What to visit in the area: Castiglione del Lago.

If you want to reach Terontola by going through the panoramic hills overlooking the west side of the lake, you have to follow the itinerary described from Chiusi but, once near the overpass at Muffa, you have to carry straight on until Sanfatucchio and then continue towards Gioiella. Later on the Provincial Road 301, which winds among the hills, until the village of Pozzuolo, of late medieval origin, taking part of the district of Castiglione del Lago, where you have to visit the wonderful Church of Saints Pietro and Paolo, an old parish church dating back to 12thcentury, rebuilt in 1743 with its bell tower of 30 meters high, in which Margherita da Cortona received baptism. After crossing the small village, follow the indication for Piana and then for Petrignano del Lago and Ferretto.This road winds among the hills, with fantastic views, stepping over the Oak of Repentance remains, linked to the Santa Margherita da Cortona affair.

By car
Highway del Sole (A1), Exit “Valdichiana” for those coming from the North, Exit “Fabro” and “Chiusi – Chianciano Terme” for those coming from the South;
E45, Exit “Perugia”, direction Lago Trasimeno.

By train
Line Milano – Firenze – Roma: Railway Stations of Castiglione del Lago, Chiusi – Chianciano Terme or Terontola; Line Ancona – Foligno – Firenze: Railway Stations of Magione, Passignano sul Trasimeno or Tuoro sul Trasimeno.

An itinerary suitable to all bike lovers, also to beginnerswho want to engage in a not very challenging walk.

The Perugia – Trasimeno, although this is designed to be an essential route linking among the bike lanes which persist in several Umbrian areas, it deserves to be travelled.

It launches the biker from the start into a new “green” Perugia, also for those who think to know it, and then to enter into some delightful countryside close to the Trasimeno Mountains, up to the Lake which suddenly turns out, by which time you get its banks.

This itinerary is starting from the Regional capital town, Perugia, a city of art among the most dynamic of Italy, with its medieval and Renaissance–era buildings, its museums, its impressive churches anditswonderful squares, a combination of modernity and tradition which guards with jealousy several ancient civilizations remains that have outlined its urban plan and its cultural identity.

Going through some green areas of the town, this path continues toward Trasimeno along mostly asphalted roads, alternating with several dirt road sections of slight difficulty and with little traffic, except for several crossings on busy roads and then to rejoin at the end of the Trasimeno bike lane.

By car
Highway del Sole (A1), Exit “Valdichiana” for those coming from the North, Exit “Orte” for those coming from the South.

Highway A14, from North exit “Cesena” and then follow the Freeway E45, from South exit “Civitanova Marche” to merge onto E80

By train
Line Milano – Firenze – Roma or Line Ancona – Foligno - Firenze: Railway Station of Foligno then you will find a connection by regional train to Perugia.

An easy itinerary that starts from an unusual “Perugia Green” by following through the delightful countryside close to the Trasimeno Mountains, up to the Lake that suddenly turns out.

This path unfolds along the Lake Trasimeno perimeter, along its banks up to head inland and to the border lane of the same name Regional Park. Each turn gives you the mutable show of lake waters, reedbeds, islands and its rich livestock.

This journey, in its entirety, cab be followed just by mountain bike, fat bike or by stronger touring bike. During rainy periods, just with mountain and fat bike. However there are some stretches of asphalt passable by every kind of bike.

With the exception of the section Anguillara – Castiglione del Lago, which is spread over a very busy road and over regional and provincial roads, the asphalted road surfaces you can find it on secondary roads not very busy.

Starting from the Train Station of Passignano sul Trasimeno, a wonderful village on the shores of the lake, a mix of nature, history, art and folklore, this ring route alternates some asphalted sections and dirt road sections, allowing you to find some typical villages like Torricella, San Feliciano (with its typical port) and Sant’Arcangelo (districts of Magione), Mirabella (district of Panicale) up to Castiglione del Lago, in origin the fourth island of the Trasimeno Lake, today among the Most beautiful villages of Italy.

From here the path is continuing along the Lakeside and on a dirt road which, in about 2 km, turns into a pleasant pedestrian and cycle route on gravel and pressed road, with several footpath bridges and picnic areas. The reeds landscape and the wild bird that you will meet here, they deserve several stops which allow you to admire the wonderful lake view.

The path is going back to the road after 5 km to reach the small village of Borghetto and then continuing towards Tuoro sul Trasimeno, a medieval village overlooking the shores of the lake, location of the Trasimeno Battle, occurred on June 24th 217 B.C., in which the Carthaginian army of Hannibal defeated the Roman army.

The itinerary goes back to coast along the railway up to the village of Passignano.
If you came here by train you can reach the forecourt of the small railway station, while if you wish to reach the Lakeside or the ferry terminal, you can take the latest pedestrian itinerary which will pleasantly lead you to the destination.

For those who want to split the journey in two days, they can coordinate their return with the ferry boat direction Passignano – Castiglione del Lago. You can carry your bikes on the ferryboat without problems.

By car
Highway del Sole (A1), exit “Valdichiana” for those coming from the North, exit “Fabro” and “Chiusi – Chianciano Terme” for those coming from the South.
E45, exit “Perugia”, direction Trasimeno Lake.

By train
Line Milano – Firenze – Roma: Railway Stations of Castiglione del Lago, Chiusi – Chianciano Terme or Terontola.
Line Ancona – Foligno – Firenze: Railway Stations of Magione, Passignano sul Trasimeno or Tuoro sul Trasimeno.

A ring route which runs along the lake giving unforgettable views and beautiful natural landscapes.

Il percorso non presenta asperità di rilievo e per questo può essere considerato facile, anche se è caratterizzato da una lunga serie di saliscendi nella parte centrale, quella che offre anche gli scorci naturalistici più belli.

Il chilometraggio totale è di 34 chilometri, con un dislivello di 400 metri. La prima parte del percorso sale leggermente fino a Casamaggiore, da dove affronti una serie di saliscendi che conducono a Gioiella, Vaiano e Villastrada, percorrendo la Strada del Vino dei Colli del Trasimeno.

Questo tratto, completamente privo di traffico, si snoda tra vigneti e prati verdi, e offre bellissimi panorami sul Lago Trasimeno, il Lago di Chiusi e la campagna Toscana.

Le strade sono quasi tutte a basso traffico veicolare, ad esclusione dei due chilometri di SS71 che si percorrono poco prima di tornare a Castiglione del Lago, quindi adatte anche ai principianti.

L'itinerario parte dagli impianti sportivi di Castiglione del Lago, posti lungo il Lago Trasimeno, e si sviluppa sulle verdi colline che dividono Umbria e Toscana

Stained glass making and artistic weaving are two highlights of local craftsmanship in Perugia. Discover two of the museum-workshops known throughout Italy for their ancient traditions as well as for their unique and sought-after products.

To attend the ritual, you must enter the room called the ""Camera degli Apostoli"" (Chamber of the Apostles) behind the largest altar: the sick person is held by wooden supports embedded in the wall, while the healer, invoking Saints Peter and Paul, makes the sign of the cross and brushes the body with the hands. This power, under ecclesiastical authority, can also be performed outside of the sanctuary, but only by healers from Cancelli with a patent issued from the bishopric Curia of Foligno.
The documentation is truly impressive and the attestations received about the healings performed are authoritative: the practices, banned by the Council of Trent, were severely prohibited in 1586 by the Bishop of Foligno Marco Antonio Bizzoni, but he removed the prohibition when he himself was stricken with sciatica and needed the help of the Cancelli to be healed.

The Church of Holy Apostles Peter and Paul owes its foundation to the fame received from the healing of sciatica, which the firstborn sons of the Cancelli family performed in a small room in their home town. In the middle of the 17 ^th century, the flow of pilgrims was such that a church in the form of an oratory had to be built.
The building soon became insufficient to hold the faithful, and it was necessary to construct a massive sanctuary because a large part of the population heard Mass outside of the oratory, as stated in the foundation document of June 30 ^th 1744, kept in the bishopric chancellery of Foligno.

The present sanctuary of Cancelli was built between 1744 and 1765 on behalf of Foligno bishop Mario Antonio Maffei, on a project attributed to the Foligno architect, Filippo Neri. The large altarpiece that represents Saints Peter and Paul is the work of Claude Francois Beaumont, who donated it to the sanctuary.

Of all the Umbrian therapeutic sanctuaries, the one in Cancelli presents the uniqueness of developing in modern times under the pressure of the ecclesiastic hierarchy, on behalf the Cancelli family which has handed down through the centuries, from father to son, the power to ""mark"" whoever suffers from sciatica by the placement of the hands.

The healing of sciatica is still practiced today in the church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. At the sanctuary of Cancelli the bishopric Curia has issued a patent to ""mark"" the sick.

When you arrive, on the right side of the facade you will see a large rock with an incision and a hole, which the popular story attributes to the imprints left by the Saint's knee, elbow and walking stick.
Though this custom has now almost disappeared, you must kneel down in the same position in order to invoke the intercession for the cure of bone diseases.
According to the legend, the cranial relic of San Paterniano returned many times to the place where the Saint wanted to construct a church, until this wish had been fulfilled. The building, named in the Rationes Decimarum and the Pelosius Codex from the 14^th Century, has been restored and modified many times in the course of the last three centuries.

On the bell-shaped facade, preceded by a portico, a portal opens with two small side windows and one above. In the back, there is a small cell that was used as a refuge by religious hermits and the laity up until the first few decades of the twentieth century. On the occasion of the San Paterniano Festival, the church is a destination for pilgrims from the three neighbouring villages: Cammoro, Orsano and Pettino. The faithful gather on the valley floor: the men wear shirts of the brotherhood and each of the communities forms a procession up to the church. Inside the Church, a likeness of San Paterniano is venerated, where they hang votives asking for a miraculous intervention or to bear witness to the grace received. To make visits to the sanctuary and layovers easier for the faithful, the Agrarian Commonality of Cammoro has created an equipped area in the underlying clearing. In the vicinity of the church, under one of the largest beech trees in the region, ""there is a sanitary spring from which the people drink in devotion to the saint and to cure infirmity"", as the bishop Carlo Giacinto Lascaris noted in 1713 during his pastoral visit.

San Paterniano Church was founded in order to receive a miracle or bear witness to the grace received for bone diseases: on the Sunday following the 10^th of July there is a popular festival that recalls the pilgrimage to the sanctuary. Now inactive.

In the past, the 'miraculous' healing water to wash and treat children afflicted with skin rashes was drawn at the centre of the presbytery from a spring that ran under the abbatial complex.
The therapeutic rituals practiced in San Felice Abbey have been plentiful and diverse throughout the course of its history: for example, in 1700, women washed the heads of children to rid them of scabies.
In previous centuries, there was however some distrust for these types of devotion, due to the bad reputation that the abbey obtained with the practice of deceptive cures, cited by Teseo Pini in 1589. The ""Lotores"" that worked at San Felice were also included among the charlatans, promising to make children grow up healthy and healing the sick by washing them in water from the river Nera in exchange for money. The myth of the abbey's foundation is touched upon in a volume from the 12 ^th Century: San Mauro, who came from Syria with some three-hundred companions, retreated with his son Felice and a wet nurse to a solitary place and there a small hermitage was erected. The people in the area, who venerated him in life for liberating them from a dragon and performing other miracles, also celebrated him in death with the construction of a church at Castel San Felice above the hermitage where they were buried.

The legend of the dragon, carved in relief on the frieze under the rose window, is interpreted as a metaphor for the reclamation of the area from the marsh by San Felice monks.
The church, rebuilt in 1190, is a marvellous example of Spoleto Romanesque architecture, and has a small annexed monastery that dates from the 15 ^th and 16 ^th centuries. The church's interior is a single nave covered in trusses, with the raised presbytery and bordered by ornate Plutei decorated in mosaic. Only fragments of the frescoes remain on the walls, among which an Adoration of the Magi particularly stands out, a late Gothic work from the first half of the 15 ^th Century. From the two side passages you arrive at the crypt covered in vaults supported by a central column; the three apses include two altars and in the centre lays a sarcophagus in a reddish rock, where according to tradition, the mortal remains of Saints Mauro and Felice are kept.

The slaying of the dragon was celebrated with the foundation of the Romanesque abbey of San Felice. Over the centuries, miracles and charlatans have come and gone: from the nearby spring waters, the cure for skin afflictions and to bring health to the sick. Now inactive.

It is now an inactive sanctuary. At one time you would have seen, knotted to the church gate, the bonnets and vests of newborns offered by mothers that were able to secrete milk after drinking the water from San Silvestro, which flows from a spring on the pathway to the abbey. And it's not only for humans; animals have also been able to lactate, as was reported in a pastoral visit by the Bishop of Foligno in 1911.
It has been said that this water, when drunk with disregard by a man, will make a breast grow, similar to that after childbirth.

Visit the crypt of San Silvestro and pray upon one of the three columns that support the vault: it's beautifully polished by the hands of the faithful who invoke the Saint to heal the pain in their bones.

Upon leaving Collepino Castle towards the summit of Subasio, you will find the remains of the San Silvestro church. Once a hermetic settlement, founded by San Romualdo in 1025 and probably upon a pre-existing building, it then became a Camaldolese abbey in 1150.
Problems arose from property held in common with the female Benedictine monastery of Vallegloria di Spello, and the conflicts with the Canons of Santa Maria Maggiore di Spello, made life in the abbey problematic. The abbey was destroyed by Paolo III in 1535, because it had hosted followers from the Perugian Baglioni family, who were opposed to the Pope.

Abbatial privileges: a ring, seal, miter and crosier were assigned to Collepino parishes, which held them until 1875. In 1972, the community of the ""Little sisters of Mary"" established itself in the hermitage of the so-called Transfiguration, erected upon the monastery remains.
Only the apsidal part of the ancient abbey complex remains, along with the underlying crypt and foundation of the bell tower.
The fame of the San Silvestro abbey is connected to the intercession of the saint whose water cures new mothers deprived of milk to feed their children.

At the sanctuary of Collepino dedicated to San Silvestro, miracles happened for mothers who couldn't lactate for their newborns. On December 31^st, blessed bread is given so you can offer some to your four-legged friend for the saint's protection

Travelling with one's own car certainly has its advantages: high-volume music, flexible timetables, and an itinerary tailored to one's own desires. Once you have visited Città di Castello, you may decide to also explore the surrounding countryside. And chance has it that this is a rich and varied area with much to offer.

We begin by telling you about the Fontecchio spa, set in a park of centuries-old trees. It is said that the wife of Pliny the Elder used to love to bathe in these waters to keep her beauty intact. Still today, those seeking some relaxation or more specific treatments, or even just a place to jog, can find a haven here.

If you wish to continue by walking among English-style gardens and Mediterranean plants, don't miss the villa and park of Montesca, commissioned by Baron Leopoldo Franchetti and his wife Alice Hallgarten.

In the locality of San Giustino, on the other hand, only 12 km from the town centre, you will find the Bufalini castle, which dates from the second half of the 15^th century. Its original function was to defend the lands belonging to the Papal States and bordering with Tuscany and the Marche. Only one century later was it transformed into an aristocratic residence. A bothanical labyrinth and paintings by Gherardi add to the preciousness of this gem.

As a religious destination, we recommend a visit to the sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary located on the hill of Canoscio. The building was erected in the 19^th century by architect Giuseppe Baldeschi in the same locality where, centuries earlier, there used to be a chapel. The fresco of the Madonna del Transito decorating the interior of the sanctuary was derived from that earlier structure and repainted by Annibale Gatti. nbsp nbsp

The Pieve (Parish-house) of Saddi was built in the same place where St. Crescentino was martyred: he was a young Roman soldier who lost his life defending the Christian faith. Also dedicated to him is the oratory in the small town of Morra, wherein one can find the astoundingly beautiful frescos by the painter Luca Signorelli, born in the city of Cortona. Some sketches belonging to this series are preserved in the Uffizi in Florence and in the Louvre in Paris. nbsp

Not just towers and museums: here is an itinerary that will let you admire sanctuaries, archaeological digs, and parks enshrined in the greenery, just a few miles from Città di Castello.

If you are fond of adventure out in the fresh air, take a day and go explore an area whose landscape has remained intact and thus offers a huge variety of flower species to admire: Mt. Peglia Park and the Meana Forest. The area is that of the STINA, or Local Natural and Environmental System and is divided into three sections: the zone of Allerona-Meana Forest , that of Melonta-Elmo Woods and the San Venanzo protected area, home to a large volcanic park.
The largest of these is the one that spreads out around Allerona. Start your tour here, from a village built up around the Lerona Castle, of which only the Gate of the Sun and the Moon survives, and surrounded by woods. Get on the dirt road by the cemetery, it is the entrance to the Selva di Meana, or Meana Forest. This forest is huge, rich with biodiversity, and is one of the Region's most interesting areas. If you happen to be here in April or May, you'll find blooming orchids of which the forest has some forty wild species.
Then head towards Villa Cahen, built in 1880 by the Antwerp financier Edoardo Cahen. You can visit the villa on request to admire its Art Decò architecture and the lovely garden, home to a variety of rare plants and grasses the owner had brought here from all over the world.
From the villa, take the trail that goes past Poggio La Cupa and Poggio delle Reti, it will lead you to the little town of Meana. Along the way, take a look at the remains of an old aqueduct that once supplied water to the villa, and admire some little stone bridges over which they once strolled.
Once you reach Meana, go see the remains of an old farm that belonged to the Bishop of Orvieto in the XII century, and the ruins of the Church of S. Nicola di Bari, but also keep your eye on the lovely views of Allerona and the Paglia River Valley. Once you reach your destination, rest a bit and enjoy a plate of tagliatelle with white truffles, a local specialty.

A day surrounded by nature just outside of Orvieto: the Meana Forest will offer you the ideal setting for an excursion into great wooded areas, a fascinating volcanic park and archaeological remains.

Did you know that there is a direct access to heaven in Assisi? Our Eden is the Woods of San Francesco, a path of peace and beauty of 64 hectares and 800 years of history. It stretches for two and a half kilometers among hornbeam, oak trees, forest land, farmland and ancient works of man.

This place of the soul, in the area where the holy patron of Italy lived and preached together with his friends creating the Franciscan order, can be accessed from the upper entrance, which opens into city walls on the forecourt in front of the Upper Basilica, and it can be accessed from the bottom entrance near the former monastery of Santa Croce. Since 2011 the Woods of San Francesco is open to visitors and to pilgrims using the FAI – Italian Environment Fund, which purchased and recovered it in all its parts.

Key word: slowness
This path, which enters into the Woods, can be travelled in 45 minutes, but your soul on the road with your body has got another step and another time, so we give advice: stow your clocks and your phones in your bags because in this landscape of other times the key words are slowness and contemplation.
Among holm oak and dogwood, the route is well illustrated by sign, it descends in hairpin bends towards the Tescio river. It leads you to do beneficial stops to enjoy the wildlife around: if you are lucky you can admire the fast flight of a sparrow hawk or you can catch the flicker of a porcupine which hurries off to hide into the bush.

Continue toward the Galli Bridge, a work in travertine dating back to 1356, renovated in the late 15th century and rebuilt by the Municipality between 1948 and 1949. So you reach the valley floor where you can admire the remains of a distant world, dwelt between 13th and 14th century by Benedictine nuns: the huge complex of Santa Croce. What remains of the religious building are the renovated hospital facilities, the same - name– Romanesque church, the windmill and the tower, each one with its own history to remember and to tell. So take a break to listen to what these old stones have to say.

Plots of history, art and nature

The Benedictine complex was short lived and in the late 14th century was abandoned by nuns who relocated inside the city wall. Today the parish house of the monastery relives as an information point and welcome visitors.
The hospital (Hospitalis Pontis Gallorum) operating since 1250 up to 14th century, was a reception place for pilgrims; a plaque in the vicinity of a walkway confirms the opening.
So you can access the Romanesque church of Santa Croce, of the 13th century, with a simple and a sober interior. Don’t forget to see the fresco of the 1643 “Adoration of the unadorned Cross” located in the apse, attributed to the painter from Assisi Gerolamo Marinelli.
The landmarks of the route will lead you toward the stream Tescio and the clearing dominated by the fourteenth-century tower (the FAI has entitled it to Annamria Colizzi, a member deceased). It can be visited by accessing from the first floor through an iron staircase.
The artifact was probably a fortified mill, of existing ones between the 13th and 14th century in the Marche, Tuscany and Umbria. Maybe originally it used to grind wheat and olive oil, then it was used to make lime.

On the top of the tower, you will find a fantastic view suddenly before your eyes: an endless design, composed of 121 olive trees arranged in double row creating three wide circular elements tangent each other, whose a greater one in the middle, and a mast twelve meters high which symbolizes the marriage between heaven and earth. You are looking at the “Third Paradise”, by Land art that the master Michelangelo Pistoletto has given to the Fai. The artist’s invitation is to walk the winding road among the rows becoming part of the work: a consideration about the desirable coexistence between the man and the nature, here symbolized by the third sphere.
From the tower you can go the path back, taking a break, if you want, at the old mill of the 12th century, active up to the beginning of ‘900: today is a pleasant tavern, which will prepare picnic baskets too.

Information:
Tel. +39 075 813157 – Fax +39 075 81 98 638 – email: faiboscoassisi@fondoambiente.it

Opening hours:
From April to September from 10.00 A.M. to 07.00 P.M. and from October to March from 10.00 A.M. to 04.00 P.M.
Open every day except non festive Mondays. Last entrance one hour before closing.
Winter closure from the second week of January up to the end of February.
Closed on January 1st, on December 25th and 26th and during Franciscan festivity.

Located in a hamlet of Foligno on the slopes of Monte di Pale, the evocative Caves of the Abbadessa di Pale are a result of an interesting karst phenomenon generated by the waters of the Menotre river and those of infiltration.

The Caves are divided into several cavities. The main one is considered a true jewel of architecture and it is called ""Camera del laghetto"" (lit. “Pond room”). It has circular shape and a height of 8-9 meters. Numerous stalactites drop from its domed ceiling and stalagmite pillars emerge from the centre, as perfect columns. After 40 years, starting in 2016, it is again possible to visit this masterpiece of nature.
Called “Camera delle Colonne a Terra” (lit. ""Room of Columns on the Ground"", a second cavity can be reached through a gallery. This cave has a very impressive architectural structure, too. It is characterized by remarkable stalactites that look like drapes and imposing central columns, as well as a stalagmite with a particular lion shape.
In the past, the caves collected the waters of the river during flood periods. Indeed, it is not by chance that not far from here the spectacle of the Menotre Waterfalls awaits you, reachable in a short walk.
For more information concerning opening times, costs, conditions, guided tours, groups and recommended clothing for visits, please click here.

Dreaming of a weekend far from crowds and the stress of everyday life? Open your eyes and start walking: this is the itinerary you need, taking you into a bit of paradise in the heart of Umbria, an area worthy of attention for its landscapes, and more.

We will also be travelling down the ancient ‘iron road', a crucial connection in the past for the transportation of the precious mineral from Monteleone di Spoleto to Scheggino, and from there towards the Flaminia road and then to the city of Rome.

Our starting point is Montefranco, a municipality in the province of Terni, surrounded by olive trees and forests of oaks and pine-trees which make it the undisputed pearl of the Nera Valley. The town developed at the beginning of the 1200s around the old castle of Bufone, of which today only the Franca and Spoletina gates and the outer walls have survived.

Worth visiting are also the church of San Pietro and the parish of Santa Maria, recently built over the remains of pre-existing structures. From the church of the Madonna del Carmine, we walk up the ridge to Colle Verde where we find the village of Colline.

After entering a proper, denser forest, we reach Monte Moro, a reference point for the whole valley, opposite Ferentillo.

Up on the top we find an archaeological site bearing the remains of a Roman sanctuary and of some cisterns. We then descend towards San Mamiliano, which owes its name to a saint who lived in the 5^th century and was much revered in the early centuries of Christianity.

Discover the ‘iron road', an ancient path which used to connect Monteleone di Spoleto with Scheggino, in the Nera Valley.

The hike starts from the main square of Cerreto di Spoleto. Go down towards the right to the Church of Santa Maria de Libera. At the crossroads with the main road at Colle del Piano, go straight towards the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. Do stop in to see the little church, but don't linger, the day ahead is long. Turn left and follow the white/red trail markers.

You'll get to the town of Macchia, turn left onto the trail and keep following the white/red markers. You'll get to Piedilacosta and then Meggiano, where you'll find a path that leads you to the town of Piedipaterno. From the main square of this town, head to the Church of San Sebastiano and then get on the paved road upwards towards Spoleto, and after 50m turn right onto a dirt road. Start following the white/red trail markers again and when you get to the paved road at Geppa, turn right, and then, left after the church. After a bend, turn right onto the paved road and go downwards keeping your eye on the trail markers, then turn left on the dirt road, once again following the markers.

When you get to Castel San Felice, go over the bridge and follow the paved road downwards around the town. When you get to the San Felice Abbey, head along the SS209, and turn left along the old railway tracks and then cross over the SS209 after the sports area. Follow the trail markers upwards along the dirt road. You'll soon be in Sant'Anatolia di Narco, another little gem of the Valnerina, known as the ‘city of hemp' for its traditional cultivation and processing of this fibre into fine fabrics. There is even a Museo del Canapa (Hemp Museum) here.

A hike from Cerreto di Spoleto to Sant'Anatolia di Narco. If you are an expert hiker, set out from the town of Cerreto di Spoleto and follow this route through the Valnerina all the way to Sant'Anatolia di Narco.

Start out from Sant'Anatolia di Narco, when you get to the SS209 climb up to the bed of the old railway tracks following the white/red trail markers. At the juncture with the paved road, turn left, pass in front of the cemetery and head to the underpass. Near an old farmhouse, turn left and cross over a bridge, keeping your eye on the trail markers. Here you will come to a juncture with a dirt road, take the road on the right, and, following the trail markers, enter the woods. When you reach a crossroads with another dirt road, turn left and follow the trail towards the woods. The path reaches a pass, and here the descent begins.

You will reach Collefabbri and continue on the paved road towards Ceselli. You will reach Contaglia and then Ceselli. To see the town, turn right, or go straight until you reach the juncture with the SS209. Once in town, go visit the Church of San Vito, which was built in 1080 and is home to Renaissance frescoes depicting martyr saints, and the Church of San Sabino. To get to know the town better, head to the Osteria di Ceselli, an important hub, decorated with frescoes painted by local artists in the XVI century. It was here, in 1831, that Archbishop Mastai Ferretti stopped as he fled Spoleto to reach the Bourbon state.

When you've seen it all, cross the bridge over the Nera river and follow signs for Via di Roma, continue on the dirt road in the same direction and, when you come across the juncture with the paved road, go straight. When you get to Colleponte, turn right and cross another bridge over the Nera river. When you reach the SS209, turn right and stay on it. Turn left and follow the signs for the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle. When you get there its beauty will amaze you. This Benedictine abbey is one of the most important buildings of the Late Middle Ages in all of central Italy, surrounded by nature and the silence of the Valnerina.

A great hike that anyone who loves to walk can do. Abbeys, hamlets and nature in its purest form. Start from the centre of Sant'Anatolia di Narco and head to the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, passing by the village of Ceselli along the way.

The excavation works carried out over the years have confirmed the role of this area, bringing to light the site of a Roman ship yard – probably built during the first Punic War, when Romans needed to set up a big war fleet to deal with Carthage – close to the port, the remains of a thermal pool dating from the 2nd century AD, and a mosaic dating from the imperial age.
Between the 14th and 16th centuries the village developed, especially under the Silori family, one of the most important families of Narni, which had a lot of local farms and houses for farmers and artisans who worked for them.
Of course the abundant presence of water, thanks to the river and to the springs of the zone, helped the economic system of Stifone that had, since the Middle-Ages, boasted a concentration of water-mills, including the most popular Mola Alberti.
Other important activities characterized this land: the pontifical iron-works, built in 1707, where was refining the mineral pulled out from Mount Santa Croce, and the fulling-mills operating between the 14th and 18th centuries, fulling wool (a process to make the fibers more compact). One of nine in the corporation of the Art of Wool in the 16th century, with trade secrets passed from father to son. Also in recent times the water represented a distinctive feature: in 1982 two of the first hydroelectric power stations of Italy were put into operation on Stifone's waterfalls.
During the first postwar period the social-economic system of the area changed, but the of symbiotic relationship between Stifone and the Nera is still alive, where the blue waters lap against the old factories.

Approaching the river we meet, not far from a cave, a spring where the old pump is still used to take water, and the spring water flows over ancient basins. There are several springs, many emergeng under the artificial lake that since 1939 has fed the former Valdarno power station: their presence is evident by the shades of blue that they give to the river waters.
Above Stifone the ruins of the Santa Betta Chapel or San Giovanni Monastery can still be seen: the vault, the transept, the apse and the church entry, as well as water tanks, are visible.
The village retains its typical core with houses dating back to the 14th - 17th centuries. Two little squares at the entry are as a framework of the Santa Marina Church with a ceramic front door and bell tower. On the left wall, with the bell tower, opens another front door which was probably was the principal entry of the church, which around the 17th century was probably modified and expanded with two more spans. The interior with a single-nave with cross vaults, with noteworth furnishings of a baptismal font, a holy water font and a tabernacle of sculpted wood.
The church holds a canvas on the right side of the presbytery, representing the Trinity crowning the Virgin, a reminder of the legend linked to Santa Marina, brought here with a boy believed to be her son. The story says that Marina entered in a convent dressed as a man; going around to collect alms she stopped in a tavern where the owner’s daughter became pregnant by a soldier. The girl blamed ""Marino"" for the pregnancy, so he was kicked out. The baby, once was born, was assigned to Marino who raised him as his son. Once allowed back into the convent, Marina was subjected to the heaviest hard work, which drove her to death. Only at her burial did they realize that she was really a woman, and then Marina was revered as a saint.

An ancient Roman port which served transportation along the Nera river, from Rome to ""Superba Narnia"": wood, food, bricks and probably people too. It’s Stifone, situated on the left bank of the river, south of the Gole del Nera (Nera Gorge), below the cliffs where the located the village of Taizzano is located.

Montefalco takes its name from the passion for falcon hunting of Frederic II who spent an entire year here in 1249. This is the land of sagrantino, an ancient varietal in its land of birth. From the Latin sacer, a sacred wine for the celebrations of Christian tradition that marked the rhythm of rural life, it was originally consumed in the passita style. Around the middle of the last century it began being made into wine and bottled in the dry style.

Visit the Saint Francis church, now a museum preserving glorious frescoes, as well as the Saint Augustine church and the City Hall. On a walk through the town, among the walls of pink stone and along the paths that descend from the Piazza del Comune, you will be surrounded by the ancient presence of gardens and domesticated vines; inside the Santa Chiara convent one can find sagrantino vines that are several centuries old.

Great souvenirs can be found in artisan textile shops and in wine stores. A taste of local traditional flavours such as strangozzi pasta with goose jus, roasted goose, and ‘ntorta pie, a sweet puff pastry with apples, candied nuts and fruit, all to be tried in combination with the local wines.

Whereas the main component of Rosso di Montefalco is the sangiovese grape, when sipping the Sagrantino PDO wine one experiences a dark wine of wonderful structure with a bold tannin presence, which in its sweet version perfectly balances its harsher tones. Its high level of polyphenols means that the wine can age for a long period.

Carry on up to the slopes of Mount Martani, a renowned winemaking region since ancient Roman times, where trebbiano, grechetto and sangiovese grapes are now cultivated, and at the top of which Castel Ritaldi is located. The village oversees a mainly agricultural land of woods, vineyards and olive trees. Among the most important sites are the Romanesque parish church of San Gregorio, the Madonna della Bruna Renaissance sanctuary and the medieval Santa Maria church. Here as well one can enjoy the Trebbiano Spoletino, produced almost exclusively roughly between Spoleto, Foligno and Montefalco, a fresh and fruity but relatively high alcohol wine of distinct acidity.

Descend towards the village of Giano dell'Umbria, surrounded by medieval walls that maintain traces of Roman heritage, and renowned for its oil: the Umbria Martani Hills PDO oil. Before enjoying the panorama over the whole vast plain of Monte Martano, visit the abbey of San Felice and the church of Saint Francis.

A trip through a chosen land, among wine cellars, oil mills and artistic treasures, discovering sagrantino wine. Having almost disappeared in the 19th century, this wine made a comeback thanks to the foresight of some winemakers and has become one of the flagships of Umbrian wine

Would you like to spend a whole day immersed in nature, but at the same time not miss out on cultural activities and on the delicacies of food and wine?

This amazing valley, as well as being an ideal location for birdwatching and tasting the area's typical produce (such as the famous local lentil), is also a prime destination for trekking and mountain bike lovers, among others.

Furthermore, if you prefer, you can venture into itineraries on horse-back, or discover the local archaeological museum which testifies to the past richness and fervent activity of this land.

The real star here is Colfiorito marsh, central Italy's best example of wetland. The area is inhabited by rare plant and animal species, such as black pines, white water lilies, pondweeds, and water yarrows. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of a red heron, a wild boar, a porcupine, or even a wolf.

Carrying on with our journey, we come to Mount Orve, the area's highest point; from the summit there's an outstanding view over the surrounding landscape and the Plestine highlands, seat of ancient settlements.

An example of these settlements is Castelliere, a small fortified village dating from the Bronze or perhaps the Iron Age, and enclosed by a polygonal wall. The highest part of the settlement used to be the seat of the acropolis, whilst today it is occupied by the rectory of Santa Maria and by the castle, both built in the feudal age.

Worthy of a stop is also the small town of Cassicchio, above Molinaccio and the inghiottitoio (pothole).

A suitable spot for a break is Fagiolaro, where you can take advantage of a picnic area and practice fly fishing.

Other sights are offered by Fonte Fontaccia, Casa Mollaro, Forcatura and Popola, a small mountain village near Foligno, crossed by the Spina Road.

Ideas suitable for all members of the family to discover and explore this area, from the marsh of Colfiorito to the archaeological sites of mount Orve and Plestia.

Are you lovers of animal watching? Do you like to immerse yourselves in nature and seek authentic experiences? There are places, far from the stresses of daily life, where you will able to find some much needed peace. Today we recommend a park located in Umbria, between the valley of the river Nera, the Fissino gorge, and Spoleto.

Here we find the nature reserve of the Coscerno and Aspra mountains, a haven where still today it is possible to pick blueberries, see eagles from up close, and walk among pristine forests.

One of the area's peculiarities is the fact that its rocky mountainsides are covered in holly oak trees, some of which can rise up to 400 metres in height. But there are also kinds of trees that are more typical of mountainous terrains, such as maples and beech trees, which especially in the autumn create a magical atmosphere made up of intense colours: from red to yellow, from orange to amaranth.

But looking further up beyond the woods one can see the heaths of Mount Coscerno: dozens of hectares of spontaneous vegetation. With a little patience and dedication, it is possible to reach an elevation where one walks among lilies, violets, gentians and fritillaries.

And there's more to plants and flowers: the area's wildlife is amongst the most varied in central Italy. Three species in particular have always inhabited these impervious lands and have thus become an integral part of local history: the royal eagle, the wolf, and the Apennine rock partridge.

All this is made possible by the purity of the Valnerina, an ideal place to spend your time, especially if you're accompanied by a specialized guide who will show you the area's secrets and hidden corners.

A rich land to explore: visit the Coscerno and Aspra mountains and you will be able to admire from up close wild bears, royal eagles and wolves.

Natural landscapes, history, and ancient traditions: a concentrate of beauty and authenticity in the heart of Umbria. To better sample every aspect of this magical land, nothing beats an excursion, on foot or by bike, on the mounts and valleys of the Sibillini natural park.

The variety of plant life and the marvellous green vales offer many choices for our journey. Let us start by recommending a visit to Lake Pilato, located on Mount Vettore near the border with the Marche. This ancient lake is connected to many past legends. It is said that it used to be a meeting place for necromancers, magicians, and alchemists, so much so that the Church forbade access to it to all its faithful.

According to a different story, this is the place where the body of Pontius Pilate ended up after he was condemned to die by Emperor Tiberius. It is not by chance then that the lake is also called Averno, the name for the gate of Roman hell.

From here one easily reaches the Castoriana Valley, which is crossed by the Campiano River. This area is characterized by small villages, castle ruins, willows and cypresses. From here we continue toward Mount Patino, a very steep mountain with rocky walls. Worth seeing is the natural reservoir which includes 2400 metres of mountaintop. The area has been inhabited since the depths of time by rock partridges, hares, and royal eagles. Interesting to see is also the Patino Grotto, hidden by the beech trees, which used to offer a refuge for the herdsmen when the weather turned sour.

If you still aren't tired, you can continue to trek up Mount Palazzo Borghese, where, for just two or three months every year, it is possible to admire a small lake created by the melting snows from the mountain's glaciers.

In the same area it is possible to visit Mount Porche, also known as Bellavista thanks to the beautiful vistas that can be enjoyed from its summit, and Mount Sibilla, which owes its name to the witch who was said to live in a cavern of the same name.

Discover the treasures of this Umbrian natural park: itineraries and excursions, suitable for everyone, for any time of the year

Are you avid walkers? Do you love the fresh breeze at high altitudes, far from the chaos and noise of city life? Well, this is a place for you. The itinerary we suggest here will delight all lovers of trekking.

We bring you to the green heart of Umbria, in a land that will amaze you. There are three possible starting points: from Piazzale Vasi, within the Marmore Waterfall tourist area, one of Europe's highest. The waterfall's name derives from its white rocks, rich of calcium carbonate, which look a bit like marble (marmo in Italian).

We find ourselves at the end of the Valnerina or Nera River valley, an area characterized by the presence of typical animals such as the mallard, crag martin, and river kingfisher. From here, the path climbs up to the Giuseppe Federico Gmelin Belvedere, an observation point named after a German painter and engraver from who lived between the end of the 18^th century and the beginning of the 19^th. We thus continue towards Pennarossa, from where it is possible to enjoy a beautiful vista over the mountain and its environs.

An alternative of this itinerary starts instead from San Liberatore, a small town in Terni province. The town developed around an ancient Benedictine convent, which was then converted into a Franciscan monastery. Today, sadly, only the church of Santa Croce survives.

If you decide to set off from here, don't miss the Batteria natural park, which owes its name to an anti-aircraft cannon (batteria antiaerea). Some traces of the military installation are still visible today.

From Pennarossa, we descend towards Colle Raso, near the medieval village of Collestatte, another potential starting point of the trekking itinerary. The village's perimeter wall, still preserved in good state, encloses the Manassei palace, seat of the local town council, the church of San Pietro, and the 16^th century belltower. A few miles away are the remains of one of the naves of the church of Santa Maria, a building dating from the high middle-ages.

Explore this beautiful corner of Umbria, along the paths of the Nera River Natural Park and its rich vegetation.

Monte Pulito, one of the hills surrounding Perugia, hosts Città della Domenica (Sunday City), the first family park in Italy and the biggest attraction in Umbria for children and adults.

The Città della Domenica park opened to the public for the first time in 1963 and covers an area of more than 45 hectares divided into a large nature area, a playground and attractions and a large reptile house.

Children will surely enjoy spending a day in a natural and peaceful environment that is unlike traditional amusement parks.

Along the paths of the Città della Domenica Wildlife Trail, visitors see and get closer to some types of Italian and European some protected species and farm animals: deer, mouflon, squirrels, chickens, fallow deer and many other animals live in freedom.

Once you arrive near the “Missile”, one of the most symbolic structures of the amusement park, you will enter the wildlife itinerary where you can see snowy owls, kangaroos, ostriches, Patagonian hares, yaks and llamas. The park mascot will greet you: the Asinara donkey, a sweet white donkey with blue eyes that has been saved from extinction thanks to the help of the Città della Domenica.

In addition to visiting the large area dedicated to animals, you can choose from a series of activities, games and themed entertainment. Your children will enjoy mini-karts and mini-slides, then the Trojan Horse and several slides, and you can share with them the most beautiful fairy tales in the Village of Pinocchio, the House of Little Red Riding Hood, the Castle of Sleeping Beauty and the House of Snow White.

To move around the Park you can ride the First Train of the Parks of Italy: take advantage of this to take you to worlds different from yours: from the Medieval Village and Fort Apache to the Farm you will find unique settings that will take you back to the time of ladies and knights, then to saloons and cowboys and then in a real farm.

Another important attraction of the City of Sunday is the Reptile House of Perugia, one of the largest and most important in Europe. Inside the tower, which covers about 1000 square meters, are habitats for crocodiles and snakes, safe habitats for visitors and animals, which respect the origin of different species: you can see many types of snakes, even the most poisonous and dangerous, in total safety and guided by accurate information sheets.

In addition, the Reptile House houses a fascinating skeleton of a crocodile dating back to the time of the dinosaurs and an evolutionary path, with prehistoric fossils (the oldest of which dates back to about a billion years ago and the most recent, a femur of Mammoth, to about a million years ago).

A special day in the open air, with lots of space in nature, many animals and attractions that involve everyone in the family.

Do you feel like spending a day outdoors in nature and also enjoy a visit to an area of great archaeological importance? Then Colfiorito Park is just the place for you! This area is the smallest protected zone in all of Umbria and famous for its mountain marshland. Colfiorito Park is of great historical, cultural and environmental importance and documents thousands of years of the history of man.

Begin your excursion along one of the many trails, over ancient and modern paths you'll be able to admire the Colfiorito marshlands, its flora, fauna and archaeological sites. All of the itineraries can be done on foot, on horseback or with a mountain bike, and they were designed for educational tourism as well.

Start out from the town of Pistia, where the old archaeological remains of Plestia are located. Plestia was a flourishing city that arose along the vital crossroads that connected the two sides of the Apennines. The inhabitants of these high plains were the Plestini, an ancient Italic people who lived here during the Iron Age. Archaeological digs brought to light some remains of the ancient city, including a forum located near the basilica of Santa Maria di Plestia.

If you would like to continue your journey back into time, follow the signs to Castelliere di Monte Orve, a fortified pre-Roman settlement with proto-urban characteristics and surrounded by a thick wall made with blocks of calcareous rock.

Don't forget to observe the landscape as you walk along the trails. The vegetation in this area is highly varied, but the main feature that distinguishes this zone are the wetlands. The entire area is ideal for observing nature, but some places are better than others for this activity: the nature observatory at the centre of the western end of the marsh and the little towns of Croce Cassicchio, Fonte Fontaccia and Fagiolaro.

The best time to watch the lively fauna of the wetlands is spring and autumn, and it's even better if you get there early in the morning.

Don't leave the Colfiorito area without pickingup a bag of red Colfiorito potatoes, the pride and joy of local agriculture, as are lentils and emmer wheat: you'll have all the ingredients to make a delicious soup!

Colfiorito Park: nature and archaeology.
Spend a day out in the open where you can also take a trip into the past: visit Colfiorito Park, where the beauty of the scenery blends with areas of great archaeological importance.

From Foligno take the Statale 77 in the direction of Civitanova Marche, and when you reach the town of Colfiorito, look for directions to the Parco di Colfiorito. Only part of the nature Museum is currently open, awaiting final systematisation: here you can gain a better understanding of the balance of this ecosystem.
The day begins with a welcome from the guides: you will be introduced to information about the region and the bird life through an interactive journey. At this point, you get back in the car and take the local Forcatura road to reach the protected area of the Park. Remember to put your binoculars around your neck when you get out of the car, but more importantly, make sure you have properly waterproofed hiking shoes: you will certainly need them!

From March to September is the best time to observe the ""winged tenants"" of the marshlands, which occupy the most significant area of seven mountain basins, the bed of ancient lakes that have dried up both naturally and by the hand of man.
The first stop is at Casa del Mollaro, where a video station has been installed that broadcasts live images of some areas of the marsh itself. Among the unique characteristics of this place is the sinkhole, one of the many karst developments through which the waters flow out of the marsh sinking into the subsoil. Walking along the edges of the marsh you reach a hut for bird watching: a vantage point to appreciate rare or endangered species such as the Bittern, the Little Bittern, the Purple Heron or the Reed Warbler.
Throughout most of the year you can see Mallards, Coots, Moorhens, Grey Herons, Marsh Harriers and Penduline tits.

If you still have the energy and the time, there are other observation points in Fagiolaro, Croce Cassicchio and Fonte Fontaccia. In the period from May to June you should not miss out on the popular flowering of the fields painted in red, yellow, lilac and a thousand other sparkling shades. The best souvenir that can be found along the roads dotted with tractors and stalls is the celebrated Colfiorito red potato, a certified PGI product.

Have you ever seen thousands of swallows in flight? During the breeding season for rare and endangered species, the Colfiorito Natural Park is the stopping place for birds such as Bitterns, Little Bitterns, Purple Herons and Reed Warblers: an unusual tour through the mountain marshland.

If you love snow and want a worthy alternative to skis, we suggest an increasingly popular sport: the ""ciaspolata"". It is a hiking experience on snowshoes, used to walk on cold and slippery surfaces safely. Snowshoe hiking is a sport that recalls bygone days, when snowshoes were the only means available to move around in winter.

The most suitable area in Umbria to try out this experience is the area of Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini near Castelluccio di Norcia. The Piana di Castelluccio, beautiful and enchanting not only during the ‘fiorita' (flowering) in summer, is frequently covered with snow (the plain is at circa 1350 metres above sea level) as is the adjacent Monte Vettore. The temperatures in winter are very cold and can even reach -30 degrees centigrade. These ideal conditions ensure there are heavy snowfalls, creating fantastic expanses suitable for snowshoe hiking. In this area you can choose between various trails and snowshoe hiking experiences, which will allow you to discover corners of the plain, or follow specific circular routes that surround the mountains.

You can choose whether to dedicate yourself to the pian Piccolo, from where you can see the village of Castelluccio and discover the beautiful woods that surround it, or whether to climb the trails along Vettore, which are more difficult with a greater difference in altitude. Alternatively, why not try one of the excursions organised at night or just as dusk settles: you will always remember the colours of the sun on the snow as it sets in one of the most enchanting landscapes in Italy.

Returning from the excursion, make the most of one of the lodges in the area, where you can warm yourself with a tasty bowl of soup made with local products (the Piana di Castelluccio is famous for its lentils and legumes).

Going around these locations with snowshoes ""forces"" you to walk slowly and fully savour every detail of the experience: the breath-taking scenery, the silence that surrounds you, the softness of the snow under your feet. These are all the hallmarks of a unique and unforgettable experience.

In winter, the areas in and around the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (Monti Sibillini National Park), are ideal for ""la ciaspolata"" - a snowshoe hike that brings together sport and nature.

What happens to old or disused industrial machinery and sites? Industrial production follows periods of economic expansion and contraction, and in addition to economic cycles, obsolescence means that machinery is sometimes replaced by more technologically advanced equipment.

Very often the sad fate of industrial sites is to be abandoned, becoming unused and dilapidated. The city of Terni, sometimes called the 'Italian Manchester', is known for its industrial history and known above all for its steelworks sector. Some significant examples of Italy’s industrial heritage can be found in Terni.

One of the most important symbols, representing the industrial revolution of the 1800s is the Grande Pressa delle Acciaierie Ternane (The Terni Steelworks’ great press) in Piazza Dante, just in front of the railway station. It makes a strong visual impact: weighing 12,000 tons, it was built by the English company Davy Brothers, came into operation in 1935 and was decommissioned in 1993.

Other noteworthy industrial archaeology sites have been transformed into museums or film and multimedia centres, such as the interesting Arms Museum, located in the former Fabbrica d'Armi dell'Esercito (Army Arms Factory), whose foundation stone was laid in May 1875. The Museum of Light Weapons is not only an exhibition of arms, but highlights the great importance that their manufacture had in the economic and social developments of the city of Terni and Umbria in general.

The Galleto power station - designed by the architect Cesare Bazzani - also played a fundamental role in the industrial development of the city of Terni. Inaugurated in 1929, it was built to produce and supply electricity to steel mills and industries in the Terni area. The power station was able to make the most of the production potential of the rivers Nera and Velino and is still working today, belonging to Endesa Italy.

One of the most representative structures in the field of archaeology and industry, is the ex-Siri factory complex, today called CAOS - Centro Arti Opificio Siri. It is the result of the conversion of the former SIRI chemical factory, near the historic centre of the city. Today CAOS is a cultural centre dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts and creative production, as well as home to the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A new form of contemporary art arises from the industrial vocation of the Terni area. Disused machinery and industrial sites acquire a second life, through architectural redevelopment or as important symbols of the period of first industrialization.

Travelling with your own car certainly has its advantages: high-volume music, flexible timetables, and an itinerary tailored to your own desires. Once you have visited Città di Castello, you may decide to also explore the surrounding countryside. And chance has it that this is a rich and varied area with much to offer.

We begin by mentioning the Fontecchio spa, set in a park of centuries-old trees. It is said that the wife of Pliny the Elder used to love to bathe in these waters preserve her beauty. Still today, those seeking some relaxation or more specific treatments, or even just a place to jog, can find a haven here.

The Pieve (Parish-house) of Saddi was built in the same place where St. Crescentino was martyred: he was a young Roman soldier who lost his life defending the Christian faith. Also dedicated to him is the oratory in the small town of Morra, where you can find the astoundingly beautiful frescos by the painter Luca Signorelli, born in the city of Cortona. Some sketches belonging to this series are preserved in the Uffizi in Florence and in the Louvre in Paris.

Da vedere in quest'area: Città di Castello, Bocca Serriola, San Giustino, Terme di Fontecchio, Santuario del Belvedere.

Not just towers and museums: here is an itinerary that will let you admire sanctuaries, archaeological digs and parks enshrined in the greenery, just a few miles from Città di Castello.

Comfortable shoes, water and an urge to explore: that’s what you need to enjoy the best of Umbria. Among the best itineraries immersed in the greenery, we recommend the one starting at the Rio Grande Park, few kilometres from Amelia. From here, head then towards Sambucetole, a territory rich in history and culture rising on a hill and still keeping its original hexagonal plan.

The itinerary, suitable for trekking as well as mountain bikes, presents some hard stretches, characterized by steep climbs and a bumpy surface. For this reason, it’s recommended for well trained bikers and walkers.

From the Rio Grande Park, better known as Lago Vecchio (Old Lake), head towards Sambucetole and start a quite steep climb on a dirt road. From here, short stretches of asphalt alternate with others in the forest, but the effort is rewarded by the view over the town of Amelia. Even if far away, you can see the city walls, the cathedral and the church of St. Augustine, as well as the country church of the Lady of Five Sources who, according to an ancient legend, would have also offered a shelter to St. Francis.

After travelling about 5 km, turn left until you reach the first real tough climb of the journey. The road is rocky, a dfficult surface for bike tires.

With the climb completed at km 7.7, relax and enjoy the view over the characteristic village of Collicello. This small town, almost a guardian along the Amerina Road, is an ideal place to recover your energies and refill waterbottles at a small fountain located near the entrance gate.

Leaving the village, continue your journey towards Frattuccia. Start the second climb of the itinerary that ends at the km 17. In the midst of trees and dappled forest light, take the path towards Macchie and start the descent. From this moment on, the route to the town of Amelia is easier.

Always paying attention to the ground that can be rough, at km 22 you will find the small town of Macchie, that became famous because it hosted Federico Barbarossa during his trip down to Rome. After a short stretch on the asphalt, go back to the dirt road and turn right by following the directions for the farmhouse Rocca Basso.

Go on for some kilometres on a plateau along a spectacular stretch winding its way through meadows and pastures. Afterwards you will enter the road of Cavallerizza, where you can enjoy the shadow of the holm oaks and benefit from the picnic area. By going on down along the path, go back again to the Rio Grande Park, so return to our starting point.

A journey for lovers of trekking, mountain bike and horseback excursions in Umbria's charming forests.

Umbria was a fundamental part of the Italian journey of these fortunate young men, who had the possibility to enrich their cultural education by getting to know several different environments and experiencing them personally.

Art, literature, history, traditions, music, theatre and much more: the aim was to immerse oneself in a completely different culture from one's own to obtain a personal treasure.

We can claim that travelling for tourism has its roots in the Grand Tour phenomenon, which in Umbria concerned particularly the Terni and Narni areas, as well as the Orvieto territories. They say that the term Grand Tour was used for the first time by the Englishman Richard Lassels in his guide ‘The Voyage of Italy' in 1670.

By descending the peninsula from the North towards Rome, travelers crossed Umbria along the Flaminia Road, passing through the Apennines, heading to the Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Waterfall) and then towards the towns of Terni and Narni. We advise you to retrace this interesting itinerary to admire those wonders which attracted a lot of young men over those years, including many English, French and German people.

Start from the Marmore Waterfall, among the highest in Europe, a true natural spectacle. An imposing rush of foam, in which the waters of the Velino river fall 165 meters into the Nera river. It is possible to observe the waterfall either from below through a panoramic itinerary, or from above in the Belvedere area.

Then follow the Velino river flow to the Lago di Piediluco (Piediluco Lake), its mirror-like surface recalling an alpine lake surrounded by greenery, offering a beautiful panorama in a peaceful atmosphere. From the lake waters arise a cone-shaped mountain known as Eco mountain. The nickname is due to the exceptional phenomenon that can repeat up to two hendecasyllables.

Then head towards Terni, that has been defined by Goethe as a ""town in a delightful location, which I admired with pleasure during a tour I just made. It is located at the beginning of a beautiful level ground, between mountains made of calcareous rock. As Bologna on the opposite side, so Terni over here lies down at the foot of a mountain chain"". In the Grand Tour era, Terni enjoyed a certain reputation as an area full of orange groves. It is hard to confirm, since some written records with rather conflicting information on the matter survive.

Then continue on to wonderful Narni, above Narni Scalo, where you will be able to visit the Ponte Romano di Augusto (Roman Bridge of Augustus), a work that, like all Roman ruins, evokes the greatness of the eternal city. Take time to enjoy a walk in the historical center of Narni, with its churches and the Rocca Albornoziana (Albornoz Fortress). And if you have enough time, don't miss out a visit to the Narni Sotterranea (Narni Underground).

The last Umbrian stop on the Flaminia Road is Otricoli, where you will be able to visit the interesting Parco Archeologico (Archeological Park), a small gem for history buffs.

This itinerary will take you back in time, to relive all the atmosphere of discoveries made through travel, exactly as at the era of the Grand Tour.

The Grand Tour concept is similar to the idea of the sabbatical year. It was a long journey around Europe taken by the young well-off aristocrats from the 17th century onwards. A constant of this long itinerary was that Italy – including Umbria – has always represented the last stage of this exciting adventure.

Genuine flavours and peasant traditions: a dream? No, it's all real, and it has a name: Terni. Let us take you to discover this ancient land between the rivers Nera and Serra. The town was the birthplace of Emperor Marcus Claudius Tacitus, and of the writer Cornelius Tacitus.

Always ahead of its time, this was one of the first places in Italy to develop modern industry, to the point of earning the nickname of la Manchester nostrale – ‘our very own Manchester'. Sadly, many of its monuments were destroyed in the second world war, and its architecture underwent deep modifications in the postwar period.

It is however still possible to visit the Duomo, built in the 17^th century, and the church of San Salvatore, erected over the pre-existing Roman age Temple of the Sun, as well as Palazzo Spada, and the Lancia di Luce obelisk by sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. But the true attraction of the area, located only 6 kilometres from Terni's historic centre, is the Marmore Waterfall, a true paradise for nature lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a more flavour-oriented break, you can try the delicious local savoury cheese bread, eaten with the local capocollo, a kind of cured pork similar to prosciutto, which can be tasted also with an herb omelette or roast lamb. If you're in Terni during Christmas, you will find more delicacies to sample: pasta with chickpeas, cauliflower fritters, sweet tagliatelle, and cappelletti.

The Terni area in particular is also famous for the leccarda guinea fowl, which draws its name from the container located beneath the meat, to collect drippings as it is spit-roasted.

This area also produces some of the Colli Amerini D.O.C. wines in the environs of the towns of Calvi dell'Umbria, Otricoli, Montecastrilli, Narni, Terni, and Sangemini.

We next head to Narni, another gem of the region's culinary offer. Quality food lovers will be able to taste unique cheese products, mushrooms, wild asparagus, and truffles. But the truly unmissable delicacies here are the manfricoli pasta, skewers loaded with game, pancetta, roast thrushes.

The king of condiments around here is without doubt extra-virgin olive oil. We recommend the following wines: Ciliegiolo, Verdetto, Carsulae white, and Castello di Albornoz.

A journey into the green heart of Umbria, between the Marmore Waterfall and historic towns of Roman origin. Discover the culinary excellence of Terni and Narni, and more.

The itinerary we suggest today ticks all the boxes. By following our recommendations, you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of Umbria between nature, sport, and of course good food. If you have a free weekend, you can start with a bang in Orvieto, a reference point for the production of excellent olive oil and quality wine. You absolutely cannot miss the Enoteca Regionale (the regional wine association) where you will be able to get to know the techniques by which the precious nectar is produced.

Orvieto is also a cultural gem. The Duomo, with its magnificent facade and the stupendous frescoes within, definitely deserves a visit, as do the subterranean city, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and the Necropoli del Crocifisso del Tufo.

Dive into sports on the second day, as we head towards Lake Corbara. This is a real heaven for sports lovers: have fun here kayaking, canyoning, sport fishing, orienteering, and horse-back trekking.

If you still want more, we recommend a visit to Todi as your last stop. The town's inhabitants are fond of calling it ‘the more than ideal city'. It is located atop a hill not far from the valley of the Tiber River. Its centre is enclosed behind walls dating back from Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval times. The treasures to be found within include the Palazzo Comunale, the Palazzo del Popolo, the Museo Lapidario, the Pinacoteca Civica, and, lastly, the Duomo, erected over the remains of a building dedicated to the god Apollo.

Having finished this itinerary, it's time to satisfy your hunger. Local specialties naturally include delicacies such as pan caciato, a round bread baked with nuts, cheese, and raisins; roast wild pigeon alla ghiotta; spit-roasted pigeons. Accompanying these delicious dishes you will find a bottle of Grechetto DOC, a typical fruity white wine which was beloved even by Pliny the Elder.

Nature, history, traditions: Orvieto, Corbara, and Todi will surprise you with their artistic and culinary qualities. Here are some suggestions to experience the best this land has to offer.

La Valnerina è la valle del fiume Nera, un corso d’acqua che ha le sue sorgenti sui Monti Sibillini, nelle Marche, ma che scorre prevalentemente in Umbria, del quale attraversa da est a ovest la parte meridionale. È una zona ricca di storia, di tradizioni e con un paesaggio molto caratteristico, dove nonostante l’industrializzazione dell’Ottocento e del Novecento non è difficile perdersi nella natura incontaminata.
In questo territorio si alternano imponenti masse rocciose, boschi, e vallate molto fertili con numerosi pascoli, aziende agricole e campi coltivati. Non è un caso, infatti, che le principali risorse economiche di questa zona siano state da sempre l'agricoltura e la pastorizia, motivo per cui, tutt'oggi, vanta un gran numero di prodotti tipici.
Norcia è la patria della norcineria, l’arte di lavorazione delle carni suine che alla città deve il proprio nome: nella zona sono ancora numerose le cosiddette ""norcinerie"", botteghe in cui lavorano i “norcini”, cioè gli addetti alla lavorazione delle carni di maiale secondo il metodo tradizionale. Se nelle norcinerie si producono tutti i tipi di insaccati, dal salame al capocollo, dalla lonza ai tanti altri prodotti unici della tradizione norcina, il prodotto tipico per eccellenza e tra i più conosciuti di Norcia è il prosciutto di Norcia, dal 1998 marchio IGP.
I tesori della Valnerina si nascondono anche nei boschi. Il prodotto della terra per eccellenza, il tartufo, rappresenta un altro fiore all'occhiello della zona e dell’intera Regione. Le specie di tartufi presenti in Valnerina sono ben tre: Il Tartufo Nero Pregiato di Norcia, il Tartufo Estivo e il Tartufo Invernale. L'abbondanza di questo prodotto nei boschi di questo territorio è il motivo per cui entra spesso nelle ricette della tradizione gastronomica umbra: è usato come condimento per la pasta, per donare sapori particolari a formaggi e insaccati, o per preparare piatti come l'agnello al tartufo nero, sintesi perfetta delle tradizioni della Valnerina. Per gli amanti del tartufo, l’appuntamento da non perdere è la Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero di Norcia, organizzata ogni Febbraio.

Dirigendosi verso la zona dell'Altopiano di Chiavano, al confine con il Lazio, è facile incontrare numerosi pascoli, destinati agli allevamenti sia di bovini da latte che di ovini. Sono ancora visibili gli antichi percorsi della transumanza, che i pastori percorrevano quando in inverno emigravano verso le pianure del Lazio, per poi tornare in altura con la bella stagione. Tra i formaggi d'eccellenza di questa zona si distinguono il pecorino, la ricotta salata della Valnerina, il formaggio al Tartufo Nero di Norcia e allo Zafferano Purissimo di Cascia.
Con una proposta gastronomica come questa, è impossibile non visitare la Valnerina. Lasciatevi trascinare dai profumi e dai sapori dei suoi prodotti tipici e ne resterete piacevolmente sorpresi!

Your hike begins in Norcia, the birthplace of the Patron Saint of Europe, St. Benedict, set in the lovely Sibillini Mountains. The appeal of Norcia lies in its many narrow streets and alleys, in the little squares with fountains, the orchards and fenced-in gardens, the aristocratic palazzos adjacent to convent walls or public buildings. Stroll around, look at the towers, at the gates that interrupt the imposing medieval city walls, still perfectly conserved in the shape of a heart. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and set off on your hike from the main square of Norcia, Piazza San Benedetto. The piazza was built in 1869 to give the town a new urban layout. Look around you at the Palazzo Comunale (City Hall). The staircase guarded by two marble lions and the upper level of the building date back to the XIII century.

Leave town by the Porta Romana and follow the signs that point to Perugia and Rome. Just outside the walls, turn right at the crossroads. Leave the main road and turn onto the street on the left. Soon after, get on the dirt road and follow the white/red trail markers. At the juncture with the paved road, cross to the other side and continue upwards. Continue along the dirt road on the right staying left and go straight at the fork, then left onto the trail. At the next encounter with the paved road, continue on the trail in front of you until you reach

Forca d'Ancarano. Take a break here to visit the sanctuary, a pre-Christian place of worship marked by the remains of a temple. It's a beautiful place to eat your packed lunch, perhaps a sandwich made with the delicious cured meats (norcineria) this area is so famous for.

After having visited the sanctuary, get on the dirt road on the right and then stay left following the trail markers, going uphill on a cement road. Go towards Campi Vecchio and, before reaching the town, take the street that descends to the left. After the Church of Sant'Antonio, turn right and then left, and left again after some 100 metres. Here you will find the Church of San Salvatore. Now continue to your left and follow the signs for the Abbey of Sant'Eutizio, today's final destination. The beauty of the abbey will surprise you. It seems to rise out of the rocky mountain side, while the other buildings of the abbey are nestled in the verdant green more typical of Umbrian hills.

How would you like to go for a healthy walk in the lovely green of the Valnerina? The starting point is Norcia and the destination is 14 km further on, Sant'Eutizio, an abbey that looks like a castle nestled in the beautiful Apennine mountains.

Descrizione Percorso
Questo itinerario di 48 chilometri e 750 metri di dislivello si può considerare di media difficoltà per via dei continui saliscendi e, in particolare, per la salita di Panicale che dovrai ripercorrere per due volte, da due differenti versanti.

Da Panicale si scende in direzione del lago Trasimeno attraverso una strada con pochissim traffico che ti permetterà di ammirare affascinanti scorci sul lago alternati al verde dei campi coltivati e delle colline circostanti.

Dopo alcuni chilometri percorsi in riva al lago, ti allontani dirigendoti verso sud per toccare i piccoli borghi di Mugnano, famoso per i muri dipinti, e Fontignano, dove si trova la tomba del pittore Perugino, prima di tornare a Panicale attraverso una salita tra gli ulivi, che grazie ad una serie di tornanti lascia anche qualche tratto di respiro.

Qui potrai decidere se fermarti o continuare la pedalata per raggiungere Paciano, uno dei ""borghi più belli d'Italia"": la strada panoramica e la bellezza del centro storico ti ripagheranno della fatica…

Un percorso che prende il via dal borgo medioevale di Panicale e si sviluppa a sud del Lago Trasimeno, offrendo la possibilità di scoprire bellezze artistiche e paesaggistiche

The route is 75 kilometres long with an altitude difference of 1200 metres, but the really challenging part is in the middle, right after Assisi, with the long climb up to San Presto followed by an up-and-down ride to Casa Castalda. From here onwards, the road is almost always downhill or flat. If you feel like a climb and have a taste for discovery, from Assisi take a detour towards the top of Mount Subasio, a serious climb of over 10 kilometres, with an average steepness of more than 8%.

One of the most evocative sections of the route is Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will not want to miss the Great Fortress and the beauty of the old town, with the Basilica di Santa Chiara , the San Domenico convent and the splendid Basilica di San Francesco

This itinerary starts in the immediate periphery of Perugia and follows the hills above Assisi, a city famous among pilgrims worldwide, offering an extraordinary mix of spirituality, art and natural beauty

Throughout Umbria, Easter recalls old celebrations, in particular religious rituals without forgetting more festive traditions.

Easter time is a moment that brings with it a deep spirituality and mysticism, where religious rituals are full of deep meanings which have their roots in a religious faith but also in many old popular celebrations and in the rural culture, which celebrates awakening nature and a new life cycle beginning.

Holy Week celebrations do have a long history in the whole of Umbria, told by its religious rituals and not only, really unique and peculiar which do involve every place, from the small village to the capital city.

In Assisi, Easter is surely a moment of great intensity: Easter Triduum rituals are among the more characteristic of Umbria. On Holy Thursday in the S.Rufino Cathedral takes place the Scavigliazione (the Deposition from the Cross), a tradition that is inspired by a fourteenth-century laud about the Passion called “Scavigliazione Laud”. On Holy Friday morning, the Death Christ is moved to the S.Francesco Basilica with a route that reaches principal convents. At night, with the town illuminated by torches, kicks off the suggestive Brotherhoods Procession, to whom do take part all old Assisi confraternities: from S.Rufino you go to the S.Francesco Basilica and then bring back the Death Christ to the Cathedral. In these two sanctuaries is celebrated the Memorial that ends with the Mass. Easter Sunday starts with the inevitable Umbrian Easter breakfast.

A fourteenth-century tradition takes place on Holy Friday in Bevagna with the Death Christ Procession. The Confraternity of Mercy components, in black tunic and purple cordon, they walk with torches lights along the village streets, in a very emotional representation creating a mystic atmosphere. The main characters of this procession are the three Cross-Bearers (representing Jesus Christ dressed in red and the two Thieves dressed in black), the Virgin and Veronica, the Confraternity of Mercy and the three Mary. The Cross-Bearers wear on their heads a thorny crown and a cord on their neck and they carry out barefoot with a cadenced gait, accompanied by the sound of chains. On Easter Sunday will take place the Run of Risen Christ: the Christ wooden statue is carried on the shoulder by four Confraternity members, from the Seminar Church to San Michele Arcangelo church; when the Gloria is sung this statue is rushed along the central nave of the church up to the high altar. In the afternoon is celebrated the Rinchinata, the reunion between the Christ and the Virgin Mary statues: when they will bow (carriers will bow provoking the contact among the statues), church bells will ring in celebration. nbsp

In Città della Pieve, into the suggestive Palazzo Orca underground, on Easter Sunday and Monday are represented some Living Pictures. Passion, Death and Resurrection Christ topics are represented by about 40 figurants, with some scenes focused on the Last Supper, on the Garden of Gethsemani, on the Ecce Homo, on the Flagellation, on the Mercy of the Death Christ and on the Resurrection. These scenes are inspired by the examples of Italian pictorial tradition, specifically by that one of the seventeenth-century: a tribute to the artistic wealth of the city that gave birth to Perugino and Antonio Circignani also called “il Pomarancio. Scenes are particularly exciting because of its careful reconstruction based on the Holy History. nbsp

The Death Christ Procession of Città di Castello does have an old tradition over eight hundred years. For this event old town lights are turned off; the procession, high heat lit up, is formed by the religious authorities, among which the Buon Consiglio Confraternity members that have a centuries-old connection with dead men and with the Passion of Christ. In the past, indeed, they were in charge of human remains transport, in fact they were called “Company of the Good Death”. The members of Buon Consiglio Confraternity have inherited this accompanying role of the Christ Deposition simulacrum, carrying out the old tradition of the Holy Friday procession.

In Gubbio, the Death Christ Procession is a symbolic representation of the Passion and Death of Christ which involves over the centuries the social and cultural fabric of the Stone City. This procession is opened by brethren clothed in sackcloth who do play the “battistrangole” (instruments that provoke a scrap metal sound), followed by brethren that bring the skull representing the Golgotha and Passion symbols. Then the Death Christ and Our Lady of Sorrow statues, wooden sculptures of local craftsmanship, they walk together. Behind the statues the singers intone the “Miserere”, a popular song passed down through oral tradition. This procession crosses the main streets of the town, starting by nightfall from S.Domenico Church in Giordano Bruno Square, and during its passage some big fires are lit in certain points of the route.

In the old village of Montone are still alive any medieval traditions with the Donation of the Holy Thorn, a historical evocation sponsored by Unesco which does celebrate the old County of Braccio da Montone.
Between the 1470 and the 1477 Carlo Fortebracci for his military virtues inherited from his father, the famous Braccio Fortebraccio, fighting in the service of the Republic of Venice he received a Thorn of Jesus crown, which brought as a gift to Montone; he decreed the celebration on Easter Monday. According to legend this Thorn flourished on Holy Friday emanating a sweet scent: the attraction was so strong to attract thousands of pilgrims. From 1798 the Holy Thorn is guarded by sisters into the S.Agnese Convent and it is shown twice a year: on Easter Monday and on August in occasion of a historical evocation of the Thorn donation, when the three districts will challenge to win the Palio and to elect their own Castellana, who in the history was Margherita Malatesta from Rimini wife of the Earl Carlo, to finish then with the Grand Historical Pageant Gift of the Holy Thorn.

During the Way of the Cross, Spello, indeed, becomes an open-air art gallery: its fourteen stations that celebrate the Passion of Christ become source of inspiration for international and national artists, who realize some paintings to place in the most significant locations of the old town according to catholic iconography that reminds the stages of the Christ sentenced to death towards the Getzemani Mount. In this Auteur Cross of the Way, from S.Andrea Church to S.Lorenzo Church, the fourteen stations do become stops in front of the paintings, in a dimension where spirituality, emotion, participation and culture do create a really unique atmosphere. You can admire these pieces during the whole Holy Week.

Montefalco does have a festive tradition, that one of the Risen Christ Gloria. This is the evocation of an old religious and popular tradition: on the Holy Saturday night, the wonderful eighteenth-century wooden statue of the Risen Christ burst forth into the S.Bartolomeo Church which, as if by magic, is ignited of lights while all the town bells ringing.

There are many traditions connected to those ones most popular which symbolically celebrate the joy of the “rebirth” and the start of a new life cycle. Like that one of Pietralunga, where on Easter Sunday along the square citizens will challenge in an egg contest with the Tocciata: players are placed in the middle of the square with an egg on their hand and alternately they hit that one of the opponent; who remains with the egg intact go ahead in the competition. According to tradition who wins, will bring home the opponent eggs and they are shared with the family during Easter lunch.

Also in Ferentillo the contest with eggs blows is the protagonist of Lu Ciuccittu: the three Matterella Terzieri, Sacrato and Borzino will compete in three games among the Easter Sunday and Easter Monday to win the field golden Egg…while all eggs used during the game do end up in the final classic truffle omelet!

In Panicale indeed, on Easter Monday, will take place the traditional game of the Ruzzolone, which consists in throwing a big piece of cheese making it rolling around on the floor as a wheel. Wraps itself the piece with a canvas bandage equipped with a wooden handle, you let swing the cheese wrapped in the bandage firmly kept with your hand by your side and then you throw it with such force and precision along the set route. The winner is who gets first the goal with the whole cheese and with fewer launches.

Easter time celebrations ended with La Sbeccia which does take place on Holy Tuesday in Spello: it is the celebration of Our Lady most dear to inhabitants of the village. According to historic tradition, the wooden image of the Virgin which is venerated in the S.Lorenzo Church was gifted to Spello citizens from S.Bernardino from Siena in the 1483. It is the custom for Foligno people, during the afternoon of this day, to travel to Spello to celebrate the “Sbeccica”…and to taste the vernaccia, a typical sweet wine of this area.

Città di Castello still today preserves a few stretches of its famous 16^th century city walls which spread along the valley of the river Tiber, precisely where the Romans once built the municipium of Tifernum Tiberinum.

Enshrining an invaluable cultural, religious and historical heritage, the town is still today considered a crucial reference point for ancient and Renaissance history, to the point of hosting a number of events and folk festivals.

The tour in Città di Castello starts from the 14^th century Porta Sant'Andrea. We then walk up the tower of San Giacomo. The heart of the tour is without doubt the Palace of the Podestà which looks onto piazza Matteotti. The building is credited to Angelo da Orvieto, although today only one of the façades actually dates from the 1300s, whilst the other one and the loggias were built later, in the 17^th century.

Worth of a visit is the charming Pinacoteca Comunale, one of Umbria's most important picture galleries. Important artworks are displayed in its over 20 rooms, such as Raphael's Stendardo della Santissima Trinità, or the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian by Luca Signorelli.

If you are instead keen on ancient crafts and artisanship, you must not miss the Collezione Tessile di Tele Umbra, hosted in the Tommasini palace. This is a veritable museum of fabric, developed with the aim of protecting and promoting this characteristic local production. Here it is possible to closely admire unique pieces such as carpets and tapestries, as well as the instruments that were used during the various phases of their manufacture.

And after many hours of walking and beauty, we can also find the time to rest in front of a good baggiana, a local soup made of beans, tomatoes, and basil, and served with a tigella, a kind of flatbread which is usually enjoyed with cold-cuts and cheeses.

Other local products worth tasting are the white truffle of Città di Castello, and chestnuts.

An itinerary within the historic centre of Città di Castello, an ideal destination for lovers of history and culture, just north of Perugia.

Into the Narni’s underground, in the Lacus, an ancient environment of over 800 years ago, you will find an exciting path with which you can discover the fun aspect of speleology, but also its importance in researching new water sources.

You can conclude the tour of Narni’s underground with a special experience! The Lacus is an underground environment of the 1200 with stone vault and some remains of a floor in opus spicatum (spiked work). Inside this big and suggestive place it has been set up an indoor adventure trail really unique: NarniAdventures.

Here you’ll compare yourself, in complete safety, with rope bridges, cable car, climbing wall. But as well as the adventure excitement, you’ll discover the importance of the water through many reproductions, photos, educational panels, a waterfall and the possibility to walk the upper passage in an environment with the typical features of a cave.

The main goal is that of introducing the speleology as entertainment and adventure, and in its feature of researching new important water supply sources.

NarniAdventures is open on:
Saturday from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Sunday and festive from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Extra openings:
April 20th – 23rd – 24th – 26th – 27th – 29th – 30th from 11.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
April 21st – 22nd – 25th – 28th from 10.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
May 1st – 5th – 12th from 10.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
May 4th – 11th from 11.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Route starts every 30 minutes; children must be minimum 130 cm tall.

Rope bridges, cable car, climbing wall: adventure lives in a suggestive hypogeum of the 1200.

Today they are three small districts of the Municipality of Spoleto, during the Middle Age considered as important centers to control the territory of the Contado and the trade routes.

Total length of the route: approx. 21 km
(Eggi-Bazzano inferiore approx. 4 km; Bazzano inferiore-Silvignano approx. 8 km; Silvignano-Eggi approx. 9 km)

A short historic itinerary to know Eggi, Bazzano Inferiore and Silvignano: today three small districts of the Municipality of Spoleto, during the Middle Age considered as important centers to control the territory of the Contado and the trade routes.

There's no better way to get to know a city that walking along its streets and popping into hidden alleys. Here are some routes that will help you get to know the beauty of the ancient city of Perugia.

The ""Flag of Italy"" walk in the heart of the historical centre is an itinerary that leads to piazzas and streets dedicated to the heroes of the Risorgimento and the fight for independence. From the old Rocca Paolina fortress you will reach Piazza Italia lined with elegant 1800s buildings and then continue on to Borgo XX Giugno. From Porta San Costanzo walk down via Roma to reach Piazza Garibaldi; then walk along viale Indipendenza, via Caporali and via Bonazzi to reach Piazza della Repubblica. From here, enjoy the classic Perugian pastime of the vasca, or strolling down the main Corso Vannucci, to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo on Piazza IV Novembre and then finish your excursion with a walk down Via dei Priori.

The Senses route of echoes and old memories starts at the old Rocca Paolina fortress and, walking along Via Oberdan, you'll reach Piazza Matteotti, where you go down Via Alessi, and then Via della Viola to get to know the real heart of Perugia. Continue down Via Pinturicchio which curves onto the panoramic Via Cesare Battisti. The route continues on Via della Sposa, Via della Cupa, Via Caporali and ends at Piazza della Repubblica.

Walking from water source to fountain is a 5 km walk that follows the underground water system of the city. It starts at the most famous of fountains, Fontana Maggiore on Piazza IV Novembre, and leads to the Fontana di Via Maestà delle Volte, the fountain at the Etruscan Arch and the fountain at Piscinello to end at the fountain of Piazza Italia. The walk to discover the smaller water sources, on the other hand, lets you enjoy gorgeous views of the landscape that surrounds the city.

To get to know A new Perugia: the secret rooms, start at the what was once the old Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia, on via Oberdan. During your walk you'll see Piazza San Francesco and the 14^th century church of Sant'Ercolano and, finally the Basilica di San Domenico, which houses a funerary monument of Pope Benedict XI.

To enjoy nature in the centre of Perugia, follow the The nature park of the historic centre route that starts at the Piazza dell'Università and travel back into time with a tour that, with gorgeous views and Etruscan digs, will let you enjoy the historical phases of the city.

Perugia: a city whose thousand beautiful attributes can be discovered walking along its streets and alleys. Choose the route that most interests you and set off to learn about the history and culture of Perugia and its citizens.

Discover the beautiful natural landscape around Castelluccio: a relaxed trip amongst beech-trees, woods and water basins in the heart of Umbria.

Are you looking for a spring itinerary? Or a suitable path for snowshoeing with friends? In either case, this is the place for you: let us take you to the environs of Castelluccio, one of Umbria's greenest gems.

The starting point is the Pian Grande, a natural plain criss-crossed by paths and ancient mule-tracks. Near pastures, the area also features beech-tree woods, which are still stunning even though they have diminished in size over time.

The area, completely uninhabited save for two farms, originated with the sinking of the limestone ground surface. This event is testified by the Margani trench, which we come across on our trip. Continuing down our path, we reach the so-called Inghiottitoio (‘swallower'), a rocky depression which holds rain-water and snow-melt.

This itinerary is suitable for expert walkers but also for amateurs: the path can be taken on even by those with little track-record and lasts about two hours. nbsp

Partenza e arrivo: Città di Castello
Distanza: 45,5 km
Dislivello: 750 metri
Difficoltà: medio
Fondo stradale: asfalto
Bici consigliata: strada
Da vedere in zona: Città di Castello, Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Lippiano, Monterchi, Citerna.

The ride is relatively short, but the climbs in the central section of the ride (which is also the most fascinating part) justify its inclusion among the medium-grade routes. The starting point is Viale Nazzario Sauro, just outside the old city walls, and from here you ride in the direction of Cortona and Trestina. Just past the bridge over the River Tiber, bear left and follow the same signs (to Cortona and Trestina) as far as the village of San Secondo. As you come into San Secondo, via a narrow double bend in the road, turn sharp right (km. 7.2) in the direction of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, a delightful medieval village representing the highest point on this particular route, situated as it is on the very top of a hill overlooking the surrounding Umbrian and Tuscan valleys.

Before you get to the beginning of the climb up to the village, there is a fairly flat section of minor road winding through the extremely rural landscape. The climb, which begins at km. 13.6, is some 4 kilometres long, although the gradient is never more than 6 or 7%, and it offers some superb views over the surrounding countryside, as you ride up through delightful chestnut woods along a virtually traffic-free road. At the junction at km. 17.5, turn right and ride the short distance up to the village of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina. After visiting the village’s characteristic narrow streets and the remains of its medieval castle, ride back to the same junction and bear right towards Monterchi and Arezzo. A lengthy, winding descent is then followed in quick succession by the other two climbs of the day, neither any more than 1.5 km. long, and neither particular steep. This border country between Umbria and Tuscany is a wild place, and even the small medieval villages dotted here and there blend in perfectly with the surrounding green hills, making it an ideal place for a cycling holiday.

Once you have completed the third descent, past the village of Lippiano, you then pedal for a few kilometres in Tuscany, as far as the delightful medieval hilltop town of Monterchi, where the artist Piero della Francesca was born. From Monterchi, take the rather busier SS221 in the direction of Città di Castello, some 10 kilometres further on, along a mostly flat section of road. When you get to just outside the town (km. 42.5), bear right following the signs to Trestina, you will soon find yourself at the same junction (at km. 45) that you encountered at the beginning of the ride, situated just before the bridge over the River Tiber: at this point, bear round to your left and into Città di Castello town centre, which is well worth a visit: indeed, its vast array of monuments and artistic works make it the real gem of the Upper Tiber Valley.

Città di Castello's wonderful town centre, easily identifiable by the massive, cylindrical Romanesque bell tower of the town's cathedral (Church of Saints Florido and Amanzio) and the high, medieval civic tower on the opposite side of the square. Other interesting points along the route include the medieval hilltop village of Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, rising above the surrounding woodland and affording fantastic views across the nearby Umbrian and Tuscam valleys, and on a clear day as far as the Apuan Alps to the northwest, and the Gran Sasso d’Abruzzo to the south. Inside the village walls, the sixteenth-century castle and the Church of Santa Maria are both worth a visit. The tiny town of Citerna, situated just before Monterchi on the border with Tuscany, dates from Etruscan times, and its delightful walled centre boasts the church of San Michele Arcangelo, with its Crucifixion by Pomarancio, the fifteenth-century Palazzo Vitelli, and the early fourteenth-century church of San Franscesco (1316), featuring a number of historical paintings including a tempera painting of the Deposition by Pomarancio, and a Christ in Glory by Raffaellino del Colle. As you go out of this church, you encounter the little ""Prosperi"" building, and a few metres further on you come to a small arch leading to the medieval walkway running atop the village’s ancient walls.

Route number 14, although not particularly long, manages to combine beautiful landscape and a wealth of history, offering a series of interesting views of this extraordinary natural landscape, while touching upon certain important historical towns and villages, starting with Città di Castello, our point of departure.

The surrounding area is also an easy place to cycle around, which is why we have chosen a spot just outside the town walls as the starting point of this particular route. In fact, you are going to leave from the large car park on the outside of the walls, and from here ride through the town and carry on in the direction of Spoleto and Trevi. At km. 1.3 turn left towards Trevi, and then at the next roundabout turn right towards Spoleto, and ride down the hill into the valley below: if, when you get to the bottom of the hill, you turn round you get a good view of the hill, covered with orderly rows of olive trees and vines, on which Montefalco stands. At the end of the descent, follow the signs to Spoleto until you come to a small village called Bruna (km. 10.5), and then turn left towards Campello sul Clitunno, Beroide and Castel San Giovanni. When you have gone past the latter two villages, continue riding along the flat SP457 as far as km. 17.5, and then bear right onto a minor road, and then left, and a kilometre further on, bear right across the narrow bridge over the River Maroggia, and ride on to the traffic lights and the underpass taking you back onto the SS3 Via Flaminia. Turn right onto the Via Flaminia, and less than a kilometre further on you come to the Fonti del Clitunno (the Clitunno Springs), a delightfully peaceful, beautiful place which you may well want to stop off at for a relaxing rest.

Now ride back along the same road until you get to the underpass once again; turn right past the underpass, and ride along the road (ZTL - limited vehicle access) that runs along the banks of the Maroggia. Follow this road for several kilometres, across four junctions, and past Pissignano Castle and the delightful town of Trevi to your right. At km. 32 turn left, cross the River Teverone and take the cycle way running along the opposite bank, until you get to the foot of the hill on which Montefalco stands. Come off the cycle way at km. 36 and bear left onto the SP444: you now have a not too steep climb (5-6% gradient) of about 5 kilometres, taking you back to the starting point.

This itinerary starts just a few steps from the walls of Montefalco, as the surroundings of the village are also characterized by excellent cycling. Known in the world for the Sagrantino, one of the most precious wines of the Umbrian territory, but also for the goodness of the oil and for the beauty of the surrounding hills, Montefalco is part of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and its privileged position, which allows to admire wonderful views on the central part of the region, has earned it the name of ""Balcony of Umbria"". It boasts a number of interesting buildings, including: the Church of St. Francis, currently a Museum, which was constructed for the Minor Friars between 1335 and 1338; the Art Gallery, with works by Francesco Melanzio, Antoniazzo Romano and the Umbrian School from the 14th to the 18th centuries; and the crypt, with archaeological findings, sculptures and items from various periods of history. The town is still enclosed by its 13th-century walls, and is dominated by the Church of St. Augustine, built together with the convent during the second half of the 13th century. Just a few kilometres from Montefalco lies Foligno, Umbria’s third largest town, boasting a series of buildings of outstanding historical and artistic importance, including: the Cathedral, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Infraportas, the church of San Salvatore, the former church of San Domenico, and the Oratory of the Nunziatella. Other things of interest along the route include Pissignano Castle, built during the 11th and 12th centuries, and currently a residential complex.

Along the roads of the Sagrantino di Montefalco, among hills full of olive groves and vineyards regularly alternated, fairy villages and castles, in uncontaminated lands soaked of the scents of the oil and the wine of quality.

Route n. 19 starts from the town of Amelia and winds across the pure wild hills, reminiscent of a past age - which should be popular with those cyclists who use bikes other than racers. From the technical point of view, this route is undulating, with two significant climbs, namely the Penna in Teverina and Porchiano hills: albeit not particularly steep, these two climbs are rather long, and as such require a reasonable level of fitness and training.

The starting point is the public gardens in Amelia, just a short distance outside the town walls. From here, ride in the direction of Orte, and you soon begin a pleasant, winding descent down to the town some 13 kilometres further on. At km. 13.5, just before you reach Orte, turn right onto the SP84 in the direction of Penna in Teverina, which takes you through a very bucolic landscape amidst green hills and ancient woods.

Km. 18 marks the beginning of the 4.5 km climb up to Penna in Teverina. At the top there is a roundabout with a fountain where you can fill up your water bottle before setting off once again, this time in the direction of Giove to your left. The next three kilometres are across a magnificent plateau affording splendid views of the surrounding countryside. At the next junction, bear left in the direction of Giove once again: this medieval town, situated at km. 29 of our route, has preserved its ancient walls and a number of the walls’ towers. After a brief rest and a coffee, it is time to descend down to Attigliano; at the end of the descent (at km.33) turn right onto a gravel road which marks the beginning of the climb up to Porchiano.

The well-maintained gravel road is about 3 kilometres long, after which the road continues to rise in “steps” until you reach Porchiano, having gone across a couple of junctions, situated at km. 42.5 of the route. Ride out of Porchiano, an ancient hilltop village situated in the middle of dense woodland, towards Amelia, and when you get to the junction with the SS205 (km. 44) turn right towards Amelia. The road back to the town is a winding one through the woods, but before going back to the town gardens, you may like to turn left and ride into the walls of the old town centre to visit its many artistic and historical treasures.

Amelia is one of the most important historical towns in Umbria: its massive polygonal walls enclose a considerable number of interesting buildings, including the Cathedral, the Monastery of San Magno, the Church of St. Francis and the Church of St. Augustine, and the small country church of the Madonna delle Cinque Fonti, which legend has it offered shelter to St. Francis on his travels in these parts. Other interesting features include the 15th century Palazzo Nacci, and the 16th century Palazzo Farrattini and Palazzo Petrignani, as well as the Civic Tower symbolising communal independence, and the splendid 18th century theatre. The sounding area is also very beautiful, with gentle hills covered in beech, Mediterranean scrub and meadows. These hills also boast an array of delightful fortified medieval towns, such as Giove, Penna in Teverina and Lugnano in Teverina.

From Amelia, crossing the uncontaminated and fascinating hilly landscape that slopes towards the Tiber valley, touching centers such as Penna and Lugnano in Teverina, Giove and Porchiano.

This route covers the mainly flat section of the Umbria Valley (Valle Umbra) situated between the ancient towns of Trevi and Spoleto, and follows the cycle path along the Maroggia river for several kilometres: indeed, it is one of the easiest, pleasantest rides in this guide.

The route is mainly traffic free, even when you come off the cycle path, and affords some wonderful views of Trevi and its olive groves (the nearby Bovara boasts the oldest olive tree in the entire Umbria region), of Pissignano and Spoleto: it is the perfect ride for inexperienced cyclists and for families seeking an enjoyable weekend ride in this delightful corner of Umbria.

The starting point is the train station at Borgo Trevi, which lies below the hilltop town of Trevi itself, and thus those cyclists bringing their bikes by train can start the ride immediately after getting off the train. From the train station, follow the road to your right leading to the ancient Roman Via Flaminia, and at the junction 400 metres further on, turn right into Via Faustana. A further 400 metres on you come to another junction: turn right again, following the signs to Spoleto, and just past the railway bridge, turn right once again into Via Clitunno. At km. 2.5, just before you reach the River Maroggia, turn left into the road (ZTL zone) which from April to September is vehicle-free, with access for pedestrians and cyclists only.

Cycle straight on until you reach km.6, then turn right, go across the River Maroggia, and then turn left again: to your left there is a fine view of Pissignano Castle rising up on the hillside among the olive groves, and overlooking the Clitunno Springs situated down below. At the next junctions go straight across, until you reach km.11: at this point, turn left and once over the bridge, turn right onto the cycle path which takes us all the way to San Venanzo (km.15), just outside Spoleto.

At the junction with the SP451, turn right towards San Venanzo, and 300 metres further on, turn right again in the direction of Protte. Cycle straight on towards Beroide, until you come to the junction with the SP457: at this point turn left and then right, following the sign to Borgo Trevi. At km. 25.5, keep to your right, and past the bridge over the Maroggia, cycle back into Borgo Trevi along the same road you road down in the opposite direction at the start of the ride.

The small town of Trevi, immersed in the surrounding olive groves, preserves several remains and buildings from its Roman and medieval past. The town’s churches of particular interest include Sant’Emiliano (12th century), with its Blessed Sacrament Altar by Rocco da Vicenza (1522) and its series of 16th century frescoes by Francesco Melanzio, and the Church of San Francesco. The 15th century Town Hall houses the town’s Art Gallery (pinacoteca), which is also worth a visit. The nearby hamlet of Bovara boasts the oldest olive tree in Umbria - the Sant’Emiliano tree - which is some 9 metres tall and is estimated to be 1,700 years old! According to tradition, in fact, in the year 304 AD, Trevi’s patron saint St. Emiliano, was tied to this tree and killed. The fortified village of Campello sul Clitunno, together with Pissignano Castle, both immersed in the area’s vast olive groves, are also of interest. The Clitunno Springs (Fonti del Clitunno), a true wonder of nature, are situated not far from Trevi: this series of springs, which were already famous in ancient Roman times, form a lake which marks the source of the small River Clitunno. The Clitunno Temple (or Church of San Salvatore), a Paleo-Christian building, lies just a short distance away.

A route mostly flat and without traffic, crossing the Umbrian valley and the beauty of the views of Trevi, its olive groves and unspoiled nature to live with the whole family.

Route 11 is the first of the series of medium routes, and its starting point is the small town of Trestina, situated midway between Città di Castello and Umbertide. This 50-kilometre ride is particularly interesting from the naturalistic point of view, as in the main it follows quiet country lanes through meadows, fields and woods. The train station in Trestina is the starting point for this ride, as this gives those cyclists living or staying further a field the chance to bring their bikes on the train. From the station, ride along the SP105 in the direction of Umbertide, and 6 kilometres further on you will come to a junction at Montecastelli, where you bear right towards Umbertide and Niccone, along the SP140. When you reach the small village of Niccone, turn right onto the SS416 towards Cortona and Lisciano Niccone, a quiet road that runs the length of the delightful, prevalently rural, Niccone Valley.

This section of the ride is almost flat, with the exception of the short climb up past the hamlet of Sant’Andrea di Sorbello, just over the border into Tuscany. At km. 21, just past a bar to your right, you leave the SS416 valley road and turn right onto a small road in the direction of Leoncini and Sasso di San Donnino; then just a short distance further on, you turn left, in the direction of Sasso di San Donnino once again. At the next fork in the road, do not follow the sign to Sasso di San Donnino, but bear right instead, and after a total of 23 kilometres from your starting point, you come to the beginning of a splendid climb. The first kilometre of this climb is quite tough, and takes you into the neighbouring Tuscany: the road winds up through the woods and the occasional meadow.

The end of the climb is at km. 25.5, and is followed by a descent which requires a certain caution, as it is full of bends and there are sections where the road surface is not particularly good. When you reach the bottom of the hill, bear right, then at the first junction turn left, and at the second junction turn right, which will take you back onto the SP105 near the village of San Leo Bastia, where you stop for a short break and a coffee. Moving off once again from San Leo Bastia, follow the signs to Trestina until you come to the village of Calzolaro, where you take the road to your left in the direction of Lugnano (km. 36), along a narrow, winding country lane which leads eventually to the junction for Trestina (at km. 39.5) at the hamlet of Bivio Lugnano.

A little further on, at Bivio Canoscio, take the road to your left just past the bar, leading up to Canoscio. The road up to the panoramic Sanctuary of Canoscio is all uphill, and so those who do not wish to take on another climb can simply carry straight on when they get to the turning at Bivio Canoscio, and be back in Trestina another couple of kilometres further on. The climb, just over three kilometres long, is not particularly steep, except for the very last section, and takes you up to the Sanctuary (Basilica) of Canoscio, where you get a wonderful view right across the Tiber Valley. At this point you descend from Canoscio taking the road on the other side of the hill, towards Fabbrecce, and at the end of the descent, you turn right and ride back to Trestina, a couple of kilometres further on.

This route takes the cyclist through Lisciano Niccone, a small village set into the hillside, you should not miss Lisciano Castle, built around the 9th/10th century at the top of the hill overlooking the village, and the neighbouring castles of Reschio, Sorbello and Pierle are also well worth a visit. [Ritorno a capo del testo]The Sanctuary of Canoscio, a large basilica situated above the town of Trestina, built at the end of the 19th century, is the most important place devoted to the worship of Mary in the whole of Umbria, and as such is visited by more than 100,000 followers each year.

An itinerary of great landscape interest, in a predominantly rural area, on roads for the most part free of traffic that run between meadows, cultivated fields, thick woods and uncontaminated nature.

Route 10 starts from Alviano Station, and represents one of the easiest rides presented in this guide, being relatively short and almost entirely flat. It follows the course of the River Tiber along the border between the two regions of Umbria and Lazio, just a short distance from the World Wildlife Fund “Oasis” of Lake Alviano, a nature reserve of some 900 hectares that is extremely popular with birdwatchers.

Starting off from Alviano Station, you cycle in the direction of Attigliano and Viterbo, and after 400 metres, you leave the main SP11 road, and turn left onto a minor road through the open countryside, which leads to Attigliano (km. 9.5), a medieval village situated in the Tiber Valley. From here, bear right and follow the signs to Bomarzo and Viterbo: as you cycle along this section of the ride, you will find yourself cycling for a few kilometres beyond Umbria’s borders, in the neighbouring Lazio region.

At km. 12.6, cross the bridge over the Tiber and turn right onto the SP19, in the direction of Alviano, Sipicciano and Castiglione in Teverina. The road is completely flat here, following as it does the course of the Tiber, and winds through woods and fields until you get to km.23, where you turn right and ride back along the road towards Alviano. Another 3 kilometres on and you will be back at your starting point in Alviano: at this point, if you still have a little energy to spare, you could bear right and cycle the 2 kilometres up the hill to the centre of Alviano (the actual climb is quite short, but rather steep at times). Alviano is a small medieval town boasting a large 15th century Castle, and wonderful views across the Tiber Valley.

The most important building in the area is Alviano Castle (Rocca di Alviano), built in 1495, which currently houses the Town Hall, the Bartolomeo d’Alviano Multimedial Museum (il Museo Multimediale di Bartolomeo d’Alviano e dei Capitani di ventura umbri), the Alviano Oasis Audiovisual Centre, and the Museum of Rural Civilisation. The main attraction in the Lake Alviano area is the WWF Oasis: this nature reserve covering some 900 hectares features nature trails that enable visitors to observe the local flora and fauna from special birdwatching hides, towers and walkways, and there is even an outdoor classroom for school parties. Attigliano, an ancient Etruscan town, features a series of interesting monuments, including a watchtower, the Fontana dei Delfini, and a medieval castle. The ancient village of Guardea, complete with castle (Castello di Guardea Vecchia) is situated just a short distance from Attigliano.

An easy and almost entirely flat route, along the course of the Tiber on the border between Umbria and Lazio, a stone's throw from the WWF Oasis of Lake Alviano, a privileged place for birdwatching.

The starting point is the Rocca Albornoz, an ancient outpost built midway through the 14th century at the very highest part of the spur on which the town was constructed. From here, you descend towards the centre of Narni and then turn left towards Testaccio, a small village 2.5 km. further on. Carry on in the direction of Rome until you get to the junction with the SS3 (km. 6.5), and then turn left in the direction of Rome once again. Carry on along this undulating section of road until you get to km. 14, where you turn left towards the ancient town of Otricoli, famous for the archaeological zone of Ocricolum, the Roman town that arose along the Tiber in the vicinity of the Porto dell’Olio, the ruins of which mostly date from the Augustine age.

Once out of the town, turn left in the direction of Calvi dell’Umbria: after a descent involving a few hairpin bends you come to the beginning of the climb up to Calvi dell’Umbria (at km. 17) and after climbing for some 7.5 kilometres you finally reach the town, where you can stop for a rest and something to eat or drink. As well as numerous artistic works and historical buildings, the streets of Calvi also feature a number of murals depicting the Nativity, the work of famous Italian and foreign artists who, since 1982, come to the town to paint the walls of the old houses, hence its nickname as the “town of the Nativity”. Leaving Calvi, take the SP18 towards Narni, and you will find yourself cycling through an almost unreal landscape of woodland and silence. At km. 30 you come to the village of Poggio (see ‘photo above):carry straight on until you reach the junction with the SS3 (km. 37), and then turn right towards Narni, cycling along the same road you took at the beginning of the ride. Ride past Testaccio, and you will come to the gates of the town of Narni at km. 42: but before turning right and climbing back up the hill to the Rocca, you must ride into the town centre and visit the many beautiful buildings and works it boasts, including the exciting visit to subterranean Narni, consisting of a series of aqueducts, cisterns, tunnels, crypts and even the torture chambers of the town’s inquisitional tribunal, complete with cell featuring the graffiti of those prisoners awaiting their sentence.

You must visit the centre of Narni, with its 3000-year-old historical heritage. While here you should also visit the subterranean Narni: a series of aqueducts, cisterns, tunnels, crypts and even the torture chambers of the town’s Inquisitional Tribunal, which together constitute a mysterious underground landscape in the very heart of the town, an historical, artistic and cultural journey into the past.The Roman period is represented by the Augustus Bridge, the Cadona Bridge and the Formina Aqueduct. The Middle Ages, on the other hand, are well represented by a whole series of buildings and monuments, including the Cathedral of San Giovenale, the Church of San Domenico, and the Church of Santa Maria Inpensole. Piazza dei Priori is a magnificent square surrounded by the austere Palazzo del Podestà and the Loggia dei Priori, the latter featuring the delightful Loggia del Banditore. The town is crowned by the recently renovated Rocca Albornoz, originally constructed in the second half of the 14th century on orders from Cardinal Albornoz. The major attraction at Otricoli is the archaeological zone of Ocricolum, the Roman town that arose along the Tiber in the vicinity of the Porto dell’Olio, the ruins of which mostly date from the Augustine age: the Theatre, the Amphitheatre and an impressive series of arches which perhaps supported one of the most important of the Roman town’s monuments, the Capitolium. Calvi dell’Umbria is worth a visit to see the many murals representing the Nativity scene, painted on the walls of the old town houses.

This route starts out from Narni, an ancient town dating back more mthan three thousand years, and conquered by the Romans in 299 BC under the name of Narnia. The town is situated among the quiet hills at the south-westernmost tip of Umbria, and the ride takes you to several other ancient towns and villages, such as Otricoli, Calvi dell’Umbria and Poggio.

This route, like the Route 27, starts from the sports round in Spoleto, and winds its way across the Monti Martani hills in the very centre of Umbria. It is an undulating route that passes by a series of very interesting ancient towns and villages, such as Giano dell’Umbria and Massa Martana, and also touches on a number of areas of natural interest, and offers a series of characteristic Umbrian landscapes.

Starting from the sports ground in Spoleto, you ride off towards the Via Flaminia along the outside of the town’s military barracks, and at the roundabout turn left towards Castel Ritaldi. At the traffic lights turn right into one of the few busy roads you are going to encounter on this particular ride. 3 km. from the starting point lies San Venanzo, where you turn off the busy main road towards Protti to your right. Beyond Protti you come to the junction with the SP457: turn left here, and right on past Beroide and Castel San Giovanni to Bruna at km. 14, which marks the beginning of the short climb up to the hilltop village of Castel Ritaldi.

At the end of the ride down from Castel Ritaldi you come to a junction: go straight on here and the road soon starts to rise once again, towards Torregrosso and Colle del Marchese, through olive groves and wheat fields, with a wonderful view right across the Valle Umbra. At the end of the next descent, which brings you to Bivio Moscardini, turn left onto the SP451 and a few metres further on, turn left again towards Giano dell’Umbria, situated at km. 30 after around 5 kilometres of ascent. Carry straight on towards Monte Cerreto, along a winding road that weaves its way across the land at the foot of Monte Martano, through olive groves and dense pine forest, leading you past the fascinating castle at Castagnola. When you get to the junction with the SS316, turn left towards Massa Martana.

The road climbs up gradually to the Viepri Pass (Valico di Viepri) at km. 42, and then back down again towards Massa Martana, where you can have a rest and visit the town centre. After which, you continue to descend alongside the remains of the ancient Via Flaminia, until you get to Massa Martana Scalo, where you turn left towards Acquasparta.

When you get to Acquasparta (km. 59), follow the signs for Spoleto, and take the SR418, which marks the beginning of the most difficult climb of this particular ride, the6 km. climb through woodland leading up to the Firenzuola Pass. From the pass you then descend towards Spoleto, and ride through Baiano in order to avoid some of the traffic, and then at km. 81.4, at the entrance to Spoleto, you turn left towards San Niccolò along the narrow road running alongside the canal. Turn right at the next junction, and then at the traffic lights cross the main road and carry straight on into Via Visso, returning along the same route you took when leaving town, until you reach the sports ground once again.

Spoleto, one of the most beautiful towns in central Italy, not only boasts substantial Roman remains, but has also managed to preserve its original medieval appearance and layout. The most important monument of this, the “Town of the Two Worlds” (named after the International Arts Festival held there every year), is its Cathedral, but it also possesses a wealth of other extremely interesting buildings, including the Church of Sant’Eufemia, the Church of Saints John and Paul (Santi Giovanni e Pietro), the Abbey of San Ponziano, the Church of San Domenico, the tenth-century Church of San Paolo inter vineas, with its important series of 13th-century frescoes, and the Church of San Pietro, built in the fifth century, with its splendid Romanesque sculptured stone façade decorated with extraordinary bas-reliefs. The town is surmounted by the massive Rocca Albornoziana, work on which began in the year 1352. The area around Spoleto features the “sacred wood” of Monteluco, a dense wood of evergreen Holm Oak which is of considerable naturalistic and spiritual importance. Massa Martana, a town situated in an area where many Roman finds have been made, features a number of interesting buildings and monuments, including the Church of San Felice, built in honour of the town’s patron saint, the Church of San Sebastiano, and the 16th century Town Hall. Other places of interest include Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria and Montecchio, situated on the slopes of the Monti Martani hills.

Among woods, vineyards, olive groves, fields of wheat and sunflowers, in a valley path that from Spoleto arrives to the hills of Monti Martani, touching villages of great historical and artistic interest.

In this route there are a number of climbs involved, and as such is only really for experienced, fit cyclists, given the length (90 km.) and the total ascent (2,000 metres) of the route. The starting point is in front of the church in Ciconia, beneath the ridge on which the town of Orvieto stands. From here, you start off by riding in the direction of Todi and Monte Peglia.

The first climb of the day, up to Colonetta di Prodo, comes a mere 1.5 km. from the start: this 8 km. climb, offering magnificent views, first of Orvieto and then of Lake Corbara, is not particularly steep. After 4 kilometres of descent, the road starts to climb once again, past the village of Prodo, up to a height of 616 metres, midst a completely natural setting, a long way from any traffic or noise. This point marks the beginning of the descent down into the Tiber Valley, which eventually leads to the junction with the SS448 (km. 37.5), where you turn left towards Todi.

A mere 300 metres along this road, and you turn off to your right, still in the direction of Todi, and start to climb up towards the centre of the town. At km. 40.5, turn right towards Fiori and Izzalini, although if you wish you can continue straight on towards Todi town centre (one km. further on), one of Umbria’s most famous cities of art and as such well worth a visit

At the end of the descent (km. 43) continue towards Fiori and Izzalini, and then towards Montecchio and Civitella del Lago: past Izzalini the road starts to climb, and this climb, albeit with the occasional short downhill section, is more than 15 kilometres long, and takes you up to a height of 740 metres (at km. 61). At this point, turn right and begin the descent down to Civitella del Lago, a fascinating little town famous for its panoramic position overlooking Lake Corbara

Once you have visited the centre of Civitella, you can resume the descent in the direction of the Lake and Orvieto. When you get to the lakeshore, at the junction with the SS448, turn left in the direction of Orvieto.

At km. 75, past the dam, turn off the main road to your right towards the small village of Corbara (which the lake is named after) and ride along beneath the dam itself. When you get to Corbara, bear left towards Orvieto, and a small, quiet country road will take you the 10 kilometres or so back to Ciconia. Once back at the starting point, Ciconia, you can then visit Orvieto going up to the town centre. Orvieto is famous throughout the world for its Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Well and a whole range of other artistic and architectural treasures.

Orvieto is one of the most famous towns in the centre of Italy, renowned for its vast artistic and cultural heritage. The town’s most interesting and most beautiful buildings include: the 13th century Cathedral, one of the most impressive achievements of Italian architecture; the Church of San Giovenale, the Church of San Giovanni, the Church of Sant’Andrea, the Church of San Lorenzo de’Arari, and the thirteenth-century churches of San Francesco and San Domenico. The town’s most famous public buildings include the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale), the Palazzo del Popolo, the Palazzo dei Sette, and the Luigi Mancinelli Municipal Theatre. Another very famous and unique feature of the town is St. Patrick’s Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio), a masterpiece of engineering some 62 metres deep, featuring two separate helicoidal ladders which descend to the bottom of the well, so that those persons bringing water up to the surface could do so without encountering those going down. Beneath the town lies another reality: Subterranean Orvieto, consisting of an incredibly complex labyrinth of passages, tunnels and cellars dug out of the rock. If you go just outside of the town walls you can visit the Etruscan necropolis entitled the Tufo Crucifix, dating from the 4th/5th century BC, with chamber tombs built out of blocks of tufo rock. Other places of interesting along the route include the ancient villages of Prodo, Montecchio, Baschi and, above all, Civitella del Lago, famous for its delightfully panaoramic position overlooking Lake Corbara. Then there is the Forello Gorge (Gole del Forello), and at Scoppieto there is even a Roman ceramic factory dating from the 1st century AD, which at the time was an important site for the production of terracotta products, which could be subsequently transported towards the Mediterranean along the waters of the River Tiber.

On the hills that overhang the artificial basin of Corbara, crossing two cities of art of world importance as Orvieto and Todi, immersed in sceneries and landscapes of great naturalistic interest.

This route offers some truly wonderful views, and mostly involves very quiet minor roads, but due to the said climbs (2,300 metres of total ascent) and the overall length of the route (115 km.), it requires a considerable degree of fitness. The route begins, like the previous one, from the sports ground in Spoleto: you then ride towards the Via Flaminia along the outside of the town’s military barracks, and at the roundabout turn right towards the town centre.

At the following roundabouts, follow the signs for San Giacomo, and at Madonna di Lugo (km. 3.5), when you get to the sign for the Albergo Bonicerri, turn right onto a minor road leading to the bottom of the first climb of the day. At km. 6.2, turn right towards Fabbreria, and begin the climb up to the Spina Pass (Passo della Spina): this 13 km-long climb is not particularly steep however. At the end of the descent down from the pass, carry on towards Sellano, and when you get to the junction with the SS319 (at km. 27.8), turn right towards Sellano once again. This marks the beginning of the second climb of the day, a shorter one this time, up to the Valico del Soglio (km. 31).

The descent down the other side of the pass is a long one that at a certain point goes through the town of Sellano, one of the places worse hit by the 1997 earthquake, and leads to Borgo Cerreto and the junction with the main SS209 Valnerina road. You may like to stop off for a break along the River Nera here, as the next few kilometres are going to be along isolated roads offering no further such opportunities. At the junction with the Valnerina (km. 46) turn left towards Visso, and then at the next junction turn right towards Monteleoone di Spoleto, at which point you are at the beginning of the very long climb up to the Gavelli Pass, which including the odd downhill or flat section, is all of 15 km.

The first sections are the steepest, and offer a splendid series of views to the right across the Valnerina and Cerreto di Spoleto. The following kilometres wind up in the middle of the woods, where silence reigns supreme. At km. 64.5 you come to the village of Poggiodomo, the smallest borough in Umbria, and at km. 69.5 you bear right towards Spoleto and Gavelli, where you are faced by the last few steep sections of the climb (if you turn left, on the other hand, you can visit the village of Monteleone di Spoleto).

At the end of the descent, having ridden past Sant’Anatolia di Arco, you return to the main SS209 road, and take it in the direction of Visso once again, but at km. 93.5 you bear left off the same road towards Piedipaterno. This marks the start of the fourth and final climb of the day, the one going up to Forca di Cerro. The pass is situated at km. 103, and from then on its all downhill back to Spoleto and your starting point at the town’s sports ground (km. 114.5).

As well as the centre of Spoleto and its Rocca Albornoziana, which were described in the previous route no. 26, the real attraction of this route no. 27 is the magnificence of the landscape in the Valnerina mountains, and the delightful valley itself with the cool, clear waters of the River Nera. The small hilltop town of Cerreto di Spoleto is also very beautiful: its medieval centre contains the former Monastery of San Giacomo, which currently houses the Borough’s Historical Archives and the offices of the Valnerina’s Centre for Anthropological Research and Documentation (CEDRAV - Centro per la Ricerca e la Documentazione Antropologica in Valnerina). Also of note are the Renaissance church of Santa Maria De Libera, the church of Santa Maria Annunziata, and the Castle Church. The centre of Monteleone di Spoleto is also delightful, its most interesting feature being the Etruscan Chariot, an invaluable archaeological find dating from the 6th century BC which was discovered in 1902 in a necropolis not far from the village, where it had been lain in a tumulus. This find has since been transferred to the Metropolitan Museum of New York, while a life-size copy is on display in Monteleone. Other places of interest include Poggiodomo, the smallest borough in Umbria, and above all the fortified villages of Caso, Sant’Anatolia di Narco and Vallo di Nera.

From Spoleto, towards the tops of the Umbro-Marchigiano Appennino, among extraordinary naturalistic foreshortenings through the Valnerina and facing four climbs of notable difficulty, more for the length than for the slopes.

The starting point for this particular route is the medieval hilltop town of Montone, a delightful place that has managed to preserve its traditional appeal and character, linked to an historically eventful past. Past Città di Castello, the route winds up into the Umbrian-Marche Apennines, with the rider facing two difficult climbs.The landscape is very beautiful, but the difficulty of the ride means that it is only really suitable for more experienced, fitter riders equipped with a good range of gears, given that sections of the climb up from the town of Apecchio have a gradient of more than 10%.

Starting from Montone’s football ground, a few metres outside of the town walls, turn to your right and ride down towards Città di Castello and Montecastelli, and just past the cemetery to your left, bear right off this secondary road onto an even smaller road which winds down through farmland and woods towards Montecastelli below.At the small roundabout at the bottom of the descent go straight across to the junction with the main SS3bis road: turn right here towards Città di Castello along an almost completely flat section of road.

When you get to the outskirts of the town, turn right towards Pietralunga, and then straight afterwards, bear left at the junction and follow the signs for the hospital. Another kilometre or so further on you come to a set of traffic lights; go straight over the lights, down the hill to the roundabout, and then turn right onto the SS257 Fano road.

A few hundred metres further on, and you are at the beginning of the long, albeit not steep climb (gradient of 6% or less) up to the Bocca Serriola pass. When you get to the top of the pass, which marks the border between the two regions of Umbria and the Marche, carry straight on down the other side towards Apecchio, along the Biscubio Valley. When you get to the town of Apecchio (at km. 45), turn right towards Pietralunga, at which point the wildest, most fascinating, but also the hardest, section of the ride starts. The second climb of the day, in fact, winds up between meadows and thick woodland, and in certain sections the gradient is of more than 10%, which require you to be very fit and to have a good range of gears on your bike.

This second climb ends at km. 54, but there are another three kilometres or so of undulating road before the descent begins, at km. 57.5. The first kilometre of the descent is very steep and winding, and special care needs to be taken here. At km. 58 turn right back onto the SP201, at which point the descent becomes somewhat gentler, and in 5 kilometres you will be in the medieval town of Pietralunga. From Pietralunga, proceed straight on towards Umbertide: the road continues to winds its way slightly downhill, among the wooded hills, until you get to the foot of the hill leading up to Montone. Then at km. 78.5, turn left off the main road towards Montone, and ride the last three kilometres up to the town, along this shaded, not particularly steep, country lane. Since the central section of this route is always some distance from any nearby town, you should remember to take a puncture repair and emergency tool kit with you when you set out.

The wonderful medieval town of Montone, voted one of the ""Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy"", perched on the very top of a steep hill that dominates the surrounding countryside. The most important building in Montone is the fourteenth-century Church of St. Francis, with its polygonal apse and portico. Another interesting construction is St. Catherine’s Convent, which currently houses the Local History Archives, one of the most important documentary sources in the whole of Umbria. Another important church is the Pieve di San Gregorio, the oldest church in Montone, which was built in Romaesque-Byzantine style in around the year 1000. Outside the town, perched on a rocky outcrop, lies the Rocca d’Aries, a massive castle which has been completely renovated fairly recently. Other places of interest include the ancient town of Pietralunga, surrounded by oak woods, and the nearby Candeleto complex, complete with campsite, swimming pool, restaurant and accommodation facilities. The Local Natural History Museum, also situated at Candeleto, has many interesting exhibits, and in particular a substantial ornithological section.

From an enchanting Umbrian medieval center such as Montone up to the peaks of the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines, through a fascinating and challenging route, immersed in the green and steeped in history.

This route, like route 2, starts from Umbertide’s Piazza Mazzini, and features two noticeable climbs connecting the Upper Tiber Valley with Lake Trasimeno. Most of the roads taken are very quiet, with very little traffic at anytime, and the spectacular views are more than just reward for the energy spent. It is not a particularly long route, but the two long climbs (Colle Campana and Valico Gosparini), although not steep, require a considerable level of fitness.

The first uphill section is encountered a mere 600 metres out of Umbertide, going towards Città di Castello, where you turn left towards Castel Rigone and Preggio: this marks the beginning of the first long climb of the day – roughly 15 kilometres – up to Colle Campana at 750 metres above sea level. This climb is not particularly steep (and there are a couple of kilometres of descent in between) with the exception of the very last section leading up to the top of the hill. There is a splendid view when you make it to the top: to your left, Monte Tezio and the Umbria-Marche Apennines, and to your right, Lake Trasimeno and beyond as far as Monte Amiata in Tuscany. The road continues rises and falls for several kilometres until you get to the village of Castel Rigone, situated at km. 18. You can stop here for a rest and a bite to eat, before beginning the highly panoramic descent down to the shores of Lake Trasimen.

At the end of the descent (km. 27) turn right towards Passignano, and then continue along the SS75bis as far as Tuoro, before turning right and following the signs for Umbertide and Lisciano Niccone. The road out of Tuoro marks the beginning of the 6-kilometre climb up to Valico Gosparini, where you should stop a while to enjoy the marvellous view of Lake Trasimeno below. You now descend towards Lisciano Niccone, and at the end of the descent (km. 49) bear left in the direction of Umbertide. The following section of the ride takes in the entire Niccone Valley, characterised by its geometrical plots of farmland, each with different crops.

After a total of 51 kilometres you come to Mengaccini, where you can fill your water bottle at a fountain on the right, but should you miss this you can do likewise at the village of Niccone at km. 66.5. When you reach the junction with the SS3bis at Niccone, turn right and ride back to the starting point in Umbertide, another 4 kilometres further on. However, should you feel like extending your ride, you can turn left at the same junction, in the direction of Città di Castello. About one kilometre past the village of Montecastelli, turn right off the SS3bis onto the local road that climbs up for about 4 km. to the beautiful medieval town of Montone. After a brief visit to this unique little town, classified among the most beautiful small towns in Italy, follow the signs to Umbertide, which is another 10 km. further on, most of which being downhill.

Apart from Umbertide town centre, which is described in route 2, this particular ride is characterised by the beautiful natural landscape, which varies from the rather mountainous Colle Campana and Castel Rigone, to the lakeside habitat of Trasimeno. Castel Rigone has its Sanctuario di Maria Santissima dei Miracoli, built towards the end of the 15th century by a pupil of the famous architect Bramante, and generally considered to be one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Umbria. The lakeside town of Tuoro was the site of the historical ""Battle of Trasimeno"" in 217 BC between the Romans and the Carthaginians: a special itinerary has been laid out for visitors, retracing the main phases of the famous defeat of the Roman army at the hands of Hannibal’s troops.

From the Tiber to Lake Trasimeno, among the most fascinating water landscapes of the Green Heart of Italy, in a challenging itinerary to discover timeless natural beauty.

A total ascent of 1,600 metres and a length of 94 kilometres, make this one of the most difficult rides in the guide, and as such is only suitably for really fit riders with bikes properly set up for this kind of hilly terrain. It is, nevertheless, a very attractive ride given the beauty of the countryside you ride through, in particular in the Nestore Valley and between Piegaro and Monte Peglia, where the road runs through vast areas of woodland, where the presence of Man has yet to perceptibly affect the wonderful natural surrounds.

The ride starts from the sports ground in Marsciano, a town famous for its brick-manufacturing industry, and moves off in the direction of San Venanzo, and then towards the town centre, where you turn left onto the SP376 towards Migliano and Morcella. When you get to the turning for Morcella, bear left towards Migliano: this is the start of the first climb of the day.

At km. 11 turn right towards Mercatello, and ride past the old brickworks at Compignano. Ride past the village and to the foot of the hill leading up to Spina (km. 19). This short, albeit rather steep climb is then followed by the descent towards Castiglione della Valle. At Castiglione carry straight on towards Tavernelle on the SP220. Take care here as this road can be busy. Once you have gone past Tavernelle, continue straight on as far as km. 43, and then turn left towards Piegaro and the start of the climb leading up to Monteleone di Orvieto.

This is then followed by a steep descent to Montegabbione, where you can stop for a short break before turning left onto the SP57 in the direction of Montegiove: this road is very isolated, and you will find yourself riding for several kilometres through delightfully peaceful countryside, far from any traffic. This is the most difficult part of the ride, as it involves a number of ups and downs, together with the climbs up to Montegiove and Pornello, but the stunning beauty of the countryside is just reward for your efforts.

The climb up from Pornello almost to the top of Monte Peglia ends at km. 76 : from here bear right towards San Venanzo and Marsciano, and then one kilometre further on, at the junction with the SS317, turn left towards Marsciano. You are now left with some 15 kilometres of descent, via San Venanzo, before you return to the starting point. If you still feel you have enough energy left to do so, instead of going straight back to Marsciano you can turn right at this junction and ride the remaining 7 kilometres up to the top of Monte Peglia, before returning back down the same road and carrying on down the hill to Marsciano.

The most interesting aspect of this particular route is the beauty of the landscape, and in particular that of Monte Peglia, which affords a wonderful view across the entire region. At Marsciano you can visit the parish church of San Giovanni Battista (patron saint of Marsciano), the Town Hall, built in 1871, the Theatre (Teatro della Concordia), and the splendid Palazzo Battaglia, embellished by the futuristic painter Geraldo Dottori. Marsciano is also the brick-manufacturing centre of Umbria, and home to the Museo Dinamico del Laterizio e delle Terrecotte (the Living Museum of Brick and Terracotta), a museum spread out over the local area, linking sites of peasant, craft and industrial culture. As you travel along this route, you also encounter the ancient castles of Montegabbione, Monteleone di Orvieto, and Montegiove, as well as small places of interest such as Pornello and San Venanzo. The Franciscan Monastery of La Scarzuola, founded by St. Francis in 1218, is situated near to Montegiove.

Crossing the valley of Nestore up to Monte Peglia, pedaling in a hilly and mainly rural landscape, among small villages and castles in the Green Heart of Italy.

Water slowly erodes the rock, the scent of the depths of the mountain, images and figures created by calcareous formations: these are just some of the sensations that await you in the cave of Monte Cucco.

When you are in Gubbio, you must come and see this amazing cave, whether you are an expert caver or simply to experience what it's like under there, and there are many routes for anyone who is interested. The underground system is one of the most fascinating and is constantly being studied by geologists and by botanists keen on knowing more about the flora and fauna.

Go to Sigillo, a few kilometres from Gubbio, and start this journey into the underworld of Monte Cucco. The many sides of nature will accompany you silently down into the mountain, plays of light create strange dreamy shapes as you pass walls, caverns, canals and lakes. It's a fairytale world created by the endless geological life of the earth.

From the main entrance, after having passed a well at 27m, you'll reach the grand salons, each of which have been given a name based on its character: the Cathedral, Margherita, the Rock garden, the Becco Room, the Fountain Hall, Sala Simonetti, the Thermal Conduits and the End Hall, through which you gain access to the Pian delle Macinare.

Each cavity is a succession of grandiose stalactites and stalagmites. And all around are small lakes and streams. A series of tunnels, corridors and branches begins from these large halls and lead to other rooms. For example, from the Margherita you can reach a fascinating branch called the Gallery of Bones, whose last chamber, the Pharaoh's Room, is littered with the bones of animals that lived more that 20,000 years ago, during the last Glacial Era: rhinoceros, bears, steinbocks, deer and oxen.

If you want to sample a local delicacy when you are back in the fresh air, then try a bowl of Friccò, a lovely stew of chicken, lamb and rabbit.

Journey into the deepest underground cavities of the earth: the cave of Monte Cucco will take you to a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites and streams of water that reach a depth of 900m.

Costacciaro is a little village nestled at the foot of Monte Cucco, an ideal place for lovers of mountain biking and hiking, offering multiple opportunities to indulge in both activities.
The itinerary proposed here takes place within the Monte Cucco Regional Park, featuring meadows and beech forests, with fantastic panoramas of Umbria and the Marche, and offers many of the highlights of the Monte Cucco mountain bike Gran Fondo, which takes place every year and attracts over 1000 enthusiasts.
The 1300 metre climb over several kilometres makes this a difficult trail, although not impossible, and also features several entertaining single tracks, which on several occasions will have to be made on foot.
The trail features a long climb up to the summit of Monte Cucco, which starts after a few kilometres and ends at kilometre 11, when you reach Punta Sasso Pecoraro. Here you can take a few moments to rest, but above all to enjoy the panorama, as the view is truly not to be missed.

The trail continues inside the park, towards the striking trail 1, where some sections need to be made on foot. At kilometre 19.6, the last section of the climb ends and from here it's downhill all the way, alternating between short sections of paved road and fast stony trails and ending at the bottom of the valley, after passing through Sigillo and then on to Costacciaro.

This trail, mostly within the boundaries of the Monte Cucco regional Park, starts in Costacciaro. The trail features a long climb to Pian delle Macinare and breathtaking views

The route, the middle section of which runs over the border into the Marche, is graded as medium given its limited length, but nevertheless requires a certain fitness due to the various climbs involved.

Starting from the car park in front of the town’s Barbetti stadium, just a short distance from the Roman amphitheatre and the town centre, take the road to your left in the direction of Scheggia. Go over the small roundabout and through the arch, following the signs to Scheggia once again, and you will find yourself at the start of the winding climb up to the Bottaccione Gorge, 4 kilometres further on. The climb is not particularly difficult, with the exception of the last kilometre taking you through the Gorge itself, a site of outstanding natural beauty and of international scientific importance, where it is claimed one of the key events leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs took place. The lengthy descent down the other side takes you to the small town of Scheggia: bear right here in the direction of Rome, and then 500 metres further on (km. 12.5), turn left towards Sassoferrato.

You then cycle down through densely wooded countryside until you reach km. 17.5; at this point, bear left off the SS360 and follow the signs to Cantiano. The road climbs slightly once again, for some three kilometres, and winds through a narrow gorge at the foot of Monte Catria, in a setting so peaceful to seem almost unreal. At km. 23 you cycle through the hamlet of Chiaserna, and a further five kilometres on you come to the quarrying village of Cantiano, where you turn left and follow the signs to Gubbio and Rome. At the next junction signposted to Rome (km. 29.5), go straight across towards S. Rocco, and follow this minor road until you reach the main road again at km. 32: be careful as you turn onto this road, as it can be very busy at times.

500 metres further on, bear left onto the SP3 Via Flaminia, in the direction of Rome, and climb up the fairly easy ascent to the Scheggia col (km. 39), which you reach after a brief downhill section of about 1 km. At Scheggia, turn right towards Gubbio, and climb up once again towards the Bottaccione Gorge: the climb to the top from this side is not too difficult, except perhaps for the final kilometre, but given that it comes at the end of the day’s ride, it should not be underestimated nevertheless. The pass is situated at km. 47, and from here on it is downhill all the way back to Gubbio.

Thanks to this itinerary of 52 kilometers you will have the possibility to discover the artistic beauties, but also the landscape beauties that surround Gubbio, famous for the race of the Ceri and one of the most beautiful and known places of Umbria. Not to be missed its historical center, that represents the masterpiece of the medieval civilization and of the two-thirds-century society, articulated in the corporations of arts and crafts. Its most important and famous buildings include: the Consuls’ Palace, which symbolises the town and currently houses Gubbio’s Art Gallery and Archaeological Museum; Palazzo Beni, Palazzo del Bargello and its famous fountain, and Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. The twelfth-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova, containing the work the “Madonna del Belvedere” by Ottaviano Nelli, is also very interesting, as are the Monastery of St. Augustine (13th century), containing frescoes by the same Nelli, and the church and monastery of St. Francis. Outside the town walls, you should find time to visit the Basilica of the town’s patron saint, St. Ubaldo, containing the body of the saint, situated up the hill overlooking the town.[Ritorno a capo del testo]Near to Scheggia, a former Roman settlement, you can find several remains of the ancient Via Flaminia. There are two areas of outstanding natural beauty not far from Gubbio, both of which are well worth a visit: Monte Cucco Regional Park, and the Bottaccione Gorge, a site of international scientific importance where it is claimed that one of the key events leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs took place.

Immersed in the artistic beauties of the City of the Ceri, crossing the landscape masterpieces that surround it, from the Gorges of the Bottaccione up to the Monte Cucco in an average itinerary of absolute charm.

This route starts from Piazza Mazzini in the centre of Umbertide, and it follows the course of the River Tiber south, through a series of old farms and landed estates that characterise this particular area of Umbria. You leave Umbertide from Piazza Mazzini, following the signs for Perugia, Rome and Pierantonio, which take you on to the main SS3bis road. You then continue along this road for several kilometres out of Umbertide, and the first section of the ride (up to km.4) is along a cycle path to the right of the main road, which shortly afterwards runs into the SS219 Gubbio road. At the junction with the latter road, continue to your right and follow the signs to Pierantonio, which is situated 7 kilometres from Umbertide.

Go through Pierantonio, and continue straight on past Sant’Orfeo della Cinella, along the Strada Tiberina Nord (the North Tiber Way) towards Perugia. At 11 km. you get to the village of Tavernacce, where you get a fine view of the rounded peak of Monte Tezio to your right. Carry straight on, past Solfagnano-Parlesca, and at km. 13.8 you come to the turning for La Bruna: take this local road to your right, an almost traffic-free country lane taking you through the very bucolic Upper Tiber Valley countryside. As you begin cycling down this country road, you will see the delightful hamlet of Pieve San Quirico perched on high before you. The road then veers round to your right, leaving the River Tiber behind, and you soon come to the hamlet of La Bruna (km. 18).

[Ritorno a capo del testo]Continue along this road until you reach the junction with the SP169 (the ‘Pantano’ road), and then turn right. Just a few metres on, however, take the road to your left (km. 21.6), which is once again a quiet country lane. After a couple of short climbs, you get to the hamlet of La Badia di Montecorona (Montecorona Abbey), where you then continue along the SP170: keeping to your right, you come to the Perugia-Rome junction; at this point, carry straight on and past the local estate known as the Podere di Santa Beatrice di Guardengo. Carry on along this road for a further three kilometres or so, with the River Tiber to your right and the sharp peak of Monte Acuto to your left, until you come to the railway underpass and the junction with the main SS3bis road. Turn right here ride back to Umbertide. Just past the bridge over the River Tiber, turn right following the sign to Montone, and this takes you back into the town square, Piazza Mazzini, which is situated just a few metres from the old town centre of Umbertide.

The most immediately visible building in the town of Umbertide is its symbol, the superb medieval fortress known as La Rocca, which has been completely renovated and is currently home to Umbertide’s Centre of Contemporary Art. Other buildings of interest include the churches of Santa Maria della Reggia and of Santa Croce. Other churches worth visiting are San Bernardino (1556), Santa Maria della Pietà (1486), containing a fresco claimed to have been painted by Pinturicchio, and San Francesco, Umbertide’s oldest church (1299). The monastery at Montecorona (Eremo di Montecorona), situated along this cycle route just a few kilometres outside of Umbertide, was built at a height of 700 m. in the middle of a beech and chestnut wood overlooking the Camoldolese Abbey below, founded in the year 1008. The area around Umbertide boasts a good many castles worth visiting, including Civitella Ranieri, Serra Partucci, Montalto, Ascagnano, Romeggio and Polgeto castles, together with the ancient medieval hamlets of Santa Giuliana and Pieve San Quirico. 

An easy route to do following the course of the Tiber, among fields and uncontaminated lands, immersed in unique landscapes, cheered by breathtaking views of Mount Tezio and other natural jewels of Umbria.

Route 3 starts from the car park beneath the ancient walls of Corciano. This ride begins with the descent down towards Ellera, and after little more than a kilometre, you come to the junction with the main road, where you turn left and continue to ride downhill for a further two kilometres. At the end of this lengthy descent, carry straight on, with the attractive village of Migiana receding behind you, while to the left you can see the massive shape of the ancient castle of Pieve del Vescovo.

The route here follows the rolling countryside towards Mantignana, which you reach having cycled a total of 9 kilometres. When you get to Mantignana, turn right just after the bank, into Via Michelangelo Buonarroti. Another kilometre further on brings you to the church, and just past the church you turn right into a country lane running past fields and farm houses. At the junction with the SP171, turn left towards Castel Rigone, but another kilometre further on, you turn off this road to your right. This marks the beginning of a delightful section of gravel track (1.5 km. long), the first 500m. of which is a winding uphill section, followed by a straight downhill section running past fields, with a wonderful view of the Villa del Colle del Cardinale and the surrounding countryside

When you reach the surfaced road, turn right, and then at the junction with the SP170 (the Maestrello Road), cross this main road (taking special care when doing so as it is a busy road), and carry straight on towards Colle Umberto. Here, after crossing a small stream, you come to another junction, where you turn left towards Perugia. After 17 km. you come to Canneto, where you turn right towards Corciano, and a few kilometres further on you will be back at the car park lying at the foot of this small medieval town.

The climb up to Corciano begins at km.22 (this is the same road that you took leaving the town at the beginning of the ride), and represents the only really difficult part of the ride. When you get back to the starting point, having pedalled a total of 25 kilometres, you can enjoy the wonderful view as far as the distant summit of Monte Amiata in Tuscany.

The small medieval town of Corciano, with its ancient walls enclosing a labyrinth of streets, lanes, stairways and towers. The centre of Corciano features a number of interesting buildings, including the Porta Santa Maria Tower (torrione), Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and Palazzo dei Priori, together with the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring the work entitled ‘La Tavola Assunta’ by Perugino (1513) and the Banner of Benedetto Bonfigli, painted in 1472. The town’s square, Piazza Coragino, also features a fine well dating from the 16th century. Pieve del Vescovo, a castle situated one kilometre from Corciano, is well worth a visit: this quadrangular-shaped building, featuring an inner courtyard and four corner towers, was built in around the 13th century, and was transformed into an aristocratic residence between 1560 and 1570. The extensive wooded area of Monte Malbe, situated above Corciano, is also worth visiting. Other sites of interest in the area include the fortified castles of San Mariano, Solomeo, Migiana, Mantignan, Chiugiana and Capocavallo, all situated just a few kilometres from each other, and all having conserved their original appearance.

From the walls of Corciano, a charming medieval village, rich in history and rising 408 meters above sea level, between castles and wooded areas that will leave you breathless in an easy route suitable for everyone.

It has been a long time since this short turn around the altar, aimed at healing bone maladies, has been practiced. The unique position of this altar, which on the instructions of Saints Lazzaro and Giovanni was placed in front of the apse on the left arm of the transept, forms a type of narrow passageway where you must crouch down with your eyes directed towards the sacred fragments. In fact, on the right side of the altar, a small opening protected by an iron grate has been made for the fenestrella confessionis, through which you can see the relics of the holy monks.

The story of San Pietro in Valle is contained in the manuscripts kept in the Archive of the Cathedral of Spoleto. Legend has it that Lazzaro and Giovanni arrived in Italy from Syria in around 516, erecting a hermitage identified with the Romitoria sul Monte Solenne (Hermitage of the Solemn Mount), above Macenano.
It was Faroaldo II, Lombard duke of Spoleto, who built the abbey dedicated to Saint Peter upon the tomb of Saints Lazzaro and Giovanni, in which he sought refuge in 720 when he was dethroned by his son and where he died as a monk in 728. The tombs of several Dukes of Spoleto, found in 996 during restoration work started by Ottone III of Saxony, were arranged in the apse of the church by re-employing the roman sarcophagi discovered in the area. The abbey became a ducal mausoleum that extended its religious and economic influence over a vast territory, with the privilege of not having to rely on the bishopric power.

Presently, the monastery is private property and offers accommodation in a period-style residence. The church itself has a Renaissance facade that faces the ancient pathway to Spoleto, while the powerful four-tiered bell tower dates back to the end of the 11 ^th century. Inside, a single nave covered in trusses is decorated by a cycle of frescoes with scenes from the Old and New Testament, one of the cornerstones of Umbrian painting from the 12 ^th century. The transept ends with three semi-circular apses, according to the designs of Ottonian architecture.

At San Pietro in Valle a healthy body was obtained by crouching down and turning around the altar dedicated to Saints Lazzaro and Giovanni: discover one of the oldest and most beautiful Umbrian abbeys, set in the splendid landscape of the Valnerina valley

A trip along the south-west Umbrian border gives you the possibility of spending a calm day permeated by peace and silence, discovering small medieval villages preserving all their essence.

Along the south-west Umbrian border, visiting the medieval villages of Giove, Penna in Teverina and Attigliano, discovering places of the Orsini family and ancient fortified buildings that have been competed for their strategic position over the Tiber.

A route from Cesi, passing through Collescipoli to Stroncone, the latter counted amongst the most beautiful villages in Italy. An interesting journey to discover the villages of the Terni basin.

Take to the saddle and discover the Apennines area of Gualdo Tadino, particularly interesting if you are a bike enthusiast. We offer you an itinerary that starts from Gualdo Tadino, where you can admire the beauties of its Flea Fortress, a typical example of military architecture of the 12^th century.

At the foot of the Umbria-Marche Apennines, you can see around you the green hills surrounding Gualdo and Assisi: go to the cycling track play named Adolfo Leoni, located in the village’s suburbs. Follow via Aurelio Saffi until the SS3 Flaminica, an ancient Roman street that, in Umbria, starts from Otricoli and ends at the crossing of Scheggia. At the crossroads with the Flaminia turn right and right immediately after that in the direction of Assisi on the SP270 that leads you to the beginning of the Valtole climb that presents its most difficult part precisely on the first slopes.

The climb ends at the kilometre 9: at the crossroad with the SS444 let’s turn left in the direction of Assisi. You will go past the Tavern of Morano and Madonnuccia di Morano, where the hard climb of Morano starts. At the km 16 your effort will be rewarded by the enchanting view over the surrounding valleys that you can admire from this raised spot. After about a kilometre of apparently flat ground, start your downhill towards Assisi, until km 19.5; here turn right towards Casacastalda. Go on until the junction for Collemincio and keep on the left side; at km 19.5 keep to the right side going down towards Casa Castalda.

After the steep and tortuous downhill, at the intersection with the SS318, turn right in the direction of Gualdo and go on downhill for another 3 km. As soon as you see the downhill section, follow the directions towards Gualdo Tadino by taking the SP245 that in less than 10 km will lead you to the town’s gates. At km 41, before going back to Gualdo Tadino, turn right by following the directions to the cycling track and a narrow secondary road will bring you back to the starting point in less than a kilometre.

The mileage of this itinerary is limited, but a certain level of training and proper gears considering the gradients of Valtole and Montemezzo are required in order to pedal through this path.

By bike on the green hills of Gualdo Tadino in an itinerary that plunges into nature.

Monte Cucco offers numerous trails dedicated to hiking of various levels of difficulty. Umbria offers the ideal backdrop, allowing you to immerse yourself nature and fully appreciate all of the sensations it will award you.

Sentiero 24 – a trail which connects the village of Costacciaro to Monte Cucco, covering the old road – is also called ‘L'uomo e la montagna', (Man and mountain) precisely to underline this special connection which can be established by undertaking this trail.

Before deciding to embark on this walk, you should know that the route we are about to describe has difficulty level E (Excursionist) it takes about 4 hours to complete and covers a total distance of about 6.5 km, both starting and ending in Costacciaro. We advise you to take plenty of water with you, and you can also find it in the area near Pian delle Macinare.

The Parco del Monte Cucco is a truly captivating protected area, rich in vegetation and water ways, marked by typically karstic features which reveal its origins. Over the course of history, it was also a destination for those seeking a monastic or hermitic life.

Are you ready for our hiking trail? From the village of Costacciaro, take the road which leads up to Pian delle Macinare and about 200 metres after the last group of houses, turn left for Sentiero n.24 just before the bridge. Until a few decades ago, it was the only means of access to the mountain: this trail goes along the upper edge of an abandoned quarry and leads to the woods. You will notice the sedimentary stratifications of Scaglia Rossa limestone and the famed Buca di Mazzapane, a particular karst feature which goes down for more than 40 metres, getting wider as it goes down, with a sharp drop.

Here the path is still quite wide and comfortable and as you continue and enter the wood, you will observe that Scaglia Bianca limestone has taken the place of the Scaglia Rossa one. The road gradually becomes winding and steep, leading you to the rocky pallet of Beato Tommaso (the Patron Saint of Costacciaro). After the woods, the trail crosses rocky peaks and passes under a monolith known as ‘Il Sasso' i.e. ‘The Boulder'.

This itinerary represents a perfect fusion of the continuous evolution of nature – which over time created hidden caves, developed wild vegetation – and the history of man, which contributed to designing the territory by building trails and ways through the rocks.

To return from the mountain back to the town of Costacciaro, you will have to do the same route in reverse. After all your efforts, you can reward yourself with a rest and a meal in one of the restaurants in the area offering meat-based dishes, cheese, black and white truffle, dried-cured meats, legumes and much more besides.

Hiking does not mean simply going for a walk: it means discovering paths, woods, rivers, streams and villages. Monte Cucco is a true paradise for this.

Umbria is a region famous for its many excellent food and wine specialties such as Mazzafegato, a specialty typical of the Upper Tiber Valley, particularly of Umbertide.

It’s a sausage prepared with the last parts of the slaughter and can be accompanied by red wine.

In Umbria, today as in the past, winemaking is an art and the cultivation of the olive still has a sacred character.

Small but fascinating spots arise in the hill areas dotted by vineyards and olive groves where the products hence derived will bear a mark of controlled and protected origin.

Torgiano and its wines are world famous and the town hosts a beautiful Wine Museum; Montefalco is located on the hills where the highly renowned Sagrantino is grown. This wine was probably tasted by Beato Angelico, his disciple Benozzo Gozzoli and Perugino while they were working at the frescoes of the Franciscan churches of the “Balcony of Umbria” .nbsp

The high quality of the olive oil of Trevi, Spello and Spoleto contribute to their attractions; they are known for their architectural treasures and artworks by important artists such as Pintoricchio, Filippo Lippi and again Perugino.

From Spoleto you can continue towards the Valnerina, where the talents of butchers gave rise to one of the most famous Italian surgical schools. Norcia is the homeland of sausages, prosciuto, cheese and black truffles, all locally produced and of the highest quality.

Umbria is a region famous for its many excellent food and wine specialties such as Mazzafegato: a specialty typical of the Upper Tiber Valley, particularly of Umbertide.

Si tratta di un itinerario facile, che si snoda in un paesaggio morbido e tranquillo, caratterizzato da lievi ondulazioni, ma senza pendenze importanti e che si adatta perfettamente anche al principiante che vuole passare una giornata di relax in bicicletta.

Parti da Viale Roma e muoviti in direzione di Montecastrilli, percorrendo una strada in lievissima salita che in poco più di 5 chilometri ti conduce a Castel Todino.

Prosegui verso Collesecco e, poi, verso Avigliano Umbro e Dunarobba: questa è la parte più panoramica dell’itinerario, che scorre sul crinale della collina e permette di ammirare tutta la morbida bellezza del paesaggio circostante.

A Dunarobba si trova la Foresta Fossile di Dunarobba, uno dei siti paleontologici più importanti al mondo, dove sono ancora presenti tronchi formati dal legno originario di tre milioni di anni fa.

Da qui svolta a sinistra in direzione di Avigliano Umbro, dove puoi concederti una breve sosta, e da Avigliano segui le indicazioni per Farnetta e Montecastrilli, antico borgo di origine medioevale.

A questo punto dirigiti verso Castel Todino per seguire poi le indicazioni per Acquasparta, dove si conclude l'itinerario.

Un itinerario facile, che si snoda in un paesaggio morbido e tranquillo, senza pendenze importanti e che si adatta perfettamente anche al principiante che vuole passare una giornata di relax in bicicletta.

It is said that to really get to know a land, one should not just visit, but also eat its produce. This will be no sacrifice for those visiting Orvieto, a city built by the ancient Etruscans atop a tuff boulder, and still today one of Umbria's greatest attractions.

Walking around its medieval streets, one gets to see breath-taking palaces, towers, and churches. The gothic-style Duomo, especially, transmits unique emotions. This masterpiece was put together by the likes of Arnolfo di Cambio, Lorenzo Maitani, Pisano, Pinturicchio, and Signorelli. Also worth seeing are the Pozzo di San Patrizio, and the subterranean city.

However Orvieto is synonymous with more than just art and museums: here you can discover ancient craftsmanship, traditions, and culinary customs. It's no chance that the city is also the seat of the Enoteca Regionale dell'Umbria (Umbrian Regional Wine Association), as it produces an extremely refined wine which is sure to take you back in time. If you're in the area, you should definitely go on a tour of the most prestigious local wine cellars.

Cervaro de La Sala, Fobiano, La Carraia, Febeo di Cardeto: these are some of the wines that you will be able to savour whilst you enjoy the landscape. If you're after something more extravagant, try Muffato.

But not just wine: the Orvieto area is also famous for its white truffle, which can be found in calcareous clay terrains, near the roots of trees. Also famous are the local extra-virgin olive oil, cured meats, and cheeses, such as Cenerino IGT.

The surrounding woods add mushrooms and game to the list. Orvieto really is a haven for gourmets and wine connoisseurs.

Flavours and nature: come discover Umbria's beauty and good taste, starting from the city of Orvieto. Through vineyards and wine cellars, you will get to know the region's most authentic tradition.

We wish to accompany you in the discovery of Roman Assisi on an unusual, lesser-known route, for once unconnected to the figure of Saint Francis who made the town famous throughout the world.

If you arrive by car, we advise you to leave it at Parcheggio Matteotti, situated at the top of the town. You can begin your walk from here, taking the nearby via dell'Anfiteatro Romano.

We are in the Porta Perlici district, where the Anfiteatro Romano dating back to the first half of the 1^st century A.D. is located. Of the original structure where gladiators fought against each other and against wild animals, you will notice an arch of travertine wedges through which you can see the area that once held the arena, now occupied by a large garden. All around you will observe that the medieval buildings gradually incorporated the original structure of the amphitheatre, forming a harmonious union. Before your eyes, you will see a real fusion of different historical periods which will let you experience the various stages of Assisi's history from a single viewpoint.

Head back towards the car park and take via del Torrione, which you will find on your right. Along this route, you will see the remains of the Mausoleo (mausoleum) from the 1st century. A. D. – a massive concrete funerary building - and if you walk on another 100 metres, on the right through a gate you can catch sight of the arcate arches which are what remains of the terraces of the Teatro Romano.

Continuing down the road, the narrow via del Torrione ends opening on to Piazza San Rufino, continue along via San Rufino until you reach Piazza del Comune, the true secular centre of Assisi. You'll immediately be struck by the impressiveness of the Tempio di Minerva dating back to the 1st century A.D., which appears to be perfectly assimilated with the buildings from medieval times. You'll notice this typically Romanesque architecture with its Corinthian capitals and the majestic colonnade resting directly on its steps is perfectly conserved. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was very taken with it during his ‘Italian Journey'.

Below piazza del Comune, you can also visit the Foro Romano and the Collezione Archeologica (archaeological collection). Piazza del Comune is the perfect place for a relaxing break: have a seat at one of the bar tables or stop for a meal in one of the many traditional restaurants in the area. If you wish to continue your visit, we advise you to head to the nearby DOMUS ROMANE: the ‘House of Sextus Propertius' in the vicinity of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the ‘Domus del Lararium'.

Opening times of the Roman Forum and Archaeological Collection
From November to February: from 10 am to 5 pm
March, April, May, October: from 10 am to 6 pm
From the 1st June to the 30th September: from 10 am to 7 pm

Discounts: university students with ID card, schools, 8 - 18 years, over 65 years old, groups of more than 20 people

Free: students with guided visits, residents in Assisi, children under 8 years old, immobile disabled people

Part of Assisi's history – the oldest part – is closely linked to the Roman Empire and there are very significant ruins from this period both from an archaeological and an urban perspective, dating back to the beginning of the 3rd century A.D. Discover them with us!

Orvieto was the last of the Etruscan cities to succumb to Roman rule when the latter had finally conquered the entire area of Umbria.

There are still many traces of the pre-Roman world of the Etruscan city of Velzna, now Orvieto, and they are some of the finest remains in all of Umbria. So get ready for an exciting tour which begins in the centre of town. Here the Archaeological Area of the Tempio del Belvedere had preserved gorgeous architectural terracotta which can now be seen in the nearby museums. In the centre of town, not far from the lovely Piazza Duomo, the Museo Claudio Faina and Museo Civico as well as with the National Archaeological Museum, are all well worth a visit.

Continue your walk through town from there. After stopping in for a plate of traditional fare and a cool glass of Orvieto Classico DOC, and browing around to buy some typical Orvieto ceramics, head out to the Archaeological area of Via della Cava, where there are evident traces of an imposing Etruscan defensive wall, and stop in at the so-called Pozzo della Cava, (well in the quarry) carved into the cliff of tuff rock.

But to find out more about this ancient civilisation, leave the city centre behind and seek out the south-eastern slopes of the city where you will find the extensive Necropoli di Crocifisso del Tufo. Walk along clearly cut ""streets"" around neat blocks housing more than three hundred tombs that date back to the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. Along the southern end, the Necropolis and Sanctuary of the Cannicella can also be toured on foot over the paths of the Archaeological Park of Orvietano (PAO); book your visit in advance.

We suggest you stay another day so that you can complete your Etruscan tour in the areas outside of Orvieto, where you will find the Vallone Necropolis, the Caldane necropolis and the Tomb of the Hescana, the only one where the ancient paint can still be seen. In summer you can add a visit to the archaeological digs that brought the remains of the Fanum Voltumnae to light. This federal Etruscan sanctuary has been of extraordinary importance in furthering our understanding of the history of these ancient people.

At the end of this journey, everything will be a bit less mysterious, but it will always fascinating.

A journey to explore the landmarks and architecture of the Etruscan era in and around the city of Orvieto. From the remains of temples to the many necropoles, this tour will unveil some of the history of a people who remain a mystery to this day.

We will accompany you in the discovery of the Porta Sole (Gate of the Sun) neighbourhood, so-called because of its east-facing position. The colour of the Porta Sole district is white, associated with the light shades recalling sunlight, and flour, which passed through here coming from the mills along the River Tiber, travelling along the ""via regale"". Your starting point is Piazza IV Novembre: from here, take via Calderini until you reach nearby Piazza Matteotti. On the left, take the narrow and high Via Volte della Pace, one of the most characteristic in the city, covered by crossed vaults which follow the curved path of the city's Etruscan walls.

Walk along the road until you reach the junction with via Bontempi to reach Piazza Piccinino, in the centre of which stands the pozzo Sorbello and where you can see the ruins of an ancient medieval tower. You'll notice a church with an unfinished façade, called the Chiesa della Compagnia della Morte, which was established to provide burial places for the unburied dead or those who had been buried on un-consecrated land. At number 9 Piazza Piccinino you'll find palazzo Bourbon Sorbello – home of the Casa Museo of the same name – which, like the others beside it rests on the Etruscan city walls and existing medieval structures.

Arriving in Piazza Danti, you'll notice on the buildings of the former Turreno cinema, some bas-reliefs depicting hands bearing ears of corn, recalling the ancient presence of grain warehouses on the site.

Pass in front of Palazzo Conestabile della Staffa (at number 28), continue along via del Sole and Piazza Michelotti arriving in Piazza Rossi Scotti, towards the highest part of the city. The Piazza continues to the left in via delle Prome: here you'll be able to see the spectacular scalinata delle Prome, one of the most immortalised and enchanting locations in the city. Stop here for a moment to enjoy a marvellous view over the Sant'Angelo and Sant'Antonio districts.

Continue along via dell'Aquila (the highest point in Perugia) and via Raffaello (in the church of San Severo in the small piazza, you will find the only fresco by Raphael in Perugia, representing the Holy Trinity. Continue down towards via Bontempi, turning right into via Mattioli; take via del Duca arriving in a small piazza of the same name. Here you'll find the Post Modernissimo cinema, which was recently restored and is the centre of numerous cultural initiatives. Continue along via della Viola (named after the flower or a once well-known local woman who has since been forgotten), which is overlooked by long and narrow blocks that are defined by dark and steep alleyways, some of which lead to the parallel via Imbriani below, others which are closed. On the left, you'll see via del Prospetto: passing along via San Giovanni Bosco, take the steps on via della Madonna and you'll arrive at the end of via Imbriani. Reaching the crossroads with via Alessi, where we wish to point out the awe-inspiring apse of the church, the walls of the San Fiorenzo monastery where there is a fourteenth century fresco depicting the Virgin and Child enthroned, located above the altar.

Go down via Bonaccia which takes you to porta Santa Margherita, and from here, head up via Baciadonne, the first street on your right; continue along via Imbriani as far as Via Abruzzo, going past via Orizzonte and walk as far as Piazza del Carmine, where you'll find the Chiesa di San Simone del Carmine.

At this point you have two options: take a detour to see via Enrico dal Pozzo, the ancient road towards the Tiber (and then head back towards Porta Pesa) or head directly towards Corso Bersaglieri, returning to the city centre passing along via dei Lanari, via della Torricella, Via del Roscetto, Via Sdrucciola, Via della Pazienza and Via Cartolari. Once there, take via Alessi and via del Forno – where you can see the beautiful stairway at the back of Palazzo Capocci – and you'll reach Piazza IV Novembre, your starting point, passing by via Fani.

Walking along the narrow streets enjoying an ‘urban trek': a different way to learn more about Perugia's historic centre. There are five main districts in the city, with a dedicated route for each of them. Here is the one for the Rione di Porta Sole, in the northern part of the city.

Perugia's artistic heritage covers every historical era to present day: from Etruscan to Medieval, from Renaissance to Modern. In recent years, many architects have created innovative structures in the administrative capital of Umbria: we propose a tour that will allow you to discover the most interesting aspects of contemporary architecture in Perugia.

Begin your trip from Piazza Morlacchi, in the historic centre of Perugia, where you will find Palazzo Grossi, currently home to some municipal offices. The palazzo was recently renovated and refurbished as it was previously used as a school; redesigning the building was a task undertaken by the local architectural firm HOF and their design divided public opinion as it significantly changed the urban skyline: the bulk of the building is a compact cube which stands out between spires and bell towers. Make sure you take a look at the hanging garden: colours and geometric shapes alternate, creating a North-European inspired open area. The style of the building (rooted in tradition externally and modern inside), aims to celebrate the balance between tradition and innovation, which has always distinguished the city of Perugia.

If you arrive in Perugia by car and you leave your vehicle in the large carpark in Pian di Massiano, or if you arrive by train in Fontivegge, you can reach the historic centre with the Minimetrò. This is a small metro system which runs both over ground and underground, crossing part of Perugia, with the end stops in Pian di Massiano and Pincetto (the stop in the historic centre). The architectural works were by Jean Nouvel, who had previously designed the Torre Agbar in Barcelona. He had to deal with the difficulties of integrating such a high impact a project with the nature and green areas that characterise Perugia: the stations were built in the most urbanised parts of the town assimilating into their surroundings with attractive touches of greenery and open spaces; just before the Minimetrò enters the historic centre, it discreetly heads underground. The glass and steel are softened by the colour red, which also the colour of the tracks' support structure, providing a better visual balance between the environment, landscape and public transport.

Leaving the Fontivegge Minimetrò station, immediately on the left, you will see a building with an unusual shape: this is the Centro Dirigenziale-Residenziale-Commerciale di Fontivegge (Business-Residential-Commercial Centre), which among others, is home to the administrative offices of the ""Regione Umbria"". In the Eighties, Aldo Rossi, who later won the Pitzker Prize for architecture, designed this beautiful building which surrounds Piazza del Bacio on three sides. At the centre of this open space stand a fountain and an important example of industrial archaeology: a chimney from the old Perugina factories.

Just outside Perugia, in the residential area of San Sisto, is a building that you can't help but notice because of its unique shape and colour: the Sandro Penna Multimedia Library. The building was designed by Italo Rota, who also managed the building project: it is a disc-shaped building with three floors, and is completely enclosed with pink glass and skylights. Inside, the multimedia library has two theatres and large spaces for workshops, reading rooms, as well as places to use multimedia content.

A tour discovering contemporary Perugia, with its innovative means of transport and attractive, unique buildings.

After restoration, the Chiesa di San Bevignate became a public space where many Templar-related cultural events are held. Get more information from the events calendar, these are unmissable and exciting events for enthusiasts!

We wish to offer you an original starting point to begin your visit to the city of Perugia, following an itinerary that follows in the footsteps of the Templar Knights. A pleasant and interesting walk, discovering the beauty and mysteries of the regional capital.

Undisputed queen of this festivity is the Umbrian ""Easter's Cake"", also called ""Easter's Pizza"". A soft and tasty pie made with eggs, flour and mixed cheeses, that according to the tradition was prepared by the family's women on the Holy Thursday. With long rising times and then baked in the wood-burning oven, it couldn't be consumed before the Easter's morning.

In Umbria, the Jesus Resurrection's Day is still now celebrated with this first special breakfast made with cheese pie, capocollo, boiled eggs, all strictly blessed. Indeed on the Holy Saturday's morning families generally prepare a basket including the typical pie, salt, eggs, some cured meats, bread, wine and the ciaramicola (this latter is a typical cake for Perugia's inhabitants) and bring that to the church for the food's blessing. This food has an high symbolic content related to the Christian tradition: the egg represents Resurrection, the bread is emblem of Christ as ""life's bread"", the wine adds the symbolism of Jesus' blood, the meat evokes the concept of sacrifice.

During the day a big lunch will follow and include the preparation of a home-made pasta such as ""agnolotti"" filled with meat, noodles, Norcia's tortelloni or the Spoleto's strangozzi, according to the area or the familiar tradition. As second course, the lamb is typical of the Umbrian's Easter, and is roasted and served with some lemon's slices to enhance its flavour at best.

As dessert you could taste the ciaramicola, unmissable for all families of Perugia's area. We are talking of a red torcolo with alkermes, covered with a white glaze made of meringue and coloured sprinkles. The combination of red and white reminds exactly the symbolic colours of the Umbrian main town. Instead the preparation of the sweet Easter's Cake, rich with spices and candied fruits is typical of Orvieto, Valnerina and Trasimeno's areas. The Easter's Dove - spread all over Italy - is unmissable, since it's the symbol of Jesus' Resurrection and peace message, the most important one that this festivity could convey from the religious point of view.

Easter's food specialties in Umbria, from the typical breakfast to the Easter's lunch. Some of them have an highly symbolic values, related to the Christian tradition.

This journey will take you on a discovery tour of the treasures of important Umbrian families who left their marks on the history and culture of the cities they dominated. The Vitelli family of Città di Castello were one of the few ruling families in Umbria and between the 15th and 16th centuries their men went down in history as condottieri and merchant soldiers, like Vitello Vitelli, who first went to battle for the Venetians and then for the popes.

As you tour the city you'll see clear signs of the art they supported and promoted, still evident in several of the old homes of the city: four residences, one in each district, to control the city from every area. Starting from Piazza Matteotti, the historic heart of town, to the east you'll see what is known as Palazzo Vitelli in piazza, a building that was left unfinished, and, just further on, Palazzo Vitelli a San Giacomo, dating to the early 1500s.

Because of their close ties to the Tuscan ruling courts, their intention was to turn their city into a veritable Renaissance court and they hired some of the most famous Florentine architects of the time to accomplish this. They had two elegant residences built: the grand Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera in the south-western part of the city, the Rione San Florido. The façade was made using a design by Giorgio Vasari, who worked at court together with other important artists of the times like Pontormo and Doceno. Today it is home to the city's Picture Gallery, which, in keeping with the historical artistic vocation, houses the second most important collection in all of Umbria, featuring works by such artists as Luca Signorelli and an early Raphael, who in those days was in the employ of the Vitellis.

In the eponymous district in the eastern part of the city is the Palazzo Vitelli a Porta S. Egidio. This was the last and grandest of the four residences, with a lovely Italianate garden enclosed on several sides by the old city walls. Walk along them to get to the entrance of the building, built into the small medieval tower. The frescoes inside tell the history of the family, an attempt on their part to ensure their fame over time so that ""the memory of their name and importance should not be lost."" It worked.

Starting from the gorgeous Piazza del Duomo in Spoleto, head to the Ponte delle Torri and the Rocca Albornoziana. The Bridge is an imposing monument 236 meters long and 80 meters high, which connects Colle Sant'Elia with Monteluco. It is made of local limestone and supported by ten arches and nine piers. Some say it was built between the 13th and 14th century on a former Roman aqueduct, which probably served to bring water from the source of Cortaccione into Spoleto. Some scholars also think the bridge owes his name to the two forts placed at the sides, which might explain the reasons why it was once called ""Pons inter Turres"": the Rocca Albornoziana and the Fortilizio dei Mulini.

Take your time to visit the Rocca Albornoziana. Built in the 14th century, it owes its name to the Spanish Cardinal Albornoz, who was asked by Pope Innocent to erect a fortress on the top of the hill, in a strategic position, so as to restore the authority of the Pope. Matteo Giovannello from Gubbio, also called ""Gattapone"", one of the most famous architects at the time, was appointed Director for the construction. The Rocca became years later the residence of the governors of the City, which explain why it was colored by a number of frescoes and decorations that went lost when the structure was transformed into a prison in 1817 (and remained so until 1982).

Cross the ""Ponte delle Torri"" and look out the central window to admire the beautiful view of the surrounding valley. Once you reach the other end of the bridge, continue towards the Fortilizio dei Mulini, which was probably built to guard the aqueduct. From the Fortilizio start many beautiful trails: the Giro dei Condotti and the pathways to the mountain of Spoleto.

Along the Giro dei Condotti you will find the so-called ""Chair of the Pope"", a rock carved into the shape of a chair, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the bridge. This route, which owes its name to the bridge conduits, coasts the slopes of Monteluco and arrives up to the Church of Santa Maria Inter Angelos. Along this path, there are many panoramic views of the valley of Spoleto.

Not afraid of the dark and damp? Here is a proposal just for you.
You are in the area surrounding Spoleto, about to begin a caving excursion to the Risorgenza Solenne, Cese di Spoleto.

La Risorgenza is the only place of interest for speleologists in all the Valnerina, and although a visit to these underground cavities is sometimes prevented by water gushing from the access tunnel, there are also many days ideal for a descent. You first pass through a narrow entrance and soon find a perennial stream that supplies water to a collection tank to the right of the entrance to the cave. La Risorgenza begins with a narrow tunnel over 10m long, with a rather tight gooseneck bend in the middle. Be very careful in this early section of the tunnel and avoid it altogether if water seeps through, risking flooding of the passage.

As you continue, you will see that the cave widens into three rooms. In the third, and largest, is the exit point of the water that feeds the water tank. A muddy tunnel leading downwards has a fixed cord and leads to a large room that continues to the left, then turns to intercept the stream which you cross at its high point with the help of the cord. An ascent follows, along a low gallery, to a siphon. Some beautiful calcite flows demonstrate how nature has worked slowly over the centuries in this hidden place.

Begin your ascent continuing to the left, go down a well and then follow the course of the cave, which becomes darker and muddier as you go, until you reach the final siphon.

If you have time, make a visit to Spoleto, one of the most charming art cities in Umbria. Steeped in history, it is famous for the importance and variety of its cultural heritage, a favourite destination for visitors from all over the world. And if you want to sample some local cuisine, order a plate of strangozzi alla spoletina, handmade pasta in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic and parsley.

If you are interested in speleology, if you love to go caving, a visit to the Risorgenza Solenne at Le Cese di Spoleto is a not to be missed as an addition to your experiences in remote ravines of the earth. The presence of marly limestone in these caves makes them particularly interesting from a speleological point of view.

The place where saying the fateful yes is a spot remaining in the memory forever that deserves an important and well-thought choice: Umbria with its landscape shape and its beautiful cities as well as fascinating villages with inspiring alleys is the perfect location.

Let’s start from the Terni area, the town of St. Valentine patron of lovers, where the Piediluco lake is located: it’s a water surface at the foot of Marmore waterfalls. It is said that, when one reaches the lake’s centre, the voice produces such a powerful echo to be heard within a radius of many metres. Then why don’t you make resound your marriage proposal until the Piediluco picturesque village of coloured houses?

The Marmore Waterfalls are very known because one of the balconies from which you can admire the waterfall’s jumps is called “Balcony of Lovers”: a small window accessible by crossing the Lovers’ Tunnel. The legend narrates that St. Valentine, in order to demonstrate the Nerina’s purity, called into question from the partner, bet the cliff with the pastoral stick so to produce a jet of water with the shape of a bride’s veil.

Always in the province of Terni there is Orvieto standing on a tufa cliff. The entire city, just as the beautiful Dome, seems to stand until reaching the sky: the Dome’s square is an original and inspiring setting for the marriage proposal, especially in the night, when the colours of the church’s façade soften emitting a dim and romantic light.

With the nice weather, one of the Umbria most romantic spots is certainly the Trasimeno lake: sunsets that you can admire from the villages standing on its banks (Passignano sul Trasimeno, San Feliciano, Tuoro sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago) assume always different and surprising colours according to the season and the climate of the moment. A very romantic experience is then the visit to the Main Island located at the centre of the lake. An inspiring fishing village, accessible by ferry, stands on the island; in this context, the ideal place for your “yes” is one of the catwalks that face the lake and that, exactly at sunset, fill with an intense and very beautiful light.

Spello is located between Assisi and Foligno and is one of the most beautiful Umbrian villages: if you want to ask your partner in marriage during the spring, you will find the inspiring alleys of the village rich in flower decorations that will bring you, a bit early, directly to the most important day of your life.

Weeping willows, a water surface surrounded by total silence, a Greek temple-shaped church: it’s the atmosphere that you can breathe at the Clitunno Sources in Campello sul Clitunno. This place inspired poets and scholars such as Pliny the Younger, Virginio, Lord Byron and Carducci. Then why don’t you get inspired by this magic place for a love declaration?

Umbria, immersed among green hills, sheets of water in the light of the sunset and villages with inspiring alleys, is the ideal place where saying the fateful yes: Piediluco, the Marmore Waterfall, the Clitunno sources and many other spots where starting an itinerary to crown your love dream.

The Trasimeno Route is a path of about 160 km that passes through the beautiful villages of the area, and also visits the islands of the lake.

This trail through the beautiful landscape around the lake and its hills invites visitors to discover the territory, its history and inhabitants.

The ring-shaped itinerary that can be completed through 7 stages in a week. It’s possible to complete two stages in a weekend. The entire route is 160 km long and each stage is on average 22 km long.

There is neither a particular point of departure nor arrival, offering complete flexibility to anyone who wants to enjoy a simple day outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Passignano – San Savino: this stage starts from Passignano sul Trasimeno – one of the most popular and historically interesting villages among those overlooking the lake – and then goes up towards a long, open and panoramic stretch. It crosses olive groves, woods and vineyards, reaching San Savino.

San Savino – Panicale: The stage, winding its way mostly through woods, offers nice panoramic views and allows a pleasant immersion into medieval settings, especially with visits to the villages of San Savino, Montali, Mongiovino and on arrival to Panicale – one of the most beautiful Villages of Italy – preserving, among others, an important fresco by Perugino.

Panicale – Città della Pieve: It reaches the village of Paciano by crossing an oak forest. Then, it goes along unpaved roads immersed in nature and arrives at Città della Pieve through a relaxing and open itinerary that inevitably reminds one of nearby Tuscany.

Città della Pieve – Villastrada: the walking path is immersed into a wood leading towards the hamlet of San Donato. The walking itinerary, once having crossed the State Road, goes on along unpaved roads and leads to Cantagallina. Villastrada is a little villageand serves as an the example of how even the smallest villages can regain vitality thanks to the walking path.

Villastrada – Castiglione del Lago: This stage winds its complete way in the open countryside and, through little hamlets, and brings us back slowly to the lake. It crosses Gioiella, Vitellino, different fields and narrow roads, arriving at the foot of Castiglione del Lago, one of the “most beautiful Italian villages”, too.

Castiglione del Lago – Isola Maggiore: This stage descends towards the lake and follows a cycle route that allows one to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the natural reserve surrounding Lake Trasimeno. It passes through the area where Carthaginians and Romans met during the second Punic war (217 BC) and then reaches Punta Navaccia (Tuoro sul Trasimeno), where you can take a boat to get to Isola Maggiore.

Isola Maggiore – Passignano: After having enjoyed the ferry ride bringing us back to Punta Navaccia, this stage reaches Tuoro sul Trasimeno, then continues towards Sanguineto, a little hamlet and then goes up until the panoramic road, where you can admire the lake in all its beauty. The route then arrives in Gasparini, where you can admire a very beautiful panorama. From here, the walking path starts the slow descent towards Passignano sul Trasimeno, through woods and olive groves.

Spending the Holy Week in Umbria offers several ideas to enjoy some days among adventure, splendid landscapes, uncontaminated nature and ancient medieval villages. With the arrival of the good season, the Italian Green Heart is going to become a real outdoor gym.

A backpack, suitable shoes, a camera and a map in hand: Umbria is worth to be visited!

The Italian Green Heart is the ideal land to take satisfying cultural walks among enchanting medieval alleys and in the nature to breathe clean air.

The alternation of mountains with plains makes this region a spot with enchanting landscapes, as well as beautiful and changing colours according to the season.

On mountain bike or by road bike, Umbria is the perfect setting for cycling excursions, for example itineraries with a lake view or along the flowered plains and hills offering inspiring views.

From the Trasimeno Lake to Valnerina, through the Upper Tiber Valley or the Marmore Waterfall: choose the best itinerary for you!

Umbria, located in the Italian heart, preserves wonderful villages standing on the tops of the mountains or overlooking the sweet hills.

Ancient castles, imposing fortifications, inspiring alleys and enchanting views complete a landscape immersed into the green, among lakes, rivers, plateaus and valleys.

Some are among the Italian Most Beautiful Villages, other ones are Orange Flags, are considered authentic Villages or Italian Jewels: discover them with us!

A green corner, a red and white chequered tablecloth and the unmissable basket: the desire to eat outdoors increases in spring and the picnic of Easter’s Monday is going to open the dances!

Umbria is rich in spots where you can spoil yourself with a snack on the lawns or by the lakeside: discover the regional parks, each of whom offers a history marked by environmental and naturalistic peculiarities and enjoy a break with the typical products of the Umbrian food & wine.

To fully enjoy a landscape, it is often best to walk through it. Taking it in step by step, you will discover magical corners, and fall in love with ‘slow travel'.

This itinerary begins and ends in the town of Castelluccio, a small village which has inhabited since Roman times, as shown by terracotta fragments uncovered in the area of Soglio, near the springs of Canatra. The town's alleys and narrow streets wind up and down between the houses perched on the hillside: a real feast for the eyes. The village was severely damaged in 2016 but residents have a warm welcome for visitors.

We exit the town and walk down the path flanking mount Veletta, a low hill topped by an iron cross. We reach the pass of the same name and continue to walk down the main path. Once we reach Poggio di Croce, we can take a break in this ancient castle which still preserves its original gateway and bell-tower. Just outside the walls we find the church of St. Egidio and the church of St. Annunziata, which contains an important fresco by the Florentine artist Giovanni del Biondo.

We begin our descent towards Colle Bernardo, and then towards Val di Canatra, a wood dividing mount Lieto and Castelluccio.

We continue down this path until it turns into a paved road. Following the climb towards the south-east, we return to our starting point, tired but rewarded by the beauty of what we have seen. nbsp nbsp

An itinerary for sports-lovers: an afternoon immersed in the greenery and in the legends of the land

Famed for its marvellous frescoes by Beato Angelico, Benzolo Bozzoli, and Luca Signorelli, the chapel is unique within Italian renaissance art.

The chapel of Saint Brizio, or cappella Nova (‘New chapel'), can be found in the right transept of the Duomo of Orvieto. The chapel constitutes one of the most significant instances of Italian renaissance painting thanks to its innovative spatial and iconographic model, and to the high artistic profile of its fresco decoration by Beato Angelico, Benzolo Bozzoli, and Luca Signorelli.

The spatial layout of the chapel is structured into two large vaulted spans fanning out into eight ogives separated by gothic style frames, some of which are enriched by plant motifs.

The chapel's vault features a number of important frescoes. The one depicting Christ sat in judgement surrounded by the angels, and the one showing the sixteen prophets, occupying respectively two of the eight ogives, are attributed to Beato Angelico and his helpers (1447). The master Beato Angelico himself is thought to have personally authored the figure of Christ, now quite damaged, a group of angels to the left, and some of the sitting prophets.

The decorative bordures featuring human heads are instead attributed to Benozzo Bozzoli. One of the heads is thought to be a self-portrait of the artist.

The other ogives were decorated by Luca Signorelli, who worked at them in various moments between 1499 and 1502. He painted depictions of the Apostles and Virgin Mary, of the Angels bearing the symbols of the Passion, of the Church fathers, of the Martyrs, of the Patriarchs, and a choir of virgins.

It is interesting to note the difference between the scenes authored by Beato Angelico and those of Luca Signorelli. Whilst the former dedicated the same attention to detail in wall decoration as he did on canvas (after all for Angelico, who was a Dominican priest, art was still first and foremost an offering to God who was the ideal viewer of the scenes it depicted), Signorelli was hastier and oriented towards an idea of the human spectator as viewing art from a distance.

The decoration of the lunettes is also the work of Luca Signorelli and begins from the first lunette to the left of the chapel entry, which depicts the episode of the Sermon of the Antichrist. This is a rare theme in Italian art, especially for such a monumental representation. Giorgio Vasari recognised several important people among the characters depicted in the scene, including Cesare Borgia, Pinturicchio, and Enea Silvio Piccolomini. The two characters in black garb located at the far left of the fresco are instead self-portraits of Luca Signorelli and Beato Angelico, the latter donning the Dominican habit.

The entry wall bears a depiction of the Apocalypse, laid out following the entry-way arch and showing impending natural disasters (an earthquake, a tidal wave, and a blacked-out sun) and the arrival of monstrous winged demons hurling a rain of fire down onto fleeing and terrified men and women. nbsp

To the right of the entry wall there is a depiction of the Resurrection: the dead rise up from a white and smooth terrain, seemingly ice, to the sound of the trumpets played by two angels enveloped in fluttering ribbons.

The cycle of frescoes continues in the lunette above the altar, which depicts the Ascent to Heaven and the Call to Hell. The central window divides the scene into two halves: on the left the blessed ascending to Heaven, and on the right the damned, sent towards their punishment.

The chapel's right wall depicts a vivid and striking representation of Hell, made such by its richly grotesque inventiveness, and by the swarm of naked bodies who almost seem to pour out of the wall itself.

Next to this scene, the cycle is closed by a depiction of the Blessed in Heaven.

In the wainscot, the dense and inventive grotesque decoration is interrupted by framed depictions of illustrious characters, including poets (from Homer to Dante) surrounded by scenes taken from their works. On the base we find depicted mythological figures such as tritons and nereids, similar to the slabs of classical sarcophagi.

Before the visit it is a good idea to acquire a guide or an audio-guide, so as not to miss the details of the decoration and to gain a proper understanding of the ensemble. nbsp

Famed for its marvellous frescoes by Beato Angelico, Benzolo Bozzoli, and Luca Signorelli, the chapel is unique within Italian renaissance art.

2015 will be a year rich in events for lovers of contemporary art who come to Umbria, be it for vacation or to experience the cultural and artistic traditions of this Green Heart of Italy.

There will be a series of initiatives to celebrate the Centennial of the birth of Alberto Burri, an artist from Città di Castello and among the most influential and esteemed in the international contemporary art world. Alberto Burri had a fascinating life. As a military doctor he was taken prisoner by the Allied forces in Tunisia in 1943 and sent to the prisoner-of-war camp in Hereford, Texas. During his imprisonment he began to paint and when he returned to Italy, in 1946, he settled in Rome and devoted himself to this craft.

In Città di Castello two exhibition spaces are home to a significant part of his artistic production: the historical Palazzo Albizzini where the artist personally organised the exhibition of works he had donated to the city, and the Ex Seccatoi del Tabacco, a recently renovated tobacco plant which provides a striking showcase for his work. In the city of Spoleto, at the Palazzo Collicola, you can see a number of pieces by Burri: a few of his famous ‘black' works and seven cellotex pieces from the collection of the Palazzo Albizzini Foundation. Keep these names in mind: they may serve as guidelines for your itinerary.

If you have never been to these places, this is a perfect time to come and discover the work of this artist. Or, if you have already been here and are familiar with the art cities of Umbria, you can take part in the numerous events planned for this celebratory year, some of which have recently been presented on the international art scene: from the Guggenheim Museum of New York, to the seat of the European Parliament in Brussels, Milan and the Grande Cretto di Gibellina, in Sicily.

When travelling through northern Umbria and its surrounding areas, you can also learn more about the region's artistic heritage, enjoying the art of Piero della Francesca and Luca Signorelli, both famous compatriots of Burri, who although separated by time, offer a unique view of local art and will change the way you see what is around you.

A series of events celebrates the prolific artistic career of Alberto Burri, an artist of great fame on the international contemporary art scene. Città di Castello, his birthplace, and the entire Upper Tiber Valley are the natural setting in which to discover his works.

A visit to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae means you can treat yourself to a day of that includes culture while at the same time enjoying the beauty of nature.

Ancient Carsulae sits on a lovely plateau surrounded by fertile plains. This, together with the nearby mineral water springs just outside of San Gemini, ensured its fame since the days of antiquity, together with the development of a flourishing economy.

If you are coming from the south of Umbria or headed down from the north-east, you'll reach the area along the Via Flaminia, which already connected these two areas in the Roman Era and was the main road between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas. nbsp nbsp

A very well-preserved portion of the ancient road can be seen here, the cardo maximus (main street) along which the era's most important public buildings were constructed, from the forum to the theatre, orderly and monumental, they were vital to trade and commerce. As you walk along this stretch of road, you can imagine the hustle and bustle, the market stalls, the shops in the tabernae under the arches, men in togas dispensing justice in the forum.

Walk within these walls and look at each space with the curiosity of an explorer seeking hidden details. You'll see the traces of the old amphitheatre, much larger than you'd expect for a city this size. It was built to hold spectators from all of the surrounding areas and travellers from afar, and each show was a fascinating occasion for the inhabitants of the entire region to have some fun and relax. And imagine the impact the so-called Twin Temples had on passersby. Located at a key spot along the Via Flaminia, they were an object of curiosity and reverence, a place to stop and rest. Just a bit further up is the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, built in the 11th century, long after the Roman city had been abandoned, much of it with materials taken from the old city. From here you can see the lovely Arch of San Damiano, which marks the northern border of the old city and the end of this particular journey. Go through the Arch and you'll realise that you have just lived a moment of life in ancient times. nbsp

A brief guide to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae, home to monumental remains of the Roman city that flourished along the path of the Via Flaminia, in a location that favoured commerce and led to its grandeur.

This route is one of the easiest proposed, but it is still a fascinating one nonetheless. The main point of interest is the ancient town of Bevagna, a beautiful place of considerable historical and artistic interest that has managed to preserve its medieval appearance to this day. Then there are the traffic-free roads and lanes, and the unforgettable feeling of timelessness that you get as you cycle through the countryside between Mount Subasio, overlooking Assisi, and the hills above Bevagna and Bettona.

The starting point for this ride is the centre of Bevagna, and you ride out of the town along Corso Matteotti. Once outside the old town walls, turn left and then right onto the minor road known as Via Sant’Anna, and you will be away from the houses and into the countryside in no time. When you get to the junction signposted to Foligno and Cannara, cross the road and carry straight on to km. 2.8, at which point you turn right and cycle for about one kilometre on a gravel road running alongside the River Topino.

At the junction with the SS316, turn left towards Foligno (be careful, as this is one of the few busy roads along this route). At km.5 turn left off the main road towards the small village of Budino, which is situated 6.8 km. from the start of this route. From here follow the signs to Cannara, around 4 kilometres further on, along a completely flat road running alongside the banks of the River Topino. After having visited the centre of Cannara, a small rural town famous for its onions, cycle out in the direction of Bevagna along the SP410 until you get to the junction with the SP403: at this point, turn left, following the signs to Bevagna once again. If you turn right, on the other hand, and make a 10 km. deviation, you can visit the small town of Bettona, voted one of the “most beautiful small towns in Italy”.

At 18 kilometres from the starting point you come to Cantalupo, and here you turn right, go round the roundabout and follow the signs for Castelbuono, cycling along the road running along the banks of the local canal. Follow this road through the fields until you get to a junction at km. 19.8; turn left here, leaving the road to Castelbuono behind you. Keep to the left, and once you have gone across the bridge over the River Attone, turn right towards Torre del Colle. At this point, there is a short climb of about one kilometre leading up to the this traditional village, and from there you continue in the direction of Bevagna. At km. 24.8 you will find yourself back at the entrance to the town of Bevagna once again, but instead of going straight into the town, turn right and cycle alongside the River Clitunno until you reach the junction of Viale Roma. Turn left and cycle back into town, to the starting point of this particular route.

Bevagna, an ancient town that has managed to preserve its medieval layout and character, also boasts a number of Roman remains. Place of interest in the town centre include Piazza Silvestri, the Consuls’ Palace (which houses the Torti theatre), the Romanesque churches of San Silvestro and San Michele, as well as the church of San Domenico and San Giacomo. The highest point in the town is the site of the church of San Francesco (built toward the end of the 13th century): this particular church is famous for the stone, currently positioned next to the altar, on which St Francis leant when preaching to the birds at Pian d’Arca. Cannara possesses three interesting churches: the late Umbrian Romanesque church of San Biagio, the church of San Matteo, and the church of San Sebastiano, which currently houses the town’s Art Gallery (Pinacoteca). Just a few kilometres from Cannara, at Collemancio, you can visit the remains of the ancient Roman municipality of Urvinum Hortense, where archaeologists have made a number of important finds, currently housed in the Antiquarium. Another town situated not far from this route and well worth a detour is Bettona, voted one of the most “Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy”.

An easy and unique itinerary to discover Bevagna, an ancient town with an important history and rich in artistic and cultural works of great beauty and that has maintained its medieval appearance unaltered.

Questo itinerario prende il via da Todi, uno dei borghi più visitati e intriganti dell'Umbria. Prima di partire, o al ritorno, non lasciarti sfuggire una visita al centro storico per ammirare la splendida piazza del Popolo, dove si affacciano palazzo del Popolo, palazzo dei Priori, palazzo del Capitano del Popolo e il Duomo.

L'itinerario è caratterizzato da due salite, quella lunga e irregolare che conduce prima a Collazzone e poi a San Terenziano, e quella finale che riporta al centro di Todi. In totale l'itinerario misura 51 chilometri per 900 metri di dislivello e richiede un buon livello di allenamento e la capacità di dosare bene le forze.

Oltre a Todi, la parte più bella del percorso è quella centrale, lontano dal traffico e dalle mete turistiche tradizionali: qui potrai scoprire i borghi di Collazzone e San Terenziano, ma anche godere di splendidi panorami su tutta l'Umbria, in un'atmosfera di pace e tranquillità.

In lontananza riconoscerai proprio il profilo inconfondibile di Todi, e quello aguzzo di Montecastello di Vibio, che dall'altra parte della Valle del Tevere custodisce il Teatro della Concordia, il più piccolo del mondo.

Pedala in tranquillità e lasciati rapire da questo angolo nascosto dell'Umbria.

Da Todi, uno dei borghi più visitati e intriganti dell'Umbria, alla scoperta del Teatro più piccolo del mondo a Monte Castello di Vibio, passando per i borghi di Collazzone e San Terenziano.

A beautiful sunny day, mild temperatures, and a craving to explore a corner of paradise. If you're looking to escape into Umbria's nature, this itinerary might be just what you need. Today we take you to Arrone, a small town which owes its name to a Roman noble who in the 9^th century took possession of the hills around Valnerina and had a castle built there, first from wood and then from stone.

Located near the valley of Castel di Lago, the town still preserves its typical medieval structure, with its ancient walls and narrow alleyways. The town's two main clusters are constituted by the defensive wall, the so called terra, and by a more recent part, called rione Santa Maria, centred on the square of the church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 15^th century.

From here our itinerary climbs up Mount Arrone. This is not a difficult path, and once we arrive to the top we can enjoy a truly unique and evocative vista. At the end of the 19^th century, two bronze statuettes were discovered here, together with a marble statue head belonging to a female goddess. These discoveries testify to the importance of this area to the whole of Sabina.

We thus descend towards Valle, and then climb again up mount Tripozzo, walking among the olive trees. A real delight for the eyes with the typical flavour of Mediterranean vegetation.

We arrive to the San Lorenzo fresh water spring, near the remains of century-old mills, confirming the human activity connected to olive cultivation since the depths of time.

We continue our journey until we reach the country town of Tripozzo, opposite Montefranco, a vast expanse of woods, mostly oaks and pines, in which to find some inner peace.

A journey for nature-lovers on Monte Arrone, following the traces of the ancient Roman paths.

Itinerario ad anello intermedio per difficoltà, con partenza dal centro di Torgiano (PG) presso il parcheggio La Torre (nel parcheggio è presente un punto di ricarica auto elettrica) nei pressi della Torre Baglioni simbolo del borgo di Torgiano, che rappresenta l'emblema della città medievale.

Regala scorci di Assisi e Perugia incorniciati tra splendidi vigneti e accompagnati dalla visita del Parco delle Sculture di Brufa.

Un percorso di sculture contemporanee realizzate da artisti di fama nazionale ed internazionale in un armonioso connubio tra natura, paesaggio urbano, paesaggio rurale e scultura contemporanea, che si snoda lungo il crinale della collina di Brufa, nel comune di Torgiano.

ENG: Escursione facile. Adatto a ogni livello di allenamento. Sentieri facilmente percorribili. Adatto a ogni livello di abilità.

Un progetto proposto dal Comune di Amelia e coordinato dal CAI-Club Alpino Italiano in collaborazione con un gruppo di volontari, per immergersi tra storia, cultura, antiche tradizioni e una natura di lecci, castagni, querce, ginestre, corbezzoli, ulivi secolari e paesaggi rurali grazie alla tracciatura di oltre 150 chilometri di sentieri in un territorio, l’Amerino, conosciuto fin dall’antichità per la sua bellezza.

Natura rigogliosa, pregiate produzioni agricole, antichi castelli e luoghi unici come la foresta fossile di Dunarobba e la Grotta bella arricchiscono un ambiente naturalistico poco esplorato e costellato da caratteristici paesi dall’impronta medievale.

Luoghi ricchi di testimonianze del passato, con necropoli e reperti prestigiosi come quella del generale Germanico, la cui straordinaria statua di bronzo è custodita nel museo civico di Amelia, il maggiore dei comuni amerini, abbracciato da imponenti mura ciclopiche, luogo di particolare interesse storico, artistico ed archeologico e da cui prende il nome il territorio.

Sentiero 735
Località di partenza: piazza XXI settembre, Amelia
Località di arrivo: Lago Vecchio
Distanza: 3 km
Difficoltà: bassa
Intervallo di quota: 263-345 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 145-175 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 0h45′-0h50′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso:
Porta Romana
Mura poligonali
Giardini d’Inverno
Porta della Valle
Lago Vecchio
Diga “La Para”

Il percorso parte da Porta Romana e costeggia le mura cittadine di Amelia verso ovest, attraversando il verde urbano e boschi fino a raggiungere il parco fluviale urbano “Cafiero Liberati” sul Rio Grande offrendo un’inusuale veduta di Amelia dal basso, per poi giungere alla meta del sentiero: Il Lago Vecchio e la diga “La Para”. Volendo si può tornare ad Amelia percorrendo la variante 735B a ritroso per completare l’anello.

Variante 735A
(Variante di Porta Leone)
Località di partenza: piazza XXI settembre, Amelia
Località di arrivo: Lago Vecchio
Distanza: 0,9 km
Intervallo di quota: 295-350 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 90-75 m
Tempo di percorrenza medio: 0h20′ (senza soste)

L’itinerario percorre il perimetro delle mura in opera poligonale di grande interesse storico, seguendo i percorso che fiancheggia via Aldo Moro, raggiungendo così Porta Leone IV per poi raggiungere la fontana di Nocicchia dove si incrocia la variante 735B attraverso la quale si completa il perimetro delle mura e si ritorna verso Porta Romana.

Variante 735B
Località di partenza: piazza XXI settembre, Amelia
Località di arrivo: Lago Vecchio
Distanza: 1,6 km
Intervallo di quota: 263-335 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 25-55 m
Tempo di percorrenza medio: 0h25′-0h30′ (senza soste)

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Porta Romana
Mura poligonali
Fontana di Nocicchia
Lago Vecchio
Diga “La Para”

Questa variante consente di raggiungere il parco del Rio Grande in modo molto più veloce. Partendo da Porta Romana e arrivando alla fontana di Nocicchia si imbocca poco dopo la strada che scende verso il parco raggiungendo il Lago Vecchio e la diga medievale “La Para”. A questo punto si può tornare attraverso il sentiero 735, percorrendolo a ritroso per completare l’anello.

Sentiero 734
Località di partenza e arrivo: Porta Romana, Amelia
Distanza: 4,1 km
Intervallo di quota: 310-405 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 180-180 m
Tempo di percorrenza minimo: 1h10′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Porta Romana
Antica Via Amerina
Palazzo Farrattini
Chiesa di San Francesco
Museo archeologico
Porta Leone IV
Porta Posterola
Chiesa di San Girolamo
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Cattedrale di Santa Fermina
Torre campanaria
Palazzo Battista Geraldini
Cisterne romane
Teatro sociale
Palazzo Petrignani
Palazzo Nacci
Loggia del Banditore
Porta della Valle
Giardini d’Inverno
Porta di Pantanelli

Il percorso di trekking urbano parte da Porta Romana, punto di accesso principale al centro storico di Amelia, attraversando un tratto dell’Antica Via Amerina, da dove si scende verso Palazzo Farattini. Proseguendo il sentiero si può apprezzare la chiesa di san Francesco con a fianco il chiostro Boccarini, attraverso il quale si accede al museo archeologico e alla pinacoteca. Si raggiunge quindi Porta Leone IV e, dopo un breve percorso pedonale, lo scoglio del Frullano per ammirare la sottostante gola del Rio Grande.

Si prosegue salendo attraverso l’ascensore a Porta Posterola per rientrare nel centro storico e visitare le chiese di san Girolamo e di Sant’Agostino, raggiungendo il punto più alto della città, dove si trova la Cattedrale di Santa Fermina e la torre campanaria dodecagonale. Scendendo lungo la via del duomo e arrivando davanti a palazzo Geraldini si raggiunge piazza Matteotti, dove si trovano le cisterne romane e il palazzo comunale. Si prosegue fino al teatro sociale per poi dirigersi in piazza Marconi, dove si possono ammirare palazzo Petrignani, Palazzo Nacci e la Loggia del Banditore. Per concludere il percorso si arriva a Porta della Valle, dalla quale attraverso un percorso pedonale che costeggia le mura cittadine e attraversa la Porta di Pantanelli si raggiunge porta Romana, punto di partenza.

Sentiero 736
Località di partenza: Foce (frazione di Amelia)
Località di arrivo: Intersezione sentiero 720
Distanza: 4,4 km
Difficoltà: media
Intervallo di quota: 320-459 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 75-200 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 50′-55′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Borgo di Foce
Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie
Cappella della Famiglia Filonzi
La Palombara

Dal santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, ci si immerge nel bosco che ricopre il colle di Foce per poi attraversare le campagne sottostanti attraverso la strada di San Concordio, fino a raggiungere la strada di Ponte Santa Maria, una comoda strada imbrecciata pianeggiante. Qui il sentiero si interseca con il 742 per poi separarsi poco dopo e raggiungere La Palombara da dove si può avere una splendida visuale su Amelia e sulle valli circostanti. Ridiscendendo il colle attraverso il bosco in direzione nord si arriva al sentiero 720 e lo si può imboccare verso sinistra per arrivare ad Amelia (a 4 km), oppure continuare a percorrerlo ma in direzione di Sambucetole, distante circa 5 km.

Sentiero 722
Località di partenza: Sambucetole
Località di arrivo: Collicello
Distanza: 5,8 km
Intervallo di quota: 300-445 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 180-55 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 1h30′-1h40′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Resti del castello di Laguscello (a 300 m dal percorso)
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Canale
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie

Partendo da Sambucetole si costeggia il Rio Grande fino a raggiungere la provinciale per Castel dell’Aquila, e proseguendo a sinistra per 200 metri per la strada di Laguscello. Da qui si può decidere di visitare i resti del castello di Laguscello proseguendo per circa 350 m sul sentiero 718, altrimenti continuare a percorrere la strada di campagna fino ad arrivare a un bosco, attraversato il quale, ci si immette nuovamente sulla strada provinciale per trovarsi di fronte alla chiesa di Santa Maria in Canale. Da qui si cammina fino al bivio di Collicello, per poi imboccare sulla destra una strada che costeggia il corso del Rio Grande. Dopo un chilometro si svolta a sinistra e si attraversa il corso del fiume in un punto in cui l’acqua raggiunge un’altezza massima di 4-5 cm. Il sentiero continua su una strada bianca e poi su una sterrata che salendo attraverso il bosco porta a Collicello, dove poco prima dell’abitato si trova la chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Salendo si raggiunge il borgo e si attraversa l’abitato passando per Porta Vecchia fino a raggiungere la porta principale e l’area verde, meta del sentiero.

Sentiero 720
Località di partenza: Amelia
Località di arrivo: Sambucetole
Distanza: 8,9 km
Intervallo di quota: 260-405 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 275-240 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 2h20′-2h30′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Parco del Rio Grande
Convento dei Cappuccini
Sambucetole

Partendo dal Parco del Rio Grande, si attraversa il ponte di legno per dirigersi in direzione di Sambucetole, lungo il tracciato dell’Antica Via Amerina, lasciandolo e riprendendolo più volte. Dopo circa 4 chilometri si incrocia il sentiero 736 che sale fino alla frazione di Foce, il 720 invece prosegue a sinistra scendendo al Rio Grande. Dopo averlo attraversato si sale attraverso un bosco verso il Convento dei Cappuccini, dal quale si gode una stupenda vista. Superato il convento e girando a destra, si scende attraverso il bosco e i campi del fondovalle fino agli impianti sportivi di Sambucetole, meta finale del sentiero.
Il guado del Rio Grande in inverno o dopo piogge abbondanti potrebbe non essere agevole, per cui il percorso è consigliato da aprile ad ottobre.

Sentiero 728
Località di partenza: Lago Vecchio, Amelia
Località di arrivo: Macchie, centro storico
Distanza: 7,5 km
Intervallo di quota: 260-475 m
Ascesa-discesa accumulata: 180-55 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 1h50′-2h10′

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Passeggiata del Rio Grande
Macchie centro storico
Lungo il percorso punto ristoro e maneggio

Si parte dal Lago Vecchio attraversando strade sterrate, tratturi evidenti e sentieri, tra colli, leccete, con panorami sulla campagna amerina. Imboccando la strada della Rotella si sale verso Macchie una delle frazioni di Amelia, per raggiungere la destinazione in località Case Bianche, da dove si incrocia il sentiero 729 che va a Lugnano e da dove inizia il 730 che sale a Santa Restituta.

Sentiero 742
Località di partenza: Foce
Località di arrivo: Montecampano
Distanza: 11,7 km
Dislivello in salita: 400 m
Dislivello in discesa: 200 m
Tempo di percorrenza: 3h10-3h40

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Foce centro storico
Chiesa di S. Maria
Molino Rogani
Fosso delle Streghe
Chiesa di S. Vincenzo Croce D’Alvo
Montecampano centro storico

Con partenza da Porta Romana nel centro storico di Foce, il sentiero passa attraverso diverse strade fino ad arrivare a Strada di Ponte Santa Maria che si percorre in direzione sud ovest giungendo alla SR 205 (Strada Amerina). Si attraversa la strada e si prosegue per Strada S. Maria dove è ubicata l’omonima chiesa. Poco distante una sterrata scende al Fosso delle Streghe nei pressi di Molino Rogani; da qui attraversando le campagne si arriva alla chiesa abbandonata di San Vincenzo Croce D’Alvo per poi proseguire verso Fornole-Montecampano in località Fornaci e giungere successivamente sul panoramico colle di Montecampano.

Sentiero 737
Località di partenza: Porta Romana, Amelia
Località di arrivo: Foce, centro storico
Distanza: 9,7 km
Dislivello in salita 370 m
Dislivello in discesa 200 m
Tempo di percorrenza 3h00-3h30

Siti d’interesse lungo il percorso
Amelia centro storico
Molino Rogani
Fosso delle Streghe
Fornole centro storico
Chiesa di S. Silvestro
Foce centro storico

Da Porta Romana di Amelia, l’itinerario si lascia alle spalle Via Rimembranze e l’abitato scendendo sino al Molino Rogani oltre il quale un ponticello permette di superare il Fosso delle Streghe. Da qui, attraverso un sentiero immerso nella vegetazione e una strada sterrata, si prosegue in direzione Fornole per poi salire verso la Chiesa di San Silvestro. Una volta qui si prosegue verso la meta: il centro storico di Foce attraversando aree boschive e radure lungo sterrati e brevi sali scendi.

Un’esperienza unica all’insegna del turismo lento attraversando a piedi, a cavallo o in sella a una bicicletta i paesaggi incontaminati del Cuore Verde d’Italia.

Dolci colline, vigneti, borghi medievali: un paesaggio che ispira e istintivamente porta a rilassarsi anche se si è sospesi in aria, a bordo di una mongolfiera.

Salire su una mongolfiera vuol dire affidarsi completamente all’aria: quella interna all’aerostato, che scaldandosi vi porta in alto, e quella circostante, nella forma delle correnti che decidono la direzione del vostro volo. Un volo dolce, senza turbolenze, che grazie all’abilità del pilota vi saprà cullare fino alla vostra meta, lasciandovi tutto il tempo e la tranquillità necessarie per vivere appieno l’esperienza circondati da un magnifico panorama.

Sono diverse le località da cui poter decollare per questo gita ad alta quota, qui di seguito ne riportiamo solo alcune:

Godetevi i panorami dell’Umbria dall’alto, in tutta sicurezza e comodità, con una gita sospesi nell’aria.

Si parte dalla piazza principale del centro storico di Gualdo Tadino, di fronte alla chiesa di San Benedetto e a pochi metri dalla chiesa monumentale di San Francesco. Si prosegue per via Calai e viale Don Bosco per imboccare viale dei Cappuccini.

In 1 Km si raggiunge la grotta ove il Beato Angelo si ritirava in preghiera e dove ora è edificato un eremo a lui dedicato. Si riparte in direzione del santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore e si arriva a Casale, dove il Beato nacque. La discesa segue l’itinerario che fece il feretro alla sua morte fino a San Lazzaro e lungo il quale al suo passare fiorirono miracolosamente le siepi di biancospino ed il lino.

Da San Lazzaro si prosegue per quella che era l’antica via Flaminia fino al torrente Feo e al quartiere Biancospino, dove sono custodite in uno spazio recintato le piante che ancora oggi fioriscono in pieno inverno. Si risale verso Gualdo per la medioevale porta di San Benedetto per concludere l’itinerario alla cattedrale di San Benedetto che custodisce le spoglie del Santo.

Ring excursion on a mostly flat path, departing from the center of Torgiano (PG) at the La Torre car park (there is an electric car charging point in the car park) near the Baglioni Tower, symbol of the village of Torgiano, which represents the emblem of the medieval city.

Until the mid-fifteenth century, the Baglioni Tower in fact constituted the entrance to a customs area, where the goods and products of a vast area of central Italy converged and embarked for Rome across the river Tiber. After the recently renovated Baglioni Tower, head towards Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the main street in the historic center of Torgiano. After the Palazzo Comunale (on the left) and the Oratory of Sant'Antonio (on the right) - built in the 15th century, in conjunction with the foundation of the Confraternity of Sant'Antonio, where outside, you can admire a 16th century fresco depicting the ""Madonna with Child"", attributed to the school of Domenico Alfani, a well-known Perugian painter of the first half of the sixteenth century, a pupil of Raphael - we proceed to the end of the Corso, where a sharp bend to the left takes us to Via Tiradossi, from where it is possible to access, turning right downhill after about 200 meters, to the Tiber River Park, an evocative route that winds along the Tiber River to the point of its confluence with the Chiascio.

This area called ""Parco dei Mulini"" or ""dei due rivers"" is today a river park, which takes its name from the presence of ancient mills for grinding wheat and olives, still clearly visible along the route. At the end of the descent, turn right onto the asphalted road in the middle of the green for about 500 meters, and then turn right immediately after Via Tevere.

The view opens onto the countryside, while the route continues until it crosses the Provincial Road SP403. As soon as you pass the crossing, continue straight on the dirt road where you begin a tour around a large vineyard. The dirt road allows you to admire the village of Torgiano from below, along Via Perugia, always keeping to the right, the loop around the large vineyard ends to cross the Provincial Road SP403 again, along a small part of the road already made on the outward journey ( about 400 meters), up to the deviation to the right that leads to an increasingly close proximity to the Tiber River on a dirt road, reaching the confluence of the Tiber and Chiascio rivers.

On a dirt road you now continue along the course of the Chiascio River, skirting the ancient mills of which the territory is rich: the Molino della Palazzetta still active today as Molino Silvestri, with the ancient method of the driving force of water and with stone millstones. which allow the production of fine flour, bran, tritello and trivellino; it is located within what can be considered a rare find of the oldest historical and cultural tradition of this region: the only fourteenth-century tower in Umbria that stands in the middle of the water for about three floors. Upstream of the Rosciano bridge, we find the Molino, now owned by Orcidi, transformed into a private home after the nineteenth-century deviation of the course of the Chiascio; downstream of the bridge, with a medieval tower, stood a grain mill. Before arriving near the bridge of Rosciano you can admire the waterfalls of the Chiascio River and the Spiaggetta. Further on, turn left onto Via dei Mulini and then go up left onto Via Olivello from where you return to the La Torre car park.

From here continue retracing the green path between Ponte Nuovo and Deruta, skirting cultivated fields and retracing, even if only in part, the Tiber cycle path, which from Deruta leads to Marsciano and Todi.

We will leave the cycle path only to return to visit the historic Brewery - BIRRA PERUGIA.

Fabbrica Birra Perugia is a historic brand, founded in 1875 and restarted in a contemporary key in 2013, which sees a combination of passion for beer and love for its territory. So much so that in 2016 it became the BREWERY OF THE YEAR.

Inside you can taste various lines of beers, including KIASCIO beer, the emblem of our itinerary. New entry of the brewery tells of water and wheat at KM 2.

Questo percorso in bicicletta è adatto a tutta la famiglia, una perfetta combinazione di natura, paesaggio ed enogastronomia.

In 1926 was opened the railway line which used to connect the town of Spoleto to Norcia and at that time it constituted a small jewel of railway engineering: along the route, a little more than 50 kilometers, were built 19 tunnels, 24 bridges and some viaducts of great architectural value, with stretches of helical line and up to 4,5% pending.

This railway line was closed during 1968 and, after years of inactivity, on July 2014 on the old railway track was opened a cycle and pedestrian path, practicable until Piedipaterno.
This route is characterized by narrow gorges, high mountain landscapes with light gradient, until reaching the maximum altitude where is located the Caprareccia tunnel.

At the moment, for safety reasons, a stretch of the route Spoleto – Piedipaterno is closed and for this reason it is spread as follows:
- First part, 6,5 km on the old railway line track from Spoleto to Caprareccia
- Second part, a bypass of 12,3 km along the National Road among Caprareccia and Pietipaterno
- From Piedipaterno, instead of going to Norcia, we propose you to follow a third part of 4,7 km to Spoleto on the old railway line track, until the old station of Sant’Anatolia di Narco – Scheggino; from here there is a connection to another Regional bike lane, the Bike Lane of the Nera, which allows you to reach the Marmore Waterfalls from Sant’Anatolia di Narco.

Arrived at the beginning of the bike lane, this itinerary does continue along the old railway line track, with a steady climb up to 4,5% gradient and without any crossroad. It goes beyond tunnels and viaducts, with breathtaking landscapes on the Spoleto Umbrian Valley; it runs along abandoned tollgates and it reaches a big widening which follows the very impressive work of engineering of the Caprareccia Bridge.

Here, unfortunately, you will have to leave the old track which would lead you to Sant’Anatolia di Narco (because of 2016 earthquake). The bypass, however, is highly scenic and it brings you to Forca di Cerro (733m above sea level) from which you can admire the Valnerina mountains.
From here it is going to start the downhill of the itinerary, touching the little church of Madonna delle Scentelle, Grotti, until the Piedipaterno valley.

- Highway “del Sole” A1 (Milano – Firenze – Roma – Napoli), for those coming from the North exit Valdichiana, for those coming from the South exit Orte.
- Highway “Adriatica” A14 (Bologna – Taranto), for those coming from the North exit Civitanova Marche, for those coming from the South exit San Benedetto del Tronto.
- Freeway E45 (Cesena – Orte), exit on SS 75 to Assisi, exit Acquasparta, then SS 418, exit Terni, then SS 3.

- Line Roma – Ancona
- Line Roma – Foligno – Perugia – Terontola – Firenze

You can find on Busitalia website all urban and suburban buses schedule of Spoleto and Umbria.

An old railway line reconverted into a bike lane, for a quite hard path from Spoleto to Sant’Anatolia di Narco, going through the hills, gorges, tunnels, bridges and viaducts.

Il percorso espositivo si articola all'interno di un antico frantoio frutto dell'accorpamento di tre differenti case ed utilizzato fino al secolo scorso. Dal 2000 è sede del Museo dell'Olivo e dell'Olio, ideato e realizzato ad iniziativa di Giorgio e Maria Grazia Lungarotti.

Le prime notizie di questo monastero benedettino sono del 1185. Nel 1414 fu saccheggiato sia dalle truppe di Ladislao di Napoli che dai Perugini e probabilmente abbandonato dai monaci. Del complesso rimane la chiesina in stile romanico, che presenta sulla facciata un interessante affresco raffigurante una Madonna in trono con bambino in braccio Angeli e Santi adoranti. L'abbazia è sita in località Cerreto.

Housed inside the former Salesian convent, the Museum of the Town of Cannara is dedicated to the history of Cannara and the surrounding area and offers the opportunity to get to know and understand the history of the area from its origins to the modern day. The rooms hold a conspicuous collection of archeological material from the excavation of Urvinum Hortense, in Collemancio, evidence the site was occupied from pre-Roman times to the late Middle Ages. The Museum also houses a collection of medieval and modern paintings and sculptures from the main churches in the town and from some of the noble palaces. The tour begins on the ground floor: the first room displays a collection not only of wind and percussion musical instruments from the early 20th century, but also scores and photographs of the period, which bear witness to the solid musical tradition of the town of Cannara. The archeological tour begins on the same floor and the pride and joy of the collection is the polychrome mosaic from the thermal baths of Urvinum Hortense, which can be viewed from above. It’s the biggest find discovered in the ancient Roman municipium and it dates back to the 1st and the 2nd century AD. It decorated the floor of one of the rooms in the public thermal baths, specifically the bath of the frigidarium. The background is in white tiles, with a frame of red and black tiles. Along the four sides, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, six caricatured pygmies are represented, victims of exotic animals: hippos, crocodiles, ibises and snakes. The central painting, on the other hand, represents a funny scene of four pygmies intent on fishing on tiny boats.Some display cases contain the materials found in the excavations. Next to the archeological section, there is room for the art collections of the Civic Art Gallery. The frescoes torn down in 1907 from the Church of the Madonna del Latte, also known as Santa Maria delle Fontanelle, near Collemancio, occupy a whole room of the Picture Gallery. The entire decoration was removed, as the church building was gradually deteriorating. It was painted by artists from Perugia, from Umbria and from the circle of Tiberius of Assisi. Of particular importance is the fourteenth century Madonna del Latte. The Picture Gallery also houses works by Marcantonio Grecchi, whose painting was austere and rigorous, by Dono Doni of Assisi, with an eclectic but effective style in his real life portraits, and by Francesco Longhi.

Un itinerario alla scoperta delle dolci colline e pianure coltivate tra Torgiano e Cannara, tra vigneti, storia e borghi.

Born out of the conjunction of three different cycling routes, the bike lane Assisi – Spoleto – Marmore waterfalls tumbles into the eastern part of the Region, which passes through dozens of Municipalities among the province of Perugia and Terni.

It is a path suitable for all, also for families with children in the easiest sections: with low and intermediate levels of difficulty, it is flattish and away from traffic for long stretches. This does not mean that is trivial, in fact: several sections are definitely suggestive, not including the beauty of the towns and villages that you meet along the way.

For various stages we have indicated several “access points”, easily accessible by public transport:

By train
-You can reach several key hubs, or neighboring cities from where you can easily access the path; for example, Santa Maria degli Angeli (Assisi), Foligno, Borgo Trevi, Spoleto, Terni. You can find schedules and bike transport conditions on Trenitalia Website;

By bus
- You can carry your bike with a small fee along the drafts Terni-Marmore-Scheggino e Spoleto-Norcia. You will find information about fares and schedules on Fsbusitalia Website.

A bike ride in (quite) total relax: saddle up and ride along 98 km of the bike lane Assisi – Spoleto – Marmore waterfalls!

The Upper Tiber Valley, bordering Tuscany, was a transit zone for troops, trade and art and saw the presence of big names of Renaissance painting, such as Luca Signorelli from Cortona and Niccolò Circignani from Pomarance.

An itinerary to admire the artworks of Luca Signorelli, starting from Umbertide.

The itinerary is almoust 28 km long and alternates asphalt and dirt road, but always runs on secondary streets with little traffic. Along the itinerary there are no heavy uphills, but just a series of short bumps; the most significant ascent is about 1 km long from the valley floor to the centre of St. Anatolia.

The route runs along the shore of the Nera river and is constantly immersed in woods and fields, making it a very pleasant and leafy trip. Many villages are located on the hills in this part of the Valnerina. True gems are St. Anatolia di Narco, Scheggino, Ceselli, Ferentillo, Arrone and Casteldilago that deserve short visit to their historical centers and maybe taste the excellent food and wine of this territory. Ferentillo, a picturesque village surmounted by two fortresses, houses the fascinating Museum of Mummies and a well-known climbing crag located just outside the town.

The last kilometers of the route develop between suggestive and fun stretches in the woods and after passing through a small bridge, they continue on a bridge that leads to the Lower Belvedere, at the foot of the imposing Marmore Falls.

By car
Highway A1 (Florence-Rome), for those coming from the north exit of Valdichiana, for those coming from the south exit of Orte
Highway A14 (Bologna-Taranto), for those coming from the north exit of Civitanova Marche, for those coming from the south exit of S. Benedetto del Tronto
State roads: SS. 3, SS. 209, SS. 395, SS.320, SS. 396

From Sant'Anatolia di Narco to Marmore Falls, an easy itinerary suitable to everyone with a minimum level of training who wishes to enjoy a day immersed in nature in the Valnerina.

Lake Trasimeno is a paradise for all camper owners: many villages and campsites have chosen the shores or the territory of the ""silver veil"" to welcome tourists from all over Europe. But you can find places worth a stop with your camper along this route to Lake Piediluco.

An idea to start the journey is to leave from Magione, located on a hill not far from the lake: we recommend a visit to the Tower of Lambardi and the Castle of the Knights of Malta. Then, move towards Passignano sul Trasimeno: if you take the road in the direction of the lake, you must make a quick stop at the small but picturesque Monte del Lago.

When you arrive in Passignano, if time allows it, consider leaving your motorhome for a while and changing your means of transport, to set sail for the islands of the Trasimeno Lake. Otherwise, take a relaxing walk along the lake and visit the Fortress and local restaurants to try the fish specialties of the lake. If you are in the area at the end of July, don't miss the Boats Palio!

Castiglione del Lago is one of the most characteristic and evocative places around the Trasimeno Lake: the patrol path of the Rocca del Leone, which dominates the lake, offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the hills surrounding the promontory on which the village stands. But Castiglione is not only views: visit the Corgna Palace, embellished with beautiful frescoes by Salvio Savini and Pomarancio.

The first part of the itinerary ends with Castiglione del Lago. Take the E45 towards south, leave the Trasimeno behind you, and a stop in Orvieto is a must before going on to the next lake: you can easily find a car park for your camper, both in the central area and outside the city, very close to the funicular station.

The initial impact with Orvieto is definitely impressive, with the view of the entire town on a tuff massif overlooking the surrounding area. The religious buildings are of great interest and among them the Cathedral with its rich facade, the ceramics of its mosaics and its two-colour columns; the local handicrafts (ceramics and lace of Orvieto) are valuable, the food and wine specialties are tasty, in particular the local wines. But also the underground hides treasures: visit the Well of St. Patrick and the underground city, created in the tunnels that wind through the underworld of the cliff.

Not far from Orvieto, along the way you will reach the river Tiber: you are entering the territory of the Tiber River Park, a protected area with two other lakes, Corbara and Alviano lakes. Both are home to herons and rare birds, which find shelter in the lush vegetation along the river, making these places a must for any lover of nature and birdwatching. Those seeking active pursuits will be delighted: canyoning, rowing, and sport fishing are perfect activities to interact with nature.

Let's change again, passing from water to land! Narni, just like Orvieto, keeps under its surface a system of crypts, tanks and aqueducts, which date back to the Etruscans age. Once back in the sunlight, visit the many churches of Narni and the Piazza dei Priori, with the buildings that overlook it and the works of art found in them. Before leaving the city, admire the Augustus Bridge, one of the most loved monuments by travellers who passed through the ancient Via Flaminia.

Finally, head towards Terni and the last destinations of your trip. A few minutes outside the city of St. Valentine, there is another treasure, this time natural (but due to a decisive intervention of man), long appreciated by writers, artists and nature lovers. The Marmore Falls, one of the highest in Europe, with its three drops and five walking paths, is waiting to show you all its mighty strength (and maybe take an unplanned shower, especially appreciated in summer!).

The last stop is Piediluco Lake, another obligatory beauty spot on the Umbrian stretch of the 19^th century Grand Tour. Today, thanks to its quiet waters and hilly surroundings, it is appreciated by rowing enthusiasts and by anyone who wants to enjoy a quiet walk along the lakeside and through the alleys of the small village of Piediluco. In short, it is the perfect place for every camper owner, from those seeking adventure to those wanting to relax.

This itinerary has come to an end, but Umbria has many other beauties in store that are just waiting to be visited. Have a good trip!

From Trasimeno to Piediluco: a long itinerary for camper owners (and others) from Perugia to Terni, to discover the lakes, waterfalls and hidden underground cities of the Green Heart of Italy.

Città della Pieve, a border town where the landscapes of Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio harmoniously meet, sits on a hill overlooking the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno.

Seen from above, its urban setting recalls the shape of an eagle, whose parts coincide with the three Districts, the areas making up the city in medieval times. Even seen from below, Perugino's homeland is ready to surprise its visitors.

Get ready for a journey that will take you in its underground, among ancient prisons, crypts and twisting tunnels.

The Cathedral of Città della Pieve, devoted to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, is located in the area of Piazza Gramsci and Piazza Plebiscito, the town's most central squares.

Under the cathedral, particularly in the so called “crypt”, are important and monumental remains of a loggia or arcade, partially demolished to make space for the Cathedral’s extension.

The recent restorations opened a direct connection from the Church, where imposing finely crafted sandstone columns are seen, of a Gothic architecture with strong Cistercian influences.

The ribbed vaults are partially visible and their function is still subject to interpretation: some scholars assume it was the loggia of a public building, whereas other think it belonged to a baptistery and to a “pilgrims arcade”.

Several traces of the original fresco decorations are still preserved along the pillars.

A magnificent underground, still today being studied and arranged, has been recently found in correspondence of the Town Hall.

Actually, the underground has been known for a long time but not in its full extension: the tunnels, supported by vaults of an acute arch and carved in the 16th century, were already known and have been used for years as wine cellars.

Later it was discovered that these facilities represented just a part of the viable underground system: in 2014 the demolition of an old wall of bricks allowed access to another series of cavities.

Currently the Corgna cellars are open upon request, pending the opening of the new underground monuments to the public.

On the ground floor of the Bishop's Palace there are two small cells with much of their plaster preserved, and with many engravings and inscriptions, with dates and references, the oldest dating back to the mid-17th century.

It is believed that they were the detention rooms of the ecclesiastical court that had its seat in the city.

Discovering the secret underground of Città della Pieve, a border town where the landscapes of Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio harmoniously meet, sits on a hill overlooking the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno.

Un percorso adatto a tutti che permette di pedalare alle pendici del Monte Vettore e di scoprire alcuni degli scorci più belli dei Monti Sibillini.

Questo magnifico itinerario prende il via dal borgo di Castelluccio di Norcia, piccolo centro abitato immerso nella natura incontaminata del Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini, e ti permetterà di pedalare tra bellezze paesaggistiche indimenticabili e atmosfere uniche.

Il percorso non è particolarmente difficile, come testimoniano i soli 450 metri di dislivello, ma rispetto agli altri itinerari facili richiede un minimo di allenamento.
La prima parte dell'itinerario, che scorre su asfalto e attraversa il Pian Grande, ti condurrà ai piedi dell'asperità più impegnativa di giornata: circa 3 chilometri di asfalto abbastanza impegnativi da affrontare con calma. Giunto in vetta alla salita concediti una sosta per ammirare il fantastico panorama che vi si aprirà su Castelluccio e sul Monte Vettore.

Da qui il percorso prosegue quasi per intero su sterrato, attraversando il Pian Perduto e poi tornando sul Pian Grande, offrendo ad ogni angolo vedute mozzafiato sul paesaggio unico di questo angolo dei Sibillini. Ricorda solo di lasciare qualche energia per affrontare l'ultimo chilometro di salita che ti ricondurrà a Castelluccio.
Il periodo migliore per affrontare questo itinerario è tra giugno e luglio, quando potrai anche godere della ""fioritura"" del Pian Grande, che in questi mesi si trasforma in un caleidoscopio di colori. Troverai un po' più di confusione rispetto alla solita tranquillità di questi luoghi, ma i tuoi occhi ringrazieranno…

Da vedere in quest'area: Castelluccio di Norcia, Norcia, il Monte Vettore e il Parco dei Monti Sibillini.

Un itinerario facile da percorrere in MTB o E-MTB. 26 chilometri, 450 m. di dislivello, 55% sterrato e 45% asfalto, con partenza e arrivo a Castelluccio di Norcia.

This route is particularly easy, both in terms of distance and altitude, and stands out especially due to the beautiful scenery that sets it apart, such as the Velino river, lake Piediluco and the majestic Marmore Waterfall, among the highest in Europe with a drop of 165 metres over three levels.
In a nutshell, this is an easy and enjoyable bike ride ensconced in the verdant Umbrian countryside, recommended either for experienced cyclists who want to enjoy beautiful scenery in a peaceful environment, or beginners.

The itinerary starts from I Campacci Park in Marmore, right by the Waterfall viewpoint. From here you take a left towards Piediluco, following a flat road by the Velino river, and in less than five kilometres you arrive in Piediluco, right by the lakeside, from where you can enjoy a splendid view of Mount Terminillo.

From here you continue to Colli sul Velino, still on country roads with little traffic, completing the tour of the lake. The ride back to Marmore is 20 kilometres of flat roads.

An easy cycling route which will allow you to visit the Marmore Waterfall and lake Piediluco

Fourteen sources of thermal waters, seventeen sources of mineral waters, seven rivers, six lakes, nine waterfalls, rapids and gorges. These are the numbers in Umbria, a region rich of natural sources that contributed to nourish its green and uncontaminated nature. Beyond the possibility of tasting the excellent mineral waters with different properties, the abundance of natural water will give you the possibility of taking on water sports such as rafting, paddle-boardng, kitesurfing and windsurfing in the places dedicated to these activities.

You must be aware that the waters of some Umbrian sources are bottled, other ones boast thermal features encompassing healthy properties, whilst some natural sources are linked to some legends.

Next to the carbonic massifs of the Martani Mountains, beyond the other soft water sources such as the Amerino, Fabia and Aura Source, we find the sparkling natural as well as the medium-mineral waters in the districts of Massa Martana (San Faustino), San Gemini (Sangemini) and Acquasparta (Grazia, sources of Acquasparta).

The round of Umbria's low-mineral water is completed by the Tione Source located in the volcanic complexes of the Orvieto district.

Umbria can also boast a heritage of waters recognized usable for thermal purposes. The waters Sangemini, Fabia, Amerino, Sanfaustino and Angelica, beyond being bottled, are also used for hydroponic cures in seasonal thermal buildings open in the summer period. The thermal baths of Fontecchio in Città di Castello and the thermal baths of Terme S. Felice (better known with the name of Franciscan thermal baths) in Spello represent instead two places where it's possible to carry out inhalation therapies, muds and baths. The balneotherapy is also recognized for the water Fontessera of Umbertide, used at the Villa Valentina in Umbertide.

The Ancient Baths of Triponzo, in Cerreto di Spoleto, are now open again after more than 30 years. This is the unique thermal establishment in Umbria supplied with sulphurous water rich of calcium that, regardless of the season, maintains a constant temperature of 30 degrees centigrade, with considerable features and therapeutic qualities.

18 sources of sulphurous thermal water, emerald green in colour, flow out out of the green Umbrian woods.

Bevagna, Aiso source: the spring is over 15 meters deep, but with a surface of just 500 square meters. A legend, known since the 17^th century, links the lake to the disappearance of the ungrateful farmer Chiarò who was punished for having worked in the fields on the Saint Anna festival day and had been sunk with all his house.

Sellano, Forfi: a cavern exists where water, dripping from the walls, creates small natural pools to which are attributed regenerative powers.

On Subasio mountain there are about 88 springs, amongst which the one called the Prison Moat seems to be an indicator of the arrival of some misfortune. The source has indeed an intermittent character, flowing every twenty/thirty years; each time it starts again, negative facts or calamities occur. Simple coincidences?

Clitunno Springs: Pliny the Younger wrote of these springs, saying: ""Have you ever seen the Clitunno springs? If not yet, and I don't think so, otherwise you would have told me, go and see them. I have seen them recently and I regret I did it too late"". They said that Clitunno waters conferred a further brightness to the white coat of the oxen that used to drink and immerse themselves here.

Did you know that Umbria was declared the Water World Capital from Unesco thanks to its several natural sources located in its territory? Each of these sources, through its precious waters, was able to establish a deep tie with the territory and its inhabitants.

The green and peace of Umbria have always been a source of inspiration for poets and artists: we propose an itinerary through places which inspired some of the verses of Lord Byron and Carducci, and which are depicted in the paintings of Jean-Baptiste Corot.

You may follow this route both by car, stopping at each proposed point or on foot following the hiking trail. Head towards the centre of Poreta, near Spoleto: your itinerary begins from this little village.

Travelling along country lanes and little unmade roads you will arrive in the vicinity of Campello. Reach the castle which overlooks the little hamlet: Campello Alta is a fortress that dates back to 921 and was built by Rovero di Champeuse. The name of the castle, and that of the village, derives precisely from the baron of Borgogna.

Once you have wandered around the little streets around the castle, head towards the Fonti del Clitunno. The small but luxuriant park which you will find upon arrival will captivate you with its greenery and unconditional peace. You will find a lake with very cold, crystalline waters: it is precisely the source of the Clitunno which has also formed small islets in the lake, between the grassy banks enclosed by weeping willows and poplar trees. Let yourself be enchanted by the fairy-tale setting of this park and take a stroll to the Tempietto del Clitunno (Temple of Clitumnus): an early-Christian church in the form of a temple with four columns holding up a tympanum, which overlooks the Clitunno from slightly raised ground. The building, one of the places of interest of Lombardic Italy, was of inspiration to Francesco di Giorgio Martini, Benozzo Gozzoli, Palladio (who believed it to be Roman) and was mentioned in the verses of Lord Byron.

Once you have finished your visit to the park, reward yourself with a break to taste one of the territory's gastronomic highlights: extra-virgin olive oil, which is produced in the numerous olive mills and farms in the area between Spoleto and Trevi.

Your route now continues towards the Castello di Pissignano: the original construction dates back to Roman times (it was indeed on the via Flaminia), but owes its development to a group of Benedictine monks who occupied it several centuries later.

Passing through Pigge, an ancient walled village which crosses the Clitunno, you'll reach Trevi: the town is enclosed by two circuits of medieval walls giving it a characteristic spiral shape. Let yourself be guided up-hill by the narrow streets and discover the old town centre.

An itinerary from Poreta to Trevi, via Campello sul Clitunno: discovering the Fonti del Clitunno, Lombardic strongholds and landscapes filled with olive trees.

Ready to explore Umbria's more alternative and novel aspects? You've come to the right place: here are a few suggestions to discover this land's musical side. In particular, let us take you to Amelia and its environs: together, we will go on a journey to get to know the local historic church organs.

These precious instruments are rightly considered to be artistic masterpieces in their own right, so much so that still today they are proudly held in the most beautiful and famous local churches. In the city centre, for example, in the cathedral, one can find not one but two organs: one of these, the largest one, was built by the Rieger Firm of Austrian Silesia (1904). The other one instead is a product of the Roman 17^th century school and features its classic transportation system: it is easy to carry on wagons during religious festivities and processions.

However, among the many examples that Amelia can boast, the most prestigious one is to be found in the church of the Benedictine nunnery of San Magno (1678, Willelm Hermans). This organ was supposed to be played by the cloistered sisters themselves. Its peculiarity is that of having one keyboard up in the choir, and one down on the church's ground floor, in a closet.

Other noteworthy organs are located in the churches of Avigliano Umbro, Collicello, Foce, Guardea, Toscolano and Giove. Nearly none of these, however, has a precise known date of production, except for the one in the church of Santa Chiara in Lugnano in Teverina, which dates from the year 1756 and is signed by the German master Johannes Conradus Werler.

Further confirming this long musical tradition, the town boasts the Maggio Organistico festival which for the past 30 years has seen the organization of numerous concerts in area churches during the month of May.

An alternative journey into Umbrian culture, far from the usual destinations: discover the musical tradition of Amelia and its environs, and seek out its historic organs.

After turning off the E455, it is just a short distance to Magione, which takes its name from the Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta (Castle of the Knights of Malta, which can be partly visited upon request). After a brief stop at the Lambardi tower, a former watchtower with a unique view over Perugia and Lake Trasimeno, situated just above the small town, head towards Monte del Lago.
After passing through Montecolognola on the SP 314, take the SP 316. Stop briefly in the pretty fishing village to visit Zocco castle, a huge military fortress dating back to the thirteenth century, where the imposing walls and towers still stand firm, and then head for San Feliciano. It is well worth visiting the Fishing Museum: divided into four rooms, it follows the path of the sun, documenting techniques, tools and even slang terms related to fishing, from prehistory to the present.

If it's time for a break, eating fish from the lake is a must: carpa regina in porchetta (carp with pork), frittura di latterini (deep fried silversides) or ""tegamaccio"", a kind of stew made with the fish from Lake Trasimeno, with eel taking pride of place.

The SP 316 takes you straight to your destination, La Valle natural oasis, near San Savino di Magione, in the heart of the Trasimeno Park. This is an environmental education and experience centre: the perfect place to bring your kids. Before heading off to discover the most attractive parts of the reserve, in search of Great Crested Grebes and Bitterns, you can take advantage of the equipped classrooms, a laboratory with stereomicroscopes and a documentation centre.

Visit the bird banding station and the walkway that leads into the reeds to a birdwaching observatory. And if you don't have any equipment, don't worry: there are binoculars and telescopes for bird watching. Here many species live and breed: coots and mallards, teals, pochards, widgeons, garganeys and gadwalls, as well as herons and Red herons, Little Egrets and Great Reed Warblers. With a little patience you will be able to admire the flight of the Marsh Harrier, as well as the owl, the Peregrine Falcon and many other migratory species.

From Magione to San Savino, a short tour of medieval fortresses and the Fishing Museum, before admiring the hunting osprey, the flight of herons and the dance of the coots that come in their thousands to spend the winter in Trasimeno.

Do you want to spend a few hours on a raft going down a river surrounded by nature? The Corno and Nera rivers offer several great spots for rafting between the National Park of the Monti Sibillini and the Marmore Falls. Rafting is an adventurous sport and gets the adrenaline going, but anyone can enjoy this sport, even beginners, as long as they know how to swim.

The Corno River is a natural tributary of the Nera River and a favourite among rafters because of its gorgeous setting of pristine nature and lush vegetation. Go to Serravalle di Norcia, in the Valnerina. Here you can get on rafts guided by experts and enjoy the thrill of going down the river. If the weather is right, you can even go for a refreshing swim in the froth of the rapids! When you're back on land, go to the nearby National Park of the Monti Sibillini to continue your day with a nice nature walk or, if you love animals, visit the fauna centre for deer or the one for chamois.

When you start getting hungry, taste some of the lovely local pecorino cheese, the area is renowned for its sheep and herding remains an important activity here.

The Velino and Nera rivers come together to create the Marmore Falls, one of the highest in all of Europe. Take advantage of this powerful confluence and go to the base of the falls where there is a well-equipped rafting centre. The flow of the Nera river is especially strong here, but don't let that scare you, it's what make the adrenaline run, what makes the descent so thrilling. So hop into a raft, alone or in a group, and follow the instructions the expert guide gives you. You'll feel like you're fording the river surrounded by scenery that has an almost primordial beauty. Once you're done, go inside the park to see the Falls from above. The cascade is artificial and considered one of the most important engineering feats left to us from the Roman era. Even Lord Byron was very impressed and, captivated by what he saw, called the falls ""horribly beautiful.""

If rafting is your particular passion, then come to the Nera river and its tributary the Corno river, get on a rubber raft and hold on tight! The fun is about to begin!

The rock face: although for many it is a daunting prospect, it is the best friend of every climber. We suggest you explore Mt. Pale of Foligno, a favourite of Umbrian climbers, and climbers from around the world.

The Pale rock face is very large and has a many graded routes, ranging from grade 4c to 7c+ (V to IX+ following the UIAA scale), thus suited to everyone from experts to beginners on their first ascent.

The little medieval town of Pale is just a few kilometres from Foligno. Leave your car here, a ten minute walk will take you to the bottom of the cliff. The 157 equipped walls are along a trail that leads from the town to the hermitage of Santa Maria Giacobbe, located at the top of Mount Pale. The first sector is known as the l'Uccellessa. It is the easiest to reach and has the most low-to medium difficulty climbing routes. The more difficult climbs can be found further along the road. If you are an expert, get to the areas on the higher part and start your ascent along the route: the higher you get the better the view of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Giacobbe. If you simply want to visit this enchanted spot, famous for being entirely carved into the rock face, you can follow a path that takes you to the top. If you look down while you are climbing, on the other hand, you will enjoy a breathtaking panorama: the valley in which the Topino River flows.

If walking uphill is not your thing, go down and, after a ten minute walk, you'll get to an area where the Menotre River turns into a series of small waterfalls.

You can enjoy this rock face most of the year, but we suggest avoid climbing up it in the summer months because, facing south, it really is very hot and exposed.

You'll be hungry when you get back down from your climb, so take this opportunity to try some delicious lamb with black truffles, a great dish to be enjoyed in Foligno.

Climb up the equipped rock faces surrounded by nature: at Mt. Pale outside of Foligno you'll find more than a hundred graded routes in a lovely natural setting.

Piediluco, small and inspiring village of medieval origin located along the shore of the eponymous lake, is the ideal place for enthusiasts of sailing, rowing and water skiing.

The Piediluco Lake is one of the most beautiful Italian and European rowing facilities: indeed the particular lightness of the water and the complete lack of wind facilitate the flow of boats, by making it an exceptional race course.

It has been chosen by the Italian Rowing Federation as seat of the National Rowing Centre: international rowing competitions take place here and its sporting as well as accommodation facilities are used by athletes all over the world as ideal location for training camps and stages.

Surrounded by the green of woods, the lake can be used for rowing competitive training sessions, but also for an amateur approach.

The Piediluco Rowing Club makes available a race course under FISA regulations, with 9 race lanes, 2 service roads, a stage of departure, a turret of starters and aligners, a tower of arrival.

For trainings there is an equipped gym (with ergometers, barbells, weight-training equipment), with adjoining dressing rooms and showers as well as several facilities for the practice of other sports, including an Olympic swimming pool.

A small curiosity: the Monte Caperno, generally also called Echo Mountain because it is able to repeat distinctly an entire hendecasyllable, is rising on the shore of the lake opposite to the location of Piediluco.

At the end of the day, spoil yourself with a local typical dish, the “ciriole” of Terni, and enjoy the wonderful sight of the sunset on the lake.

Are you a rowing enthusiast? Whether you are already an expert or a beginner, Piediluco is the destination for you.

In the majestic shade of Monte Serra, experience the preserved nature of Montecchio, a village with an ancient history. Visit the town aquarium of Tenaglie. In the same locality, visit Palazzo Ancajani, the seat of the Museum of rural life; also not to be missed is the museum of oil, near the old Bartolomei di Montecchio oil press. Machinery, tools and histories tell us of a culture and cultivation that go back thousands of years. Here extra-virgin oil has the colour of the Tiber, an intense green, of a bitter and spicy flavour, but with low acidity and slight smoky tones, maybe because it borders the structure of Frantoio, Leccino and Moraiolo; discover Nostrale di Rigali, Pendolino, Dolge Agogia, San Felice and Maurino.

Apart from vines and grain, the olive was a keystone of Greek and Roman food culture. Make a stop in the archeological area that used to be the Roman port of Pagliano, a place between Paglia and the Tiber, a few kilometres from Orvieto, where a dynamic trade with Rome took place between the 1st and 4th centuries, as the farming estates of the area shipped their goods to Rome's markets.
Experience the food of the ‘poor tradition', with truffle umbrichelli and 'tordomatto', a pork fillet roasted and seasoned with the flavours of the day, a pretext to try the famous local wines.
Olive production goes back to the ancient Velzna, where it was cultivated systematically from the 6th-7th centuries. Velzna is how Orvieto was known in the day (but also as Volsinii Veteres); resting on a platform of tuff, the village transports us into an ancient and interesting history. If you want to carry on experiencing the pleasures of taste, after a guided tour of the Necropolises of the Tufa stone Crucifix (Crocefisso del Tufo), the San Patrizio well and the Cathedral, you can opt for an aperitif at the Palazzo del Gusto [Palace of Taste].

Head towards Montegabbione, a small fortified village with imposing medieval walls facing the Nestore valley, overlooking the vast panorama. Don't miss in Montegiove, the Franciscan convent of Scarzuola. A snack of oil and bruschetta can be savoured in one of the oil mills of the area where you can also enjoy discovering tasting techniques.

The extra-virgin olive oil of the Orvietani Hills, the harshness of tufa stone is softened by the flavours of oil and leaves its mark with you on a trip along the Tiber. Experience history, discover tastes and traditions.

Far from the beaten path and the throngs of tourists, in Umbria's most authentic heart, we find the small town of Montegabbione. This town is built in typical medieval style, perched high on a hill overlooking its neighbours. The town probably used to function as an observation point towards Orvieto.

Just outside of the city walls it is possible to visit the church of the Madonna delle Grazie, erected in the 17^th century over a pre-existing chapel. Also worth seeing are the ruins of Aqualta Abbey, and the Franciscan convent of Scarzuola, designed by Tommaso Buzzi in the 13^th century.

But Montegabbione is also an ideal destination for all nature lovers, where they can take long regenerating walks through the fields and pastures. In these landscapes, excellent wines, extra-virgin olive oils, and meats – especially pork – are produced. Also essential for the local economy are those small industries which mainly produce furniture from locally sourced wood.

In the town of Ficulle, instead, beautiful terracotta is produced following the legacy of our Etruscan ancestors. We can find various containers for liquids, mugs, typical pitchers known as panate, and the traditional truffe. Also highly developed here are inlaying, ironmaking, glass-window making, and wine cultivation.

Once you've tasted the local flavours, we recommend a visit to the churches of Santa Maria Vecchia, dating from the 13^th century, of Santa Maria Nuova, and to the Castello della Sala, dating from between the 12^th and 13^th centuries, and finally the noble residence of Castelmaggiore.

A day spent amidst scents and pleasant discoveries in the Eden of wine: a journey through the history, crafts, and wine and culinary production of two of Umbria's gems, Montegabbione and Ficulle.

An ancient tradition which reaches its highest glory in Umbria, between Norcia, Preci and Spoleto, thanks to the pure air and the richness of the aromatic herbs of the area: ideal ingredients for making a healthy and valuable product, known all over the world.

The art of Norcineria, that is the pork processing, has uncertain origins: some people claim it was developed thanks to Jews arrived in Valnerina, after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Avoiding pork for religious reasons, they preserved it for trade purposes.
The certain thing is that pig farming in the area of Norcia existed for a very long time thanks to the oak woods and their fruits, the acorns, their ideal food. Furthermore, the dry climate has always been the most favorable condition for the preservation of meat.

The butchers of Valnerina, especially those from Norcia, refined their techniques since the thirteenth century by exporting the art of cutting, salting and bagging pigs outside the regional borders. A special talent, which according to the tradition was strengthened thanks to the presence of the Preciana Surgical School founded by the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint Eutizio in Preci, recognized by the Church in 1215.

Useful information:
The distance between Norcia, Preci and Spoleto is about 62 km, with a total travel time of one hour.

Trekking routes:
From Norcia to Borgo Cerreto, about 19 km, 350 m in altitude, travel time about 4 hours (one way); from Norcia to Preci, about 20 km, 700 m in altitude, travel time about 6 hours (one way).
From Spoleto to Monteluco (8 km for the carriage road, 2 for the path in the middle of the woods, “la corta di Monteluco”), 1 hour's walk; in Patrico, on the path of the Patricians, 12 km, travel time about 3 hours.

Walking Routes:
From Norcia to Cascia, first stage of the Way of San Benedetto, about 18 km, 490 m in altitude, travel time 4 and a half hours.

Bike routes:
Two bike routes for experts: from Norcia, Piano Grande Castelluccio, circular route, about 47 km, about 1000 meters in altitude, travel time about 3 and a half hours; Bella Forestale Gravel - Crossroads ring route from Preci, about 42 km, about 1,000 in altitude, travel time about 3 hours.
Three mostly flat routes, suitable for families and children, which do not exceed 40 km: from Spoleto to Castello di Beroide; in Silvignano; at the Borgo di San Giacomo.

In the distant year 220 BC, the Roman consul Caius Flaminius Nepotus ordered the construction of a road which would connect Rome with northern Italy. Today, we know this road as the Flaminian Way.

Since that time, the road became fundamental in the Romanisation of ancient Umbria, and was used also for other purposes, such as journeys and pilgrimages to and from Latium.

The road entered Umbrian territory in Ocriculum, today's Otricoli, and then started again from the Latin colony of Narnia (Narni), passing over the Bridge of Augustus.

Here it branched off in two directions. These two branche also met different necessities: the western and older one was used for military manoeuvers and went through Mevania (Bevagna); the other, to the east and dedicated to ordinary movement, went towards Spoleto.

The road then came together again in San Giovanni Profiamma, the site of the Roman Forum Flaminii, and from there continued towards Nuceria Cemellaria (today's Nocera Umbra), Tadinum (Gualdo Tadino), Fossato di Vico and, finally, climbed up towards the region's border at the Scheggia Pass.

Along the way there are many important archaeological settlements, two Latin colonies, and landscapes from another time. It is best to explore the Flaminan Way from north to south, in two distinct circuits.

There is also a variant of the itinerary that goes from Otricoli to Narni, then up to Terni and on to Spoleto, from where one crosses the Roman Way and reaches Carsulae, and from there returns to the starting point.

The second alternative starts from Scheggia, continues to Trevi and Spoleto, passes by Macerino and Portaria and then arrives in Carsulae, and from there to Bevagna and Foligno. nbsp

An itinerary most suited to lovers of history and nature: explore the Flaminian Way in the heart of Umbria and discover the region's most beautiful locations

If you are travelling and following the Sun Highway (Autostrada del Sole), we advise you to take the exit for Orvieto: enjoy art, lose yourself in the underground city, visit the fascinating Well of Saint Patrick, gaze upon the splendid mosaic decorating the Cathedral façade, and then follow directions for the Oasis.

From the highway, take the E45, take the exit to Todi, after a walk in the centre and after having admired the Renaissance masterpiece Santa Maria della Consolazione, follow the flow of the Tiber river until the area of Alviano, where this authentic paradise of migratory birds is found.

The history of the Alviano Oasis started in the seventies, when, following the building of the Alviano barrier on the Tiber, aimed at producing electrical energy, an artificial lake was created. In a very short time the area started to attract many thousands of migratory water birds. To protect them, in 1977, a hunting ban was imposed on all the area that today is one of the WWF's biggest oases.

The typical marsh vegetation of sedges, rush and cannas, and the hydrophilic woods of willow trees, poplar trees and black alders make it an ideal habitat for rest or wintering; pochards, shovelers, widgeons, teals and gadwalls populate the marsh.

During the spring you can admire grebes, herons and passerines, but also woodpeckers and cuckoos. With the warm season's arrival the small ones fly in: dozens of red kites soar over the oasis and their chicks leave the nest.

More than 190 species have been counted, including non-migratory birds, mallards, Eurasian coots, white and grey herons, little egrets that, by following one of the main migratory route, encounter Alviano lake.

Through a ring-shaped 1.5 km path, accessible to visitors of all abilities, you can study marshland life: six observation hides, an educational room and a viewing tower, for an unforgettable view of everything, as if you were inside a splendid documentary.

If the weather allows it and if you are provided with the right equipment, you can venture onto the ""old path"": along the Tiber river and crossing an embankment you can complete a 7 km, almost totally flat path.

If you want to delve deeper into the treasures of biodiversity, the Oasis hosts one of the Umbria Region's centers of environmental education and sustainability. The educational laboratory has microscopes and stereoscopes allowing anyone, young and adult, to discover the ""life in a water drop"".

Bring your camera, of course: the Oasis offers a lot of favourable viewpoints for nature photography.

The big Tiber river park extends from Montemolino to Alviano Lake. Stop here and relax in this oasis of peace and nature.

What's the secret to happiness? A pair of comfortable shoes, good company, and a couple of days off. Ready? Good, let us start our journey of discovery in Umbria!

A weekend won't suffice to get to know all of the region's marvels, but it's enough to get a taste for its values, secrets, and culture that will entice you to return. The itinerary we propose today starts in Amelia, known in ancient times also as Ameria from its founder Ameroes.

This land is rich in taste and tradition, a paradise made of wines, roasts, herbs, and quality craftsmanship. Cooking here is a real state of mind and follows a ‘slow living' philosophy. Knowledge and expertise are applied every day to recreate ancient recipes and dishes.

A few examples? You can try delicious soups made from chickpeas, pumpkin, and peas. Alternatively, you can try roast pigeon alla leccarda, served on grilled bread; or manfricoli, panpepato, and sweet biscuits with must.

Noteworthy is the century-old local olive-tree cultivation. Not by chance is Amelia located along the Strada dell'Olio DOP Umbria (an official itinerary celebrating the best oils produced in Umbria) and it also shouldn't come as a surprise that the area is renowned for its numerous vineyards and wine cellars. If you're passing through here, you must try a glass of Malvasia or Novello.

After savouring the local produce, let us pay a visit to the Mura Ciclopiche, Amelia's great city walls erected between the 6^th and the 9^th centuries.

We continue our tour towards San Gemini, a town of pre-Roman origin which owes its name to Gemine, a Syrian monk who passed by these lands and stopped to preach here. We recommend a visit to Abbey of San Nicolò, to the church of San Giovanni, to the town walls, and to Carsulae, the remains of an ancient urban centre and its Roman bathhouse.

The following day we head to the Marmore Waterfall, a perfect destination for those seeking out the wilderness. This is one's of Europe's tallest water-sprays, with a total height of about 165 metres, divided into three levels.

After admiring these places which over history have enchanted the likes of Virgil, Cicero, and Byron, we head towards Narni to explore its historic city centre. The town hall (Municipio), the underground chambers beneath San Domenico, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Rocca Albornoz are only some of the monuments you will find along the town's streets. This ideal view of the past is just what you need to end the evening with a bang.

From Amelia to San Gemini, from the Marmore Waterfall to Narni: here is an itinerary suitable to all lovers of nature and history, and a paradise for foodies too.

Heights don't frighten those who, like you, love to lower themselves down between the rocks in search of the crevices carved by the flow of water.

Just outside of Norcia you'll find the Forra della Villa gorge in the Valnerina, one of the best places for canyoning.

Head towards Visso and after having passed Borgo Cerreto, turn left towards Norcia until you get to Casal Volpetti. There you will find a small red ANAS building. Follow the trail that starts there down to the bottom of the valley, staying to your left, until you get to a wide spot alongside the trail. Enter the gorge, this is where it all starts. You are 1,000 m above sea level here!

Make sure you've brought two 40m long ropes and one of at least 25 metres. Get into your harness, don your helmet and begin the descent. You won't find any water here as the stream was redirected up above the aqueduct. The gorge is vertical and going down it is a spectacular. You'll be surrounded only by rock and the lush vegetation of Umbria. When you look up you'll see the sky and the verdant peaks that frame the Valnerina.

We suggest you explore this gorge on a lovely spring or autumn day, as in other seasons the heat or cold will distract you from your full enjoyment.

After you've taken off your harness and put away your ropes, go to Norcia for something delicious to eat. The town is famous for its cured meats and genuine products, like the prosciutto crudo di Norcia IGP. This prosciutto, in order to retain its IGP certification, must be aged at an altitude of more than 500m above sea level and only in the areas surrounding Norcia, Cascia, Preci, Poggiodomo and Monteleone di Spoleto. Have fun and ""buon appetito!""

Exploring one the Umbria's loveliest gorges: come to the Valnerina and explore the Forra di Fosso La Villa gorge. Its verticality and the beauty of the lush vegetation will amaze you.

The area of Trasimeno is a much beloved destination by Italian and foreign tourists as well as from Umbrians – especially the inhabitants of Perugia – who never fail to enjoy the lake during the warm season. The Trasimeno Lake, with its extensive surface and its shallow depth, fits well with the practice of water sports and is becoming increasingly popular as ideal destination for sports such as windsurf, kitesurf, wakeboard, sailing and water skiing. Initially, some of these sports can remind you of faraway places. It’s instead possible to practise them in Umbria, you just need to be fully motivated to have fun!

If you love exciting sports such as windsurf, kitesurf and wakeboard, the Trasimeno Lake is the right spot for you: have fun by running on the water, let yourself be transported by wind and feel free to experiment your acrobatics in total safety.

If you wish that, you could test your skills and learn to sail in one of the schools of the area. If you get close to the sailing world for fun, sport or simple passion, you could taste the contact with nature and that undefinable feeling of freedom.

Whether you are an expert equipped with a boat driving license or a beginner, you will have the further possibility to rent a sailing boat or a motorboat to explore the lake in total autonomy or accompanied by a professional skipper. During your navigation route, don’t miss the beauty of the three islands: the Polvese Island with its fortress, the picnic areas and beaches. The Major Island hosts a small village famous for the lace museum and the Minor Island is private and therefore not possible to visit. And don’t miss the occasion for a nice dive into the lake in a warm day!

On the Trasimeno Lake it’s also possible to practice water skiing, thanks to the schools organizing classes and providing all the necessary equipment to lovers of this sport. For those wishing to practise these sports, it’s highly recommended to go to Castiglione del Lago, Passignano or Tuoro sul Trasimeno, where you will find sailing clubs with qualified instructors.

After a day full of sport, enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakeshore and in the Darsena areas. Let yourself be enchanted by a sunset that everyone defines as extraordinary, where the still waters of the lake meet the last sunrays, so creating a really magic light game.

The Trasimeno Lake, with its wide surface and its shallow depth, fits well with the practice of water sports and is becoming increasingly popular as ideal destination for sports such as windsurf, kitesurf, wakeboard, sailing and water-skiing.

Set off on a historical and spiritual journey along the ancient Via Flaminia, the consular road that connected Rome to Rimini, on the stretch that crosses Umbria, where the history of the Catholic Church has traced a deep furrow: we take you to get to know the area of Massa Martana and its ancient and modern treasures.

Start by observing what is one of the oldest bits of evidence, the Vicus Martis Tudertinum, the remains of a settlement dating back to the 3rd century B.C., when the Via Flaminia was also built. It is an agglomeration of buildings with all the architectural features of an ancient village or rural village. The vicus rose near a branch that connected the route to Via Amerina and then to Todi.

Using an ancient Roman building, in the 7th-8th centuries A.D. the Church of Santa Maria in Pantano was built, the second stop of the route. The church also annexed a monastery built by Benedictine monks who reclaimed the area which was often flooded by the Tribbio stream (hence the name ""In Pantano"", in the marsh). Inside the church stop to look at the funerary stone, found in the surroundings of the Vicus Martis Tudertinum.

Now head in the direction of Villa San Faustino, but make a small stop to admire the ancient Roman bridge, the Ponte Fonnaia: it is built with a single arch, in large blocks of perfectly squared travertine. The bridge was built by the Romans in 220 and allowed the Via Flaminia, whose route is still well preserved and visible through the nearby fields, to cross the small tributary of the Naia.

Nearby is the small village of Villa San Faustino, where the beautiful Abbey of San Faustinois located. Around the 8th century, the Benedictine monks built a church and a monastery on the Saint's tomb. Unfortunately, the ancient Lombard-style façade has been disfigured by a modern portico, but it still has an elegant three-mullioned window with marble columns flanked by the Latin epigraph.

Head now to Grotta Traiano, where you can visit one of the most important historical finds: the catacomb of Villa San Faustino, recently restored and open to the public. It is the only known Christian catacombs in Umbria and was surely built by a well-populated Christian community of nearby settlement, considering that about 300 burials have been recorded. The underground structure is composed of a main corridor from which four lateral tunnels depart symmetrically; their walls have rows of overlapping burial niches, some of which are intended for the burial of children.

Conclude your journey at the Shrine of Merciful Love in Collevalenza where there is one of the Holy Doors of the Jubilee of Mercy: the shrine was built in 1953 on the wishes of Blessed Mother Hope as a place of prayer for the faithful who want to meet the merciful love of the Lord. The tomb of the Blessed Mother, in the crypt of the Shrine, is a mosaic dome that embraces the earth, indicating the love of Mother Hope.

Tracing the history of Cristianity in Umbria, from the San Faustino catacombs to Mother Hope's Shrine of Merciful Love, through the zone of the Martani hills

The route is a continuous series of bends, ups and downs, through pine forests and woods: passing through San Venanzo, the SS 317 will take you to the summit of Monte Peglia. Near this hamlet you can visit the Museo Vulcanologico, which reveals the particular volcanic origins of the surrounding landscape. You can take a walk in a volcanic park, along a route inside the old lava flow and have a look around the museum to discover the different types of rocks and minerals. Not everyone knows of the village's volcanic origins or of the existence of a rock that is typical of the place, called ‘venanzite'.

The peak of Monte Peglia is just beyond the hamlet of Ospedaletto. From here you can enjoy a wide view over the Tiber Valley and if you are lucky enough to find a clear day, you'll also be able to see the Mountains of Giano, Terminillo, Vettore, and Subasio.

Near to Ospedaletto, take a break at the Parco dei Sette Frati (one of the most popular areas to stop off because of its specially equipped area for barbecues and picnics) then continue through Colonnetta di Prodo, Capretta, San Giorgio, until you reach Orvieto Scalo.

Once you've arrived in Orvieto, enjoy a delicious lunch in the town and then visit the famous Duomo, the Pozzo di San Patrizio, the ruins of the fourteenth century Fortezza Albornoziana and the famous Torre del Moro.

If you are a motorbike fan, you'll know what to do on a sunny day. There's nothing better than climbing onto your bike and setting off for a breath of freedom. Umbria is the ideal location for bikers, with its winding roads, tight curves and steep turns.

What could be better than snuggling into the warmth of a cashmere sweater? What could be more elegant than a coat or a purse made with this precious wool? If you find it impossible to resist the call of fashion, then you must come to Umbria.

Umbrian cashmere can be found in many outlets and retail stores. Some are established brands well known the world over, others are smaller artisanal workshops, but all with an eye to fashion, tradition and quality. Following in the footsteps of a few leading companies, others have also been able to build a successful network.

From Castiglione del Lago to Solomeo, from Bastia Umbra to Terni, Perugia, Ripabianca and Torgiano, the widespread production of cashmere throughout the area has made it a major manufacturing hubs. English tourists have lovingly named the area around Lake Trasimeno ""Cashmere Valley,"" and consider shopping here one of the main reasons to visit Umbria, alongside, of course, the artistic and natural beauty of the region. Why not follow their example and the advice of true experts? Purchase beautiful creations in the outlets of local producers and, in some cases, visit the workshops where they are made.

If you want to add a special note to your shopping experience, we suggest a stop in one of the towns around Lake Trasimeno for a meal of local fish like carp, perch, eel or tench. If you are a lover of niche food products then you must try the Fagiolina del Trasimeno, a legume cultivated in fields around the lake using an ancient and laborious manual technique. It has a unique flavour and its texture is smooth and buttery.

Are you passionate about fashion and just can't resist the elegance of real cashmere? Get in your car and head out to one of these fashion destinations: browsing the many shops and outlets you will surely find some excellent buys.

The route starts below Orvieto, at the car park near the cablecar that runs up to the centre of the town in a few minutes. The route is almost entirely along easy dirt roads, apart from a short sealed stretch near Castello della Sala and a rather difficult descent just after going through the impressive badlands scenery, which can be done on foot by less expert bikers. Altogether, however, it is a rather easy itinerary. For the first few kilometres, the trail runs along the Paglia river and is completely flat. The first uphill stretch, after about 9 kms, is about 100m long but after turning right, it immediately starts descending through shady fields and woods towards the hills.

The only climb along the trail starts after 11 kms and ends 2 kms later, just past the Chiesa della Sala, where there is a magnificent view of the valley below and the Castello della Sala vineyards. Here the trail turns right and goes uphill for a few hundred metres along sealed road until it turns right again (km13,4) and starts the first downhill run through beautiful vineyards to the fascinating badlands area (photo on opposite page).

Past these incredible clay formations is an old ruined farmhouse where the trail turns left and tackles the most technical part of the descent. Soon after, past a field (km 16,3), there is a sharp turn to the right where the steepest downhill stretch begins, where less expert bikers should dismount per a few metres to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The descent ends at km 16,7 and returns along the mule track used on the outgoing ride, about a kilometre before the start of the climb. Here, it turns left and goes back along the dirt road used at the start.

From the starting point, take the cablecar to the centre of Orvieto, one of the most famous towns in Umbria. In particular, amongst the most beautiful buildings, see the Duomo, designed by Lorenzo Maitani (XIII century), the churches of San Giovenale, San Giovanni, Sant’Andrea, San Lorenzo de’ Arari, San Francesco (XIII century) and the church of San Domenico (XIII century).

Amongst the most important public buildings, see the palazzo Comunale, the palazzo del Popolo, the palazzo dei Sette and the Luigi Mancinelli theatre. Don’t miss San Patrizio’s well, an engineering masterpiece going 62 metres down, formed by two independent spiralling staircases that made it possible to descend the well to get water without ever meeting anyone coming up. Under the town is the suggestive underground Orvieto, where an incredible number of artificial cavities have created a labyrinth of holes, tunnels cisterns, wells, quarries and cellars. Wonderful views of the town, the Castello della Sala (photo above) and the huge surrounding vineyards can be enjoyed along the trail. Further away, the route through the badlands also provides fascinating scenery.

Everyone can do these even without fork suspension , as they are fairly short, mainly along the flat or with easy climbs, and do not require any special technical abilities.

The trail can be considered an extension of the route from Ponte to Umbertide and is graded medium because of various hills and dales and the climb to the centre of Montone. Apart from one particularly steep stretch, most of the trail is easy and even the least well trained cyclists can finish it if they are little patient

Starting from Piazza Mazzini the trail goes towards the Tiber river then follows a dirt road up the valley towards Montone. It follows the Tiber for about three kilometres before turning inland at km5,5 to the main road between Montone and Umbertide. From here, it turns left, then right at km 5,8 along a country lane to San Lorenzo. At km 6,2, it leaves the sealing and goes along a dirt track in the middle of the fields where there is a good view on the left of Montone.

At km 10, after a short climb, it goes along a sealed lane which returns to the main road (km 11,5) after a short descent. After crossing the road (beware of traffic), it enters another dirt road and climbs towards Montone: this is the most difficult part of the trail, because the last few metres are very steep and will force less expert bikers to dismount.

Back on the sealing (km 12,3), the climb is gentler, and in less than a kilometre the trail reaches Montone, where the beautiful historical centre and views of the valleys below make a visit well worthwhile. From here the trail descends towards Umbertide, meeting the dirt road again at km 18,7 after turning right at a bend to the left.

From here, the trail returns to the Tiber (km23) through a labyrinth of sealed and unsealed lanes through flat land. It then returns along the first part of the route back to Piazza Mazzini, which is close to the Rocca and the town centre.

As well as the historical centre of Umbertide with its superb medieval Rocca, already mentioned in Trail n.4, seeing the walled village of Montone, is a must. The church of San Francesco (XIV century), which has a polygonal apse and nave, is the most important building in the town. In the historical centre is also the former convent of Santa Caterina, now hosting the town’s historical archives (archivio Storico Comunale), amongst the most important in Umbria for its rich heritage of documents. Another important religious building is the pieve di San Gregorio, the oldest church in Montone, constructed in romanesque-byzantine style in about 1000 a.d. Just outside Montone is the Rocca d’Aries, an imposing castle that has been recently restored. Not far from Umbertide is the Civitella Ranieri castle, also worth a visit. The natural scenery around the Tiber river and the wood-covered hills is also beautiful to see.

The route starts from the centre of Umbertide and after going a few kilometres up the Tiber river, it goes towards the hills to Montone, an attractive hilltop village belonging to the “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” club

The trail is almost entirely along sealed and wide dirt roads, with only one short, difficult, rough stretch. The climbs are not particularly long or steep, but the succession of hills and dales make it hard for anyone who is not really fit

Leaving the historical centre, the trail descends towards Camiano and continues downhill to km 2,4, where it turns right into a wide dirt road towards Fabbri. Here, it turns right just before the cemetery and continues to just below Turrita along a pretty country road amongst the grapevines. It returns to the sealing at km 7,6 then turns left, then right after 600m up the sealed road to Turrita. It continues straight ahead from here for a few kilometres, crosses the main road towards Cortagnone, then returns to dirt road at km 10,3. This is where the prettiest part of the trail begins, along a rolling dirt road (photo on left) over vine-clad hills where the eye can roam from the Martani hills to Montefalco

At km 15,5, it turns off the main dirt road to the right, first downhill, then up a rather steep climb. At the sealed road it turns right towards Casale, then left at the church along another downhill dirt road (here, less expert bikers can continue straight ahead and return to Montefalco following the road signs). This is the most difficult, rough part of the trail, but it can be tackled by less expert bikers if they are careful enough. At the end of the descent, after a short run through thick vegetation, it returns back uphill to meet the sealed road at km 19,5, close to Pietrauta. From here it goes straight back to Montefalco, or alternatively, it can be extended along a couple of dirt tracks to Montepennino, before returning outside the walls of Montefalco.

Montefalco, famous for its Sagrantino wine and the beautiful views that have given it the name of “la ringhiera dell’Umbria” (the balcony of Umbria). Amongst the buildings worth visiting are the church of San Francesco, the Pinacoteca, with works by Francesco Melanzio, Antoniazzo Romano and paintings from the Umbrian school between the 14th and 18th centuries, and the crypt with archeological findings and other sculptures. The village is still enclosed by its 13th century walls and is dominated by the church of Sant’Agostino, built, together with its convent, in the second half of the 13th century. A few kilometres from Montefalco is Foligno, third largest town of Umbria, which has beautiful buildings such as the Duomo, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Infraportas, the church of San Salvatore, the ex- church of San Domenico and the Nunziatella oratory. Along the trail there are magnificent views of the valleys below and many vineyards where bikers can stop to taste wine and other local products.

This medium level route discovers the attractions of the town centre, and also the beauties of the surrounding countryside with its gentle hills, olive groves and vineyards, where the best of wines can be tasted.

The route starts at Ramazzano, along the SP 175 Tiberina Nord, and travels through the North-East of Perugia, through the hills and woods that separate it from Gubbio. The trail is 29,5 kilometres long and has two main climbs (one is long, suitable for riding, the other is short, but very steep), making it possible to classify it as a medium-hard variation to route n.3, which goes from Perugia up the Tiber valley to Ponte Pattoli, passing close by Ramazzano

From Ramazzano the trail follows the SP 175 towards Casa del Diavolo and turns right at the first crossroad (km 1,2) towards Piccione and Montelabate. At km 2,9 it turns left and starts climbing towards the beautiful Abbey of Montelabate, at km 5,1. From here it goes uphill along path n. 202 to Belvedere, where the climb and the dirt track end at km 11,2.

The trail continues along the SS 298 for a few metres (beware of the traffic) then turns left at km 11,8 down another dirt road. It continues straight ahead for a few kilometres, but by turning right towards Biscina, bikers can pick up the “Cammino Francescano della Pace Assisi-La Verna” (St. Francis’ Way from Assisi to La Verna).

Pedalate per pochi metri sulla SS 298, prestando attenzione al traffico, e al chilometro 11,8 svoltate a sinistra imboccando un nuovo sterrato in discesa. Qui, proseguendo diritti per qualche chilometro e poi svoltando a destra in direzione di Biscina, ci si può immettere anche sulla Via di Francesco, altrimenti iniziate la discesa tenendo sempre la sinistra e seguendo le indicazioni per Galgata, fino a raggiungere Molino di Galgata, località nel territorio di Gubbio, da osservare sulla destra proprio sul fondo valle.

The trail decends to the left following the signs to Galgata, which is on the right at the bottom of the valley. The second climb of the trail starts here: it is less than a kilometre but has a very steep grade of up to 20%, obliging less trained bikers to dismount. At the end of the steepest stretch (km 16,6), the trail goes left to the main dirt road for several kilometres along dips and rises.

After the woods, the castle of Civitella Benazzone can be seen to the left, and at km 24,9 the trail returns to the Abbazia di Montelabate, where the dirt track ends.. From here, it turns right and returns to Ramazzano along the same route followed at the start.

The centre of Perugia, just a few kilometres away, already described in the route starting from Ponte S. Giovanni. The most important building to be seen in the area is the abbey of Santa Maria di Valdiponte (better known as the abbazia di Montelabate, photo on left). This is a Benedictine monastery north of Perugia, founded between the IX and the X centuries. The monastery reached the height of its importance in the XI and XII centuries when it expanded its possessions and increased its hegemony over a vast area. After the XVI century it began a long period of decline which ended with the closure of the monastery in 1859-60. The monastery currently belongs to the Fondazione Gaslini of Genoa. The small fortified village of Civitella Benazzone, is also worth seeing along the way, but it is the natural beauty of the area that dominates the trail.

The route starts at Ramazzano, along the SP 175 Tiberina Nord, and travels through the North-East of Perugia, through the hills and woods that separate it from Gubbio.

Vi proponiamo due escursioni adatte a grandi e piccini, possibilmente ben allenati e vestiti adeguatamente, che conducono nel territorio del Monte La Pelosa, il rilievo più alto della provincia di Terni con i suoi 1635 metri di altitudine.

Entrambi i sentieri, segnalati e curati dal Cai, partono dalla bella piazza di Polino, in provincia di Terni, uno dei comuni più piccoli dell’Umbria per numero di abitanti, abbarbicato su uno sperone roccioso a dominio della Valnerina tra i Comuni di Ferentillo e Arrone.

Preparatevi a due escursioni mozzafiato che vi conducono da Polino al Monte La Pelosa e dintorni, in mezzo a esplosioni di verde, vestigia del passato, reperti fossili e incredibili panorami sull’Appennino centrale

Umbria is an ideal destination to explore inspiring natural caves, suitable both for beginners and for those with technical expertise.

A fascinating, mysterious and almost surreal journey will bring you into direct contact with the land’s roots: paths and itineraries far from the space and time.

Organize your excursion by contacting one of the several speleological guides able to accompany you safely through this unforgettable experience.The area among Todi and Orvieto offers several places of high geological interest.

Umbria is an ideal destination to explore inspiring natural caves, suitable both for beginners and for those with technical expertise.

A fascinating, mysterious and almost surreal journey will bring you into direct contact with the land’s roots: paths and itineraries far from the space and time.

Maybe you haven't noticed, but some of the TV series and shows that you watch every day are set in the charming streets of Umbrian villages, among the hills of the Green Heart of Italy.

Choose your favourite programme and take a trip to the town that provided its backdrop during filming.

Gubbio, Spoleto, Perugia and Città della Pieve are just some of the Umbrian towns known not only for their beauty, art and prized local products, but also for being the locations for some of the most famous Italian TV series. Discover them with us!

San Gemini, è celebre per le sue acque termali e minerali, affiorate a seguito di profonde trasformazioni geologiche. Il tuo tour inizia da qui, fuori dal centro medievale, dove vedrai il Duecentesco Palazzo Pubblico. Visita la romanica chiesa di San Nicolò, menzionata nel 1036 come parte dei possedimenti dell'Abbazia di Farfa. San Gemini, Casventum in epoca romana, era un importante municipio romano sorto lungo il tracciato della via Flaminia che la attraversa da nord a sud; l'integrità della spettacolare area archeologica consente di capire l'impianto della città e di vedere l'anfiteatro, l'arco di San Damiano, ed altri monumenti. Spostati nella vicina Acquasparta, altro borgo medievale dove Palazzo Cesi fu la prima sede dell'Accademia dei Lincei fondata nel 1603 da Federico Cesi. La dimora rinascimentale dell'illustre famiglia Cesi è decorata con affreschi, soffitti lignei e sculture. Acquasparta è notissima stazione termale, grazie alla presenza della Fonte Amerino: l'acqua che ne sgorga è particolarmente indicata per la cura di alcune malattie. Le Terme sono situate nel bel parco di Fonte Amerino e la stagione termale si apre a maggio e si chiude ad ottobre.

Spostati ad ovest, in direzione Avigliano Umbro, e prima di arrivare al borgo visita la Foresta Fossile, un impressionante parco naturale preistorico con circa 50 tronchi di conifere del Pliocene. Dopodiché goditi una passeggiata alla scoperta del borgo di Avigliano. Tra le sue stradine visita la chiesa della Santissima Trinità che conserva al suo interno una tela raffigurante la Madonna del Rosario attribuita ad Andrea Polinori, noto pittore tuderte. Perché non concludere la giornata con piatto di picchiarelli alla sangeminese? Un'ottima pasta tirata a mano condita con sugo piccante e pecorino.

Not just thermal springs: discover the beauty of some villages famous for their thermal springs. San Gemini, Acquasparta and Avigliano Umbro are steeped in history, culture and wellness.

In the 15th century, the popularity of novels featuring knights also influenced the figurative arts and give life to a widespread diffusion of paintings with themes based on books. The remaining examples of this are rare and, therefore, very precious: in Umbria you'll discover two of the most important of these cycles. Not only, but you'll get a chance to see other Late Gothic frescoes of a religious nature.

Your last stop along this journey is in Spoleto to see some of the most rare and precious frescoes from this period in the Rocca Albornoziana, strategically built on the top of the Sant'Elia hill in 1359. Inside the Torre Maestra, in the Picta Room, is a cycle depicting stories of knights painted by the Maestro della Dormitio of Terni before 1416. It portrays scenes from court literature. Make sure you take a good look at the allegory of the Fountain of Youth.

Even today, an air of mystery surrounds the Order of the Knights of Malta, one of the few orders of knighthood officially recognised by the Holy See and which in Umbria left their mark above all in the areas of Corciano and Magione.

Montecolognola è un piccolo borgo affacciato sul lago Trasimeno in posizione panoramica, che conserva quasi intatto l'aspetto medievale con le sue mura di cinta e le porte d'ingresso. San Savino è un vocabolo caratterizzato da una torre triangolare e dall'alta cinta muraria. Monte del Lago è un piccolo centro medievale a ridosso del Trasimeno dove oltre alle mura medievali potrai vedere la Chiesa di Sant'Andrea che custodisce alcuni affreschi del XV scolo. Il Castello di Zocco fu costruito nel 1274 accanto ad un convento francescano e gli fu dato il nome di Zocco probabilmente per la sua forma, molto simile ad uno zoccolo di cavallo.
Nelle vicinanze puoi visitare anche la Rocca Monaldi, un'imponente struttura medievale nelle campagne di Magione, composta da cinta murarie alte che custodiscono la residenza signorile.

A route along places of historical importance for the Knights of Malta: from Corciano to Magione discovering castles along Lake Trasimeno.

Over the years, the green hills, lush countryside and enchanting rivers and lakes of Umbria have provided the perfect locations for films, videos, documentaries and TV series. We propose an itinerary to the locations of the Umbrian ""dream factory"", discovering the Orvieto and Amerino areas as seen through the movie camera.

A route that will show you some of the most beautiful places in Umbria through the watchful eye of the movie camera: discover Orvieto, the villages in the Amerino and Spoleto area where films were made that are part of cinema history.

This route is challenging because of its height differences, difficult descents and rough stretches, requiring care and expert biking. Also, much attention must be paid to people walking along the tracks and cross-country motorbikers who may be coming uphill on the descent from Patrico to Spoleto.

The trail starts from the Convent of St. Francis and descends towards the Monteluco meadows, where it turns right into path n.1, which soon becomes an enjoyable single track through the woods, which is also the Via of Francesco (“Via di Roma”) walking route. At km 1,3 it leaves the woods and turns left onto a sealed road uphill: this where the climb to Patrico begins and it is the only lengthy stretch of sealed surface along the trail.

It reaches Patrico at km 6,7, then passes amongst the houses and past the Agriturismo Batoli, starting a steep, rough descent along path n.6 (be careful, as the turnoff is not easy to see). The first part of the descent, full of rocks and very stoney stretches, is very difficult and requires care. Only after km 11,3, where it leaves path n.6 and follows the righthand dirt road, it becomes easier and more relaxing to bike along.

It reaches the bottom of the hill at km 13,8, where it turns right onto the sealing, then immediately right again uphill to Monteluco. At km 15,4 the trail leaves the sealing again and enters a narrow single track (be careful of the drop on the left) that goes to Ponte delle Torri, where those who want to, can reach the centre of Spoleto in a few metres. It continues along the single track following indications for path n.3 , which gives a wonderful view over the Ponte delle Torri, the Rocca Albornoziana and the centre of Spoleto.

At km 17,2 it turns right, staying on path n. 3, which then becomes steeper as it goes through lush vegetation. At km 19,6 it turns off path n. 3 to the right and follows the indications for mtb trail n.4 (orange arrows), beginning the roughest and most difficult part of the route. At first there is a very steep dirt track, then a narrow, steep single track covered in vegetation that requires dismounting in several places. It opens out at km 21,8 onto the sealed road between Patrico and Monteluco, where it returns to the start along the same route.

Monteluco, covered in thick woods, is of great scenic interest and provides beautiful views of the surrounding areas, from the Umbrian plain to Valnerina. Monteluco is also spiritually important because of the Convent of St. Francis and the Sacred Wood, 8 kilometers far from Monteluco, an area with a thick forest of evergreen oaks. The historical centre of Spoleto, one of the most beautiful towns in central Italy, which has both visibile Roman remains and an intact medieval layout. One of the most beautiful town in the Middle of Italy is the “Città dei due Mondi” (City of Two Worlds), which retains obvious influences of Roman times, while maintaining intact the structure of the medieval era. The most important monument is is the Duomo, but the churches of Sant’Eufemia and Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the abbey of San Ponziano, the churches of San Domenico and San Nicolò and the palazzo Comunale are also interesting.[Ritorno a capo del testo]The church of San Paolo Inter Vineas (X century), which contains an important series of frescoes from the XIII century, and the church of San Pietro are also well worth visiting. Dominating the town and the superb Ponte delle Torri (aqueduct) is the imposing Rocca Albornoziana (Albornoz castle), whose construction was begun in 1352.

A dense network of dirt roads, paths and challenging single track immersed in an extremely varied natural environment: unmissable and extraordinary beauty along an ideal itinerary for MTB and trekking lovers.

The route, which begins a few meters outside the center of Cascia can be divided into two parts: the first, which is nearly all uphill, goes to Forca di Civita (km 18,5); the second, entirely downhill, returns to the starting point. The total distance of 30 kilometres and the length of the climb (which has some very hard stretches) make the route difficult and therefore suitable only for really fit bikers. If some don’t mind walking, however, even less fit bikers can cover the route: the views they will discover will fully repay them for their efforts.

Leaving Cascia, the trail goes along the sealed road towards San Giorgio, and starts climbing immediately. At km 3,2, after a half-bend to the right, it leaves the sealing and turns right along a narrow mule track (be careful, as the turnoff is not visibile): from here one of the steepest parts of the climb begins, but it also provides a wonderful view of Cascia. The trail continues uphill, with a few flat or slightly downhill stretches that give bikers the chance to get their breaths back, until it reaches a flat area (known as Colonnetta) at km 9,9, where bikers can refresh at the spring on the right and admire the majesty of the Sibillini Mountains to the left.

It then continues along the first road to the left and keeps climbing until km 12,5, where it turns left along another dirt road and goes downhill for a few hundred metres. At the sealing, it turns right and starts climbing again, following the signs to Castel Santa Maria, arriving there at km 14,6. After the drinking fountain on the left it turns right and soon reaches the ruins of the magnificent Santa Maria della Neve church, destroyed by an eartquake in 1997, but still containing some interesting frescoes. From here it starts climbing again and once back on the sealed road it soon arrives at the Forca di Civita pass (km 18,5), the highest and the most panoramic spot of the trail. Here it runs right onto dirt road, then immediately left down the fast dirt descent through the woods towards Cascia. The descent is not particularly difficult, but can be plenty of fun for expert bikers who can get up some really high speed.

At km 23 the trail goes through the village of Colmotino, then turns left along the sealed road for a few kilometres before leaving it again at km 25,1 near Tazzo, and turning right along a difficult dirt track (at Tazzo, those who wish can go straight ahead and return to Cascia along the sealed road). At the end of the difficult track the trail turns left and soon returns to the sealed road and the starting point.

Along this route, lying on the hill S. Agostino and surrounded by reliefs that go down to the river Corno, the village of Cascia will conquer you. The most important cultural and artistic centre in the area is certainly represented by the town of Cascia. Known throughout the world as the town of Santa Rita, Cascia is a religous centre rich in mysticism and spirituality, offering artistic jewels such as the church of San Francesco, a splendid example of gothic architecture, the church of Sant‘ Antonio Abate, founded in the 15th century then rebuilt and altered in Baroque style, the collegiata di Santa Maria, the church of Sant’Agostino, at the top of the hill near the Rocca. To see also the Communal Museum of Santi Palace and Carli Palace. Nearby, it is worth visiting Roccaporena, which has a rich heritage of places recalling Santa Rita, such as the house where she lived, the garden of miracles, the rock and the rose garden, and the villa di San Silvestro (Chiavano plateau), which has ruins of a pagan temple (II century B.C.). The splendid mountains and the untouched natural beauty of the nearby Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini can also be enjoyed in this area.

In the surroundings of the town of Cascia, on the south-eastern edge of the region, through one of the most mountainous and uncontaminated areas of Umbria, immersed in the regenerating atmosphere of the places of Santa Rita.

Partenza e arrivo: Orvieto
Distanza: 40,5 km
Dislivello: 1.000 metri
Difficoltà: difficile
Fondo stradale: 45% sterrato, 55% asfalto
Da vedere in zona: Orvieto, Corbara, Lago di Corbara, Monte Peglia.

Questo itinerario parte dal parcheggio antistante la funicolare che da Orvieto Scalo conduce a Orvieto centro, a pochi metri dalla stazione ferroviaria. Una vicinanza che consente di optare anche per la soluzione treno+bici. Il percorso è abbastanza scorrevole, poiché non presenta tratti particolarmente tecnici o sconnessi, ma il chilometraggio elevato (40 chilometri) e la presenza di due salite impegnative lo includono negli itinerari di livello difficile.

Partendo dal parcheggio della funicolare, come accennato, si supera il sottopassaggio dell'autostrada per dirigersi verso Ciconia. Alla prima rotonda proseguite verso il Monte Peglia, mentre al chilometro 1,3 girate a destra verso Corbara. Affrontati alcuni saliscendi su asfalto fino al chilometro 5,5, girate a sinistra su uno sterrato ben battuto ed iniziate la prima vera salita, lungo la quale si può godere di belle visuali su Orvieto. La salita termina al chilometro 9,4, girando a destra ed imboccando una veloce discesa che termina al chilometro 13, in corrispondenza della strada asfaltata. Girate a sinistra, superate il piccolo borgo di Corbara e proseguite diritti costeggiando il lago per diversi chilometri.

Tornate sullo sterrato solo al chilometro 19,3, svoltate a sinistra ed iniziate la seconda salita del percorso, che vede nelle prime rampe proprio il tratto più impegnativo ma che vi introduce alla parte più bella e suggestiva dell’itinerario, giungendo al borgo disabitato di Osa al chilometro 21. Da qui, proseguite ancora in leggera salita tra i boschi, attraversando panorami davvero impareggiabili.

Al chilometro 26 si torna sull’asfalto: girate a sinistra. Poi, in circa 3 chilometri si arriva a Colonnetta, da dove si inizia a scendere. Al chilometro 29,7 abbandonate l'asfalto e imboccate un veloce sterrato che vi porta rapidamente verso valle. La discesa è intervallata da alcuni brevi tratti di asfalto e da brevi ma impegnativi strappetti. Alcuni punti permettono di osservare Orvieto e distinguere all'orizzonte il profilo del Duomo. Qui, prima di tornare al punto di partenza, una sosta per ammirare il panorama è d'obbligo. Terminata la discesa, si torna al punto di partenza in meno di 2 chilometri seguendo le indicazioni per Orvieto.

Questo percorso vi porta attraverso alcune delle innumerevoli bellezze artistiche e naturalistiche dell’Umbria. Scegliendo questo itinerario infatti, potreste scoprire in primo luogo il centro storico di Orvieto e magari la suggestiva Orvieto sotterranea, vero e proprio labirinto di cunicoli, gallerie, cisterne, pozzi, cave e cantine. In secondo luogo, potrete apprezzare il lago di Corbara e le sue innumerevoli bellezze naturalistiche, tra cui le Gole del Forello, dove il Tevere che si insinua tra alte pareti rocciose di travertino crea scenari stupendi. Infine, da non perdere i fitti boschi ed i panorami che si possono godere dai colli dell'Umbria centrale, ed in particolare dalle pendici del Monte Peglia, da dove si può ammirare una splendida visuale su tutta la regione.

Oltre le bellezze di Orvieto, in un itinerario nel Parco Fluviale del Tevere, alla scoperta dei suoi tesori naturalistici racchiusi tra il lago di Corbara e i fitti boschi che ricoprono le pendici del Monte Peglia.

The length of the trail doesn’t represent any particular difficulty, but there are two big climbs, the surface is often loose and stoney, and there are some rather difficult downhill stretches, making it a route suitable for fit bikers with good riding control.

Once outside the centre of Foligno, the trail goes to the San Bartolomeo convent, at km 3,8. Here it leaves the sealing and after a few metres, it begins the first climb of the day, that almost reaches the summit of mount Cologna. The first part of the climb goes through endless olive groves and is very steep, with stretches that have a grade of more than 15%. The second part of the climb is through a thick wood, and although it is not as steep, it is very hard going because of the stoney surface which may sometimes make dismounting necessary. The top of the climb is at km 11,5, where there is a fantastic view of Foligno and the whole Umbrian valley.

The descent runs along loose surface requiring careful riding and at km 12,5 it arrives at the picturesque hilltop hamlet of Roviglieto, a place of battle during the Second World War. Here bikers can fill their water bottles and start the most enjoyable, but also most difficult, part of the route. Outside the village, the trail descends along a steep dirt road and soon after (km 13,7), it turns right along a narrow single track through the woods. Bikers must be careful here as the track is narrow and covered in vegetation.

Past the single track, the trail continues downhill before tackling the second climb along the trail (km 15,6), quite short, but rather tough. The climb ends at km 16,3 and begins to descend towards Foligno along dirt, then sealed road. The route then passes through Cancellara and goes close to Scandolaro, before leaving the sealing again at km 19,3, and running along a dirt road that returns to Carpello, then San Bartolomeo Convent, where it picks up the same road followed at the start of the trail.

Along the trail, or close to it, the church of Santa Maria in Campis, the convent of San Bartolomeo, the abbey of Sassovivo and the hermitage at Pale are worth a visit. The little villages of Scandolaro and Roviglieto, clinging to the hillside amongst the olive groves and woods, are very picturesque. Foligno is the third largest town in Umbria and its historical centre has many religious buildings and beautiful palaces: the Duomo, with its minor facade by the masters Rodolfo e Binello, the palazzo Comunale and the palazzo Trinci are an absolute must. A visit to the romanesque church of Santa Maria Infraportas, the church of San Salvatore and the former church of San Domenico, today an Auditorium, are also very worthwhile. The oratorio della Nunziatella, the church of San Francesco and the duomo di San Feliciano are also interesting.

This route starts from Porta Romana, in the heart of Foligno, and goes through the olive groves and woods of Monte Cologna, visiting or passing by many convents, abbeys and churches.

The Porta Santa Susanna district is located in the heart of Perugia: start your visit to discover the district from via dei Priori, the street descending from the arch next to the Priori Palace towards San Francesco al Prato and extending along the historical center's west side.

You will discover one of the oldest areas of Umbria through a delightful itinerary along this district's alleys: start from the Priori Arch, a frequent meeting places for Perugia residents. The arch and the palace take their name from the ten magistrates (priori) who ruled the town in the Middle Ages. Via dei Priori was the beginning of the important road leading to Trasimeno Lake and then to Tuscany.

Many typical alleys branch off the main street: the first one on the left is via del Dado, a dead-end street with a small square piazza (from which the name Dado, dice, probably derives). Right after, take via dell'Orso, whose name probably comes from the medieval habit of richest families to keep exotic animals like lions, bears and parrots. After this alley, take via Sant'Agata, named after the church of St. Severo and Agata. The church, in 1663, was a chapel devoted to the Sicilian martyr Agataha. In 1320 it was given to the pope in exchange for the church of St. Severo that was removed to widen the Priori palace. The chapel was then rebuilt and dedicated to both saints. The church façade bears a plaque devoted to Brother Piastrelli, an important member of the progressive Catholic world, that promoted the modernist movement in Italy, also representing a reference point for Aldo Capitini.

Continue descending some steps and turn right to go up via Vemiglioli named after the palace of the same name located in the small square at the top of the stairs. This is the palace of Giovanni Battista Vemiglioli, who founded Perugia's archeology chair and Archeological Museum and was considered among the best-educated men of his era. From here, pass through via Cumana and reach via Deliziosa: at number 17 there is a plaque recalling the house's illustrious inhabitant Pietro Vannucci, the master painter Perugino. Going down a bit, you can see on the right via dei Gatti, so called because a gate closed it until 1950s; therefore, it was used exclusively by cats.

Coming back towards via dei Priori, stop by looking at the plaque devoted to Alinda Bonacci Brunamonti, the poet who, according to Capitini, embodied at best the literary romanticism. Then follow via del Morone for then reaching the Oddi palace, today called Marini Clarelli, located in an open space. The building's interior frescos narrate the epic of Oddi family, a noble family of Perugia who build the palace in the 16^th century. A small alley leads you to via Vincioli: continue along via della Pernice and via Guardabassi, a street devoted to the famous patriot of Perugia. Go straight on and reach piazzetta San Paolo, location of Perugia's classical secondary school. Here you can find a plaque in memory of Giovanni Bini Cima, republican intellectual who taught here in the 19^th century. Go up the square and walk through via dell'Arco until reaching via del Poggio where you can enjoy a beautiful view over Piazza San Francesco. Head towards Piazza San Francesco, one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in Perugia.

Look at all the beautiful religious buildings around you, leaving from Church of St. Maria della Luce, or Madonna di St. Luca. The church dates to 1519, following a work by Tiberio of Assisi representing a prodigy of the image of Madonna and Saints, located nearby and then moved to the altar's niche. At the base of the two pillars, two griffins, symbol of Perugia, recall the Municipality's intervention to rebuild the Church.

Then move towards the church of St. Luca Evangelista, renovated in 1586 by Bino Sozi at the request of Malta Order's Knights. Nearby you can see the Commenda's House, of the Order of the Knights of Malta: today it's a residence, but it once held a wool factory. Along the street to the lawn, you will find the oratory of St. Bernardino of Siena, a true masterpiece. Agostino di Duccio carved its Renaissance façade with statues and bas-reliefs in a majestic mixture of marbles and stones, covered with azurite, malachite and gold (just some traces are left). Inside there is a sarcophagus containing relics of Blessed Egidio, St. Francis' companion. From the altar, you can access the oratory of St. Andrea and Bernardino, with the carved and golden ceiling, as well as stuccos and paintings.

The main and largest church is the church of St. Francesco al Prato, built in the 13^th century replacing the chapel of Santa Susanna after which the entire district was named. The church collapsed and has been restored several times, especially because of the hill's structural failures that produced the loss of the medieval and baroque bell tower. The present façade is recent: it dates back to 1929 and was rebuilt according to the drawing of Gonfalone di San Bernardo. Within it, there were tombs of Perugia's rich families decorated with famous paintings such as: the Baglioni Deposition, the Crowning of the Virgin by Raphael and the Perugino's Resurrection, then moved to Rome. Today the church is used as Auditorium, whereas the former convent hosts the Pietro Vannucci Fine Arts Academy.

Take the opportunity of the beautiful lawn to rest after the walk and enjoy one this beautiful corner of Umbria.

Alleys of the Santa Susanna district will lead you to discover the west side of Perugia's historical centre, along the road that led towards Trasimeno Lake and Tuscany. The walk concludes with the enchanting scene of San Francesco al Prato.

Located in the central area of Umbria, Gualdo Cattaneo is a medieval village placed on a hill on the slopes of the Martani Mountains in a particularly charming position.

Beyond that for the jewels inside its ancient walls, it deserves a visit also for the system of medieval castles and buildings characterising its area: a real defensive complex that represents an extraordinary open-air museum.

After the Castle of Gualdo Cattaneo, at the centre of a square overlooked by the Fortress, an equilateral triangle-shaped small fortress with three intercommunicating towers that are connected by underground with the underlying castle walls, we can find the Castle of Pozzo that, immersed in the green of olive trees, overlooks the valley of Puglia. Significant are the architectural layout and the particular medieval views offered by the above mentioned castle.

The Castle of Cisterna Alta, rising on a hill overlying the river Puglia, dates back to the 13^th century and today it is in decent conditions, with the high medieval tower that is still well visible, and a residential nucleus of the nineteenth century is located next to it.

The Castle of Marcellano is located at the border between the districts of Gualdo Cattaneo and Giano dell'Umbria and its origins date back to the 12^th century. It’s famous for the living crib that is set up each year during the Christmas holidays. The whole village is involved in the representation with installations and traditional life scenes of the medieval time with tens of figures in costume, workshops displaying the ancient processing techniques, taverns with hot wine and local gastronomic excellencies. The Sacred Representation of the Nativity takes place in a unique scenery at sunset.

Instead the Castle of Saragano (few kilometres from St. Terenziano) has apparently Longobard origins and was the residence of the Roman consul Lucio Lucinio Sura (who maybe gave his name to the castle).

The Castle of Ceralto can be considered a timeless fortunate island thanks to its distinctive location, immersed in the natural environment of the oak and the Turkey oak, and it presents an original mixture of the location, the architectonic typology and the absolute peace surrounding it. One of the biggest Umbrian holm oaks grows in the surroundings of the castle, with an estimated age of around 200 years.

The Castle of Barattano, that maybe represents the more marked archetype of the system of Gualdo castles, has good conditions. Located few kilometres from Gualdo, it is characterized by a structural morphology equipped with large town walls, a medieval entrance door, typical alleys and high towers. It preserves within it the church of St. Bartolomeo (13^th century) with frescoes of the 16^th and 17^th century and two 16^th century wooden angels.

On the top of an isolated hill, the Castle of Towers dominates the underlying valley crossed by the St. Terenziano - Bastardo road. A curved entrance door, topped by the eagle of Todi’s emblem, leads to the inside of the building hosting the houses next to the outer circles of walls.

On the opposite side, we can find the Castle of St. Terenziano, built in the 14^th century to defend the population. It was built according to a traditional squared plant, by using the local stone. Its interior hosts the church of St. Terenziano, a rare example of building made of two overlapped churches: the lower church in the 11^th century and the upper one at the end of 1200.

The system of castles is completed by: the Castle of Grutti, halfway between Massa Martana and Todi, whose medieval structure remain today some high towers, the Castle of Speltara, on the St. Terenziano - Collazzone Road, an abandoned ancient castle with a squared plant as well as a unique and high corner tower, the Castle of Simigni, next to the hamlet of Bastardo, founded in 1103 and currently of private property, the Castle of Forte Sorgnano and the Castle of Pomonte, whose structure is today surrounded by a rich vegetation; with a quadrilateral plant, it has on its corners small towers.

A journey to discover the system of medieval castles and buildings characterising the territory of Gualdo Cattaneo

Are you in Umbria or are you planning a trip in the green Heart of Italy? Take note of the places where you can admire the works by the brilliant artist who was formed just in the Umbrian land and you can also admire the expositions dedicated to him, 500 years after his death.

Essential stages for your trip on the traces of Raphael are Perugia and Città di Castello.

Umbria commemorates Raphael

At the Civic Museum of Palazzo della Penna “Perugia commemorates Raphael. Fortune and myth of Raphael in Umbria”, from June to September 2020. Sponsored by the Municipality of Perugia and edited by Francesco Federico Mancini, a professor of history of modern art at the Perugia University, this exhibition wants to review the fortune and the myth of Raphael through several paintings, engravings, designs, ceramics and glasses painted, from Sixteenth century to Twentieth century and it proposes a process which constitutes a parallel, in terms of visual testimonies , of several literary documents and of history of criticism which they will also be object of the exhibition.

At Palazzo Baldeschi at the Course “Perugia commemorates Raphael. Raphael in Umbria and his inheritance” from April to September 2020. This exhibition organized by the Foundation CariPerugia Arte together with the Academy of Fine Arts of Perugia is developed in two parts. One of it is dedicated to the Umbrian period of Raphael, thanks to an important multimedia section with many fantastic immersive video projections and thanks to the exposition of several pieces by Raphael’s masters like: Perugino, Pinturicchio and Signorelli. The other one, strictly expositive, is dedicated to the legacy left by the artist above all academically.

Always by following the theme of Raphael celebrations, the Foundation CariPerugia Arte organizes, from April to October 2020, another exhibition at Gubbio, in the Lodges of Tanners of the Wool entitled “From the lusterware to the stained: Raphael and the new earthenware”. This exhibition is focused on the productions of lusterware pottery and it wants to document, by arranging about one hundred and forty pieces, other materials and multimedia support, the features and the quickly shift from the lusterware production to the stained one with particular reference to the reproduction from the printing engravings of Raphael’s pieces and other painters of that time.

At the National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia, from October 9th 2020 to January 10th 2021 you will enjoy “The Fortune of the Raphael’s Pala Baglioni in Perugine copies”, a show that deepens the fortune of the “Deposition” by Raphael stolen from the church of Saint Francis al Prato at Perugia in 1608 and now kept in Rome at the Borghese Gallery.
At the municipal Art Gallery of Città di Castello, from October 10th to January 2021 will be on stage “the young Raphael at Città di Castello and his look” in which several aspects of the artistic activity linked to the first years of production by the young painter and to the impact that his lesson left in the region, they are highlighted.

Essential stages for your trip on the traces of Raphael are Perugia and Città di Castello.

Non solo Pinturicchio, Rosso Fiorentino, Signorelli o Raffaello: Città di Castello è la città di Alberto Burri, uno dei più importanti artisti contemporanei. Necessità pratica e aspirazione ideale danno vita a quadri e sculture con materiali di scarto, altamente plasmabili.
La parte più consistente delle sue opere la puoi visitare nelle due sedi museali. In centro , Palazzo Albizzini: edificato a fine XV secolo e restaurato sotto le direttive di Burri, ti offre un'antologia di opere che va dal 1948 al 1989, distribuite in venti sale. Puoi ammirare pitture, sculture, grafiche e bozzetti per i grandi cretti e quelli per le scenografie teatrali.
Per visitare gli Ex seccatoi del Tabacco devi arrivare nella periferia meridionale della città. Qui tutto è enorme: i padiglioni di 7.500 mq, interamente dedicati al medico e artista, contengono 128 opere di grande formato realizzate tra il 1974 e il 1993 e divise in cicli per formare un unico corpo. Monumentali anche le sculture che puoi studiare negli spazi esterni: Grande Ferro Sestante, Grande Ferro K e Ferro U.

Per un break gustoso assaggia una tagliatella gialla con tartufo bianco e olio dop Umbria dei Colli del Trasimeno e a seguire i mazzafegati dell'Alta valle del Tevere, presidio slow food.

A Perugia palazzo della Penna lo trovi tra viale Indipendenza e i Tre Archi. L'edificio cinquecentesco è impostato sui resti dell'anfiteatro romano. Se ti affacci lungo via Marconi puoi vedere la torre e le mura medievali assorbite dal complesso. Oggi il palazzo, adibito a museo, ospita quattro importanti collezioni d'arte: al primo piano trovi le opere dell' Accademia di Belle Arti di Perugia oltre che del pittore aereofuturista Gerardo Dottori.
Scendi lungo la scala elicoidale realizzata dal noto architetto Franco Minissi. Scopri la collezione Valentino Martinelli e la grande sala che ospita le sei lavagne eseguite da Joseph Beuys nel 1980 in occasione del confronto con Alberto Burri che invece donò alla città una imponente scultura nera ancora esposta alla Rocca Paolina.

Alberto Burri started creating his works in a Texas internment camp. From then on and for the next 40 years he would not cease to produce art. In Perugia, see Beyus's blackboards and the aerofuturism of Gerardo Dottori, which offers a perfect example of three dimensional painting.

Il piccolo borgo di Sant’Apollinare che fu per 400 anni dimora dei Marchesi Graziani di Perugia, è un raffinato edificio bizantino risalente all’XI secolo che porta il nome dell’Arcivescovo ravennate Apollinare limitrofo ad un antico insediamento monastico benedettino, del quale ne fu posto a difesa.

Il castello si presenta adagiato sul pendio del colle, racchiuso entro le mura di forma oblunga ed ellittica con la porta d’ingresso ad arco acuto. L’interno del castello è altamente suggestivo con l’alto maschio merlato e due cortili d’armi. Rimangono a tutt’oggi l’imponente torre quattrocentesca che introduce nel cortile del castello con una cisterna al centro; i resti di un’altra torre con arco a sesto acuto nella parte bassa del paese e un’altra torre dimezzata a ponente. In fondo al borgo, due porte che introducono in uno spazio quadrato sul quale si ergeva una delle torri. Dalla zona più alta del borgo si scorge un panorama veramente unico su buona parte della valle del Nestore, fiume che attraversa tutto il territorio e che confluisce nel fiume Tevere proprio nelle vicinanze della città di Marsciano.

Il Percorso Verde del Nestore, è un itinerario che si snoda lungo un ampio tratto del fiume dal quale prende il nome e che consente di godere appieno della pace e della natura di questi luoghi. Protagonista indiscusso è il fiume: visibile in lontananza, sotto un ponte da attraversare o osservabile dall’alto, come da una terrazza con vista. Grazie alle bacheche informative presenti lungo il tragitto si può conoscere la grande varietà di animali e piante presenti sul territorio e, con un pizzico di fortuna e di pazienza, sarà anche possibile vederli. Tutt’attorno si osservano in lontananza i borghi e le fortificazioni che circondano la valle, modellata dal fiume lungo il corso del tempo.

Una passeggiata a diretto contatto con la natura, nei luoghi disegnati dal lento scorrere del fiume Nestore

Starting from the Votive Aedicule located at the height of the bridge where the Tevere river flows underneath, continue straight across a roundabout and along the museum of the history of agriculture of the University of Perugia. Continuing we will reach the junction with the Statale 3 bis Tiberina, to take a wooded mule track that climbs to the right and then immediately turns left. Following this road we arrive at an old farmhouse where we will turn left.

Continuing to follow the mule track we will reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Bagni where we can make a stop to visit it. Taking the road backwards, we will turn right crossing the flyover above the freeway and at the stop sign we will keep to the left.

After about a 1 km we will enter the village of Casalina and arriving at the roundabout we will turn right to return to the starting point.

We are in Casalina, a small hamlet in the municipality of Deruta, where the Madonna dei Bagni Sanctuary is located, so called because it is located on the hill of the same name. A unique place that contains about 800 hand-decorated ceramic figured tiles, which since 1600 testify to a devoted passion.

After about a 1 km we will enter the village of Casalina and arriving at the roundabout we will turn right to return to the starting point.

It starts from San Venanzo, taking the state road in the direction of Ospedaletto - Orvieto (West) to leave it shortly after and continue along Via dell’Acquedotto. Between the second and third house on the left we take a downhill road (we are now right in the crater of one of the two paleo volcanoes) which we follow until the end of the vineyard, always leaving the vineyard on our right. Thus we arrive at the so-called ""Pisciarello"", an ancient fountain very dear to the Sanvenanzesi. A few meters later we follow downhill to the right, a concrete road that will soon become gravel.

After passing it we leave the purifier on the left to start a climb. We meet a gate on the right and, in front of us, the road becomes dirt and goes into the woods, until it appears on a more important and gravel road.

We take it to the right (South West) going up; it becomes tarred and, shortly after, we turn right following a sign indicating the presence of an artisan activity (mechanical workshop); we reach the building that we leave on our right (attention: the presence of free dogs is likely) and on the left we find a dirt road that runs alongside small animal shelters (on our left).

This downhill road will shortly take us to the Volcanological Park, from which the only road present (Via della Cava) takes us back to the state road which we take to the right and find ourselves back in San Venanzo after a few minutes.

San Venanzo, near Monte Peglia, was born on the ridge of one of the three active volcanoes about 265,000 years ago and here is in fact the San Venanzo Volcanological Park which offers the opportunity to observe tuff rings, tufaceous bastions and lava flows including the ""Venanzite"" famous all over the world.

Inside the town there is the Volcanological Museum which is aimed at enhancing the geological characteristics that distinguish the territory by allowing you to deepen the study of wooden rocks, metamorphism and the shapes of the volcano, through the path of exhibition rooms equipped with interactive panels, equipment, microscopes, collections and materials from all over the world. Inside the Museum it is possible to visit the Antiquarium where you can observe some finds from the Etruscan site of Poggio delle Civitelle, near Monte Peglia.

The area has developed around 3 small volcanoes (diameter of about 500 meters and max height 30 meters) active about 265,000 years ago, precisely Mar di San Venanzo, where today stands the homonymous locality of San Venanzo, therefore the Pian di Celle tuff ring, located about 800 meters to the south, and the Celli lapilli ring, about 500 meters east of Pian di Celle. The San Venanzo Volcanological Park in addition to the vision of cones, craters and lava flows, offers the opportunity to admire some rare rocks and minerals. The most famous of these is the Venanzite which has spread the name of the town of San Venanzo around the world.

After parking in the town square, we continue towards the Church (on the left) where there is the only road that proceeds north to our right.

After traveling 2 km we will find in front of us the ruins of Podere Terre Bianche. Continuing after about a km we will arrive at a crossroads next to which there is a cross. Proceeding straight ahead, we will soon find ourselves in San Vito Castello, with its panoramic terrace, where on clear days we can admire the Apennines thanks to the presence of fixed binoculars: Monte Catria, Monte Cucco, the chain of the Mountains Sibillini.

Once we have crossed the small medieval village and exited the ancient gate, we will take a path that starts from the small parking lot close to the medieval walls, where there is a small fountain. This path becomes more evident once we take it and we will have no difficulty in reaching the provincial road. At the stop sign we will turn left, to return to the town of San Vito al Monte.

The Tiber, second only to the Po for the extension of the hydrographic basin, is the most important watercourse in central and southern Italy. This cycling route that connects Deruta to Todi and runs along the banks of the Tevere river is part of the ""BI5 Romea-Tiberina"" cycle route of national interest, which connects Tarvisio with Rome for a total length of 800 kilometers. An easy and completely flat itinerary, also suitable for the less experienced and for families with children, which winds through gentle and flat landscapes.

Una passeggiata a diretto contatto con la natura, nei luoghi disegnati dal lento scorrere del fiume Nestore

If you love literature and history, we recommend you two ideal places to celebrate in 2021 the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death.

Information:
Colmollaro Castle: it is privately owned and usually opens on the occasion of the Spring Days organized by Fai
Museum of Printing: Foligno, via Pertichetti no. 6 – tel. +39 0742 330584

An itinerary on the trail of the Supreme Poet starting from the Colmollaro Castle close to Gubbio up to Foligno, where the first copy of the Divine Comedy was printed.

Amelia's roots date back to before the foundation of Rome. The town features polygonal walls, a unique defense system against the neighbouring Etruscans' incursions. Visit the Archeological museum and the Roman cisterns.
This trail sees a succession of roads and vineyards; vines have always been a part of the Amerini Hills. Grechetto, malvasia, ciliegiolo and sangiovese are the most cultivated varietals in one area, noted for its historical production of Vin Santo.
Narni can be spotted from far away, a splendid city rich in history, perched on a limestone spur above the Nera river. A trove of Roman, Etruscan and medieval treasures is the San Cassiano Abbey and the Albornoz fortress; explore subterranean Narni before heading towards the Augustus Bridge.
The prince of these lands is the ciliegiolo, a local varietal and essential component of the Amerini Hills wines, offering fresh and flavourful wines.
When hunger strikes, try the cottora broad bean, a Slow Food presidium, and of course the manfricoli, a handmade pasta, with pacio sauce or with wild asparagus. To follow try baccalà with prunes or another traditional mainstay, Amerina style wood pigeon with a typical medieval sauce. The end of the meal is also a sweet reminder of the past, with Amelia figs stuffed with dry fruit.

The view of the Corbara lake means you have arrived in Civitella del Lago, with its unique museo-Ovoteca but don't miss the archeological site of Scoppieto. Italian and international varietals such as chardonnay, sauvignon, vermentino, cabernet, merlot and pinot noir are now cultivated alongside traditional Umbrian varietals.

The former are typical of the Lago di Corbara PDO, a ruby red, austere and elegant wine. The view of Orvieto, resting on its tuff cliff and famous for its white wine, will astonish you. Among the sights are the cathedral, the San Patrizio well, and Orvieto Underground.
Since the Romans, wine has played a central role in the economy of the area. It was loved by the popes and supported the cost of building the cathedral. At least as old as the city is the Orvieto grechetto, a straw-coloured white wine, slightly fruity and floral but of a good level of alcohol and acidity, used here also traditionally mixed with trebbiano.

From the river port of Paglianum oil and wine were sent to Rome. Orvieto and its surrounding areas are still today synonymous with wine. Since then these mountains' tufa rock has sheltered the precious amphora; explore the centuries-old caves and leave with a wine glass in hand.

The route climbs and descends across the Apennines, and must be faced with calm, regular steps. Effort is part of the journey, although the possibility of reducing the stages gives everyone the opportunity to adjust the walk to their needs.

During the first two stages of the journey you will face challenging climbs in the Apennine mountains to reach the hermitage of Montecasale and the town of Sansepolcro. The route winds along alternating dirt roads, trails and tarmac.
The path will take you to the places that Francis passed through and prayed in during his wanderings: Citerna, Città di Castello, Pietralunga, Gubbio, Valfabbrica.

Along the Way, everyone talks about St Francis and his message of love for nature and its creatures. The hermitages, abbeys, villages and towns preserve the many treasures of art and history that celebrate the genius of Italy, of which St Francis is the patron saint.

On the website www.viadifrancesco.it, you will find all the stages, with maps, descriptions of the route, gradients, GPS coordinates and a list of resting places and specialised accommodation for pilgrims. Don't forget to ask for the Pilgrim's Card.

Signposting
The Tuscany section of the Via di Francesco is indicated by CAI signage (white and red signs). In Umbria, the path is well signposted with the colours of the Way: yellow and blue signs will guide you to Assisi.

The Sanctuary of La Verna is the starting point of the most popular path to Assisi. The silence and isolation of the Sacred Mountain, surrounded by woods and forests, give you the opportunity to prepare your spirit for the journey of about 190 km to the tomb of St Francis in Assisi.

Umbria's excellent culinary traditions have given us many delicious recipes; some are traditional to precise areas whilst others are connected to specific times of the year or to particular holidays. We will take you on a journey to discover the sweetest and tastiest Umbrian flavours.

There really are a great deal of recipes for sweets and desserts connected to the Christmas period. Panpepato ternano from Terni is very popular and brings together the bitter flavour of dark chocolate, the sweetness of honey and candied fruit, the intense flavour of nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts and hazelnuts) and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper). In the Perugia area, it is tradition to make Pinoccate, diamond-shaped sweets made of sugar and pine nuts, which can either be white - vanilla flavoured, or dark- chocolate flavoured. Also from the Perugia area, and made for the Christmas period are Pinolate – little dried round biscuits made of almonds and pine nuts – as well as Torciglione, an almond-based dry cake that is shaped to look like a coiled snake. In the Spoleto area, from autumn until January it is common to make Attorta or Serpentone, a sweet made of puff pastry filled with apple, cocoa powder and walnuts which is then rolled into a spiral shape, whilst in the area of Assisi, Spello and Foligno a very similar sweet is made called ‘Rocciata'. It is different to Attorta in its shape and in the fact it also contains figs, plums, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts. In the municipalities of Deruta and Torgiano it isn't Christmas without Pammelati, a sweet made of breadcrumbs, walnuts, cinnamon, honey, orange peel and pine nuts and formed into a round, oblong shape.

Maccheroni dolci are a speciality from the areas around Todi and Orvieto which are traditionally prepared for two important occasions, the night before All Saints' Day and Christmas Eve. The preparation is the same as a classic dried pasta dish, but instead of olive oil and cheese, honey and hazelnuts are used in their place. In Perugia, for the celebration of All Saints' Day on the 1st November, it is tradition to make ‘Fave dei morti' or ‘Stinchetti', small almond-based biscuits which come in both soft and hard versions.

In Perugia, on the 29th January, the windows of patisseries and bakeries are filled with Torcolo di San Costanzo, a simple ring-shaped cake made in honour of the town's patron saint, which has a bread dough mix at its base.

Amongst the traditional Umbrian sweets for Carnival, the most popular are Frappe – a impasto egg, flour, butter, sugar and yeast, cut into strips, tied into small knots and fried in boiling oil – Strufoli in local dialect or Castagnole, depending on in which part of Umbria they are made and of different sizes- the former are bigger, the latter are smaller and look like a small ""gnocchi"". Both strufoli and castagnole are fried and then served soaked in Alchermes liqueur or covered in honey or sugar. Another Carnival sweet is the Cicerchiata Umbra, a very old recipe using simple ingredients like flour, oil and a little sugar; the only ""luxuries"" of this recipe are the honey and the coloured hundreds and thousands that it is covered in. Cicerchiata takes its name from the cicerchia, a legume that it looks like. Today it is not widely known, other than by fans of traditional food. As far as the Easter period goes, the most famous sweet is surely Ciaramicola from Perugia, a ring-shaped, red cake covered with a white glacé icing and brightly coloured hundreds and thousands.

Instead the famous Tozzetti are made throughout the year and are not connected to a specific holiday. These are almond biscuit-like pastries that are delicious dunked in a glass of vinsanto.

Tradition and the history of the people who contributed to creating the recipes are at the heart of local Umbrian sweets and desserts. In our region, known to be a ""land of farmers"", many of these come precisely from the agricultural culinary traditions and using locally grown products.

Umbria offers a territory full of particularly precious natural watercourses to delight those who love fishing. The Nera River makes the Valnerina one of the most interesting, atmospheric and notable environments of the whole Central Apennine area.

The Regional Fishing Map (documenting watercourses classified in ""areas"", based on the fish species found there as well as on the environmental features) denotes the section of the Nera River, outside the town of Terni, as a Superior Area for Trout. The course of the Nera River is marked by clear cold-flowing water set in an environment of notable naturalistic interest.

In these waters, the Fario Trout represents the principal fish species: to safeguard it, the Umbria Region created two no-kill sections on the Nera e Corno rivers, in the municipalities of Cerreto di Spoleto, Vallo di Nera e Ferentillo. This initiative encompasses alternative fishing methods (using an artificial lure technique – fly or spinning with barbless hook and the immediate release of the fish) which allows to reduce the pressure of sport fishing on the river ecosystem and therefore greater protection of the river.

Fishing in the Valnerina no-kill sections is allowed exclusively with advance phone booking and only with special fishing permit through the WebApp of the site www.neranokill.it (in addition to the type B license).

For no-kill sport fishing, you'll love the exciting experience of being in immersed in the Valnerina's unspoilt nature.

You can see the beauties of Orvieto from far away, when you reach the city from one of its gates: the spires of the beautiful Cathedral rise skywards, the Tower of Moro and the bell towers of the historical centre.

But we want to show you a side of Orvieto that not everyone knows and that is located below your feet: are you ready for a journey through the Orvieto underground?

It’s not just an underground excursion, but also a real itinerary to lead you to discover the historical phases of Orvieto starting from the Etruscan “Velzana” through the medieval and Renaissance periods. Explore a real town made up of countless tunnels hidden in the depths of the Orvieto’s cliff, with about 1200 cavities and two significant underground complexes.
Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and head for piazza Duomo, where you can find the Info Point, you can buy the ticket for the excursion: you will find the access in the “Park of Caves”, an area offering a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

Start your tour into the dark area of Orvieto and observe the remains of a large oil mill probably dating back to the second half of the 1300s: you will see the oil press and some grindstones, one dated 1697; in front of the oil press you will see a compartment that could have been one of the tubs collecting olive pulp after the first pressing. Continue your itinerary and you will see some structures that served the mill and then some stables, a fireplace and a water line. Further you will be able to see three vertical ducts with footholds, dating from the Etruscan period.

Walking through the Orvieto underground, you will also see a series of cisterns, including the Etruscan ones dating back to the 5th century B.C. (particularly the one made with the “frame” technique), the medieval ones and the biggest ones of a Renaissance origin. Further along is a 30-metre-long Etruscan-era water tunnel and it is open and visitable.

Further on, go on into the tunnel bearing the number 6 that, through a series of ravines, ladders and narrow tunnels, will lead you to some rooms used during the Medieval era for raising pigeons. The tanks probably housed ceramics kilns furnaces used for pottery in the 18th century. Different ceramic vases were found in the wells you saw: the tradition for the production of ceramics in Orvieto arose from these findings.

After this walk that lasts around one hour, follow the directions towards the Well of St. Patrick: an hydraulic work that takes its name from the belief according which the well would have been used as the “Purgatory of St. Patrick”, a place where anyone who had ventured to reach its bottom would have obtained the entrance into Paradise. While you descend along the itinerary of the well you could take some beautiful shots showing the play of lights and colours inside the intriguing well

A real itinerary to discover Orvieto's historical phases starting from the Etruscan “Velzana” thorugh the medieval and Renaissance periods.

From Massa Martana to Monte Castello di Vibio, through Todi and Fratta Todina, from Collazzone to Torgiano, through Marsciano and Perugia, and then Bettona, Cannara and Spello: it’s the Canticle Wine Route that celebrates not just wine but also the other typical and quality products of the territory, together with its art, environment, culture and artisinal crafts.

Autumn, during harvest time, is one of the best times to make this itinerary combining the pleasure of good food and of great wines with visits to villages, castles, churches and abbeys, framed by a unique and evocative landscape.

This itinerary will lead you to discover two of the splendid towns of the Canticle Wine Route: Perugia and Spello.

Get a wine glass and start your journey from Perugia, among tastes and flavours.

The region’s capital, Perugia, will capture you with its medieval architecture and Renaissance palaces.

Take your time to discover its historical centre that preserves many historical-artistic treasures: Piazza IV Novembre and the beautiful Fontana Maggiore; the Cathedral of St. Lawrence; the Priori Palace (with the Cambio College frescoed by Perugino); the Umbria National Gallery rich with masterpieces of artists such as Piero della Francesca, Pinturicchio, Perugino; the Etruscan Arch, walls and the well.

After you finish touring the acropolis, it’s time for a break! You have to taste Torta al Testo: an ancient bread, baked on the “Testum”, the iron griddle from which it takes its name. Fill with ham, cheese, sausage, cooked vegetables or any other ingredient. We suggest you enjoy it with a red wine, Doc Colli Perugini.

Before going on, there is an almost compulsory stop in one of the sweetest towns in Italy: discover the combination of chocolate and wine. If you happen to be in Perugia in October, visit Eurochocolate, the festival entirely devoted to chocolate.

Catch the minimetro (frequent service until about 9 pm, timetables here) to the Perugia station and from there it's a short ride to Spello with the fast regional train (timetable here).

Visiting Spello is always a unique and delightful experience: admire it from below, walk along its medieval alleys decorated with colourfully flower-draped balconies and be seduced by its history and beauty.

Start your tour by walking along its city walls to the town gates. Among these gates, three ones are of particular relevance: the Consular Gate, the Venus Gate with the Towers of Properzio and the Urbica Gate.

Spello overflows with artistic treasures: don’t miss the church of St. Maria Maggiore housing the Baglioni Chapel, decorated with splendid colourful frescoes by Pinturicchio. In the church of St. Andrea is another work by Pinturicchio, an altarpiece with the Virgin and the Child enthroned with various saints. The Villa dei Mosaici museum preserves nearly 500 m2 of glorious polychrome mosaic flooring, the remains of a luxurious villa of the Imperial Roman era. This incredible archaeological treasure was discovered by accident in 2005.

Conclude your visit by wandering among the charming flower-filled alleyways of the town, one picturesque, scented and colourful spot leading to another.

If you are hungry, taste the local cuisine: bruschette perfumed with oil or truffle, home-made pasta seasoned with truffle, hare and boar. Many traditional recipes are based on legumes: the chickpeas of Spello are famous in the world, as well as the risina (a variety of small and white bean with a delicate flavour), and cicerchia or chickling vetch (a variety of legume similar to chickpeas and with a flavour a bit like fava beans), which are served in tasty soups or fresh salads. For wines the Assisi Doc is a choice that will not disappoint you.

Stroll back to the station for the train back to Perugia, maybe taking along a bottle of wine to remember this lovely day out in Umbria.

Info utili
La lunghezza dell’itinerario è di circa 190 km da percorrere in circa tre ore.

Percorsi trekking
Da Massa Martana al Passo di Acqua Canale, solo andata, lunghezza 7 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 3 ore.
Da Monte Castello di Vibio a Doglio, Parco fluviale del Tevere, solo andata, lunghezza 6 km, tempo di percorrenza cica due ore.
Da Todi a Vocabolo Palombara, solo andata, lunghezza circa 19 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore.
Fratta Todina, alla scoperta dei suoi dintorni, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 11 km, tempo di percorrenza circa mezz’ora.
Da Collazzone a Collepepe e alla miniera, solo andata, lunghezza circa 8 km, tempo di percorrenza circa tre ore.
Da Marsciano a Casalina, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 20 km, tempo di percorrenza circa un’ora e mezza.
Da Deruta a Pontenuovo, “percorso verde”, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 11 km, tempo di percorrenza circa un’ora.
Da Torgiano a Deruta, in MTB, (Ponte Rosciano-Le Cinque Querce), itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 22 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 3 ore.
Perugia, l’anello di Monte Pacciano, lunghezza totale circa 10 km, tempo di percorrenza tre ore.
Da Bettona a Collemancio, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 19 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 5 ore.
Cannara, alla scoperta dei dintorni, solo andata, lunghezza circa 4 km, tempo di percorrenza 1 ora.
Da Assisi a Rivorto, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale circa 6 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 1 ora e mezza.
Da Spello all’Acquedotto romano, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 15,5 km, circa 5 ore.

Percorsi bike
Massa Martana, alla scoperta dei Monti Martani, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 37 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore.
Da Monte Castello di Vibio a Todi, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 28,6 km, tempo di percorrenza cica due ore e mezza.
Da Fratta Todina a Marsciano, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 34 km circa, tempo di percorrenza due ore.
Da Deruta a Castelleone, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 16,36 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 1 ora.
Da Torgiano alla chiesa di S. Giuliana, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 35 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 3 ore.
Perugia, giro per le cinque Porte, solo andata, lunghezza circa 7,5 km, tempo di percorrenza due ore e mezza.
Bettona, da Passaggio di Bettona alle colline a sud, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 31 km, tempo di percorrenza circa ore.
Da Assisi alla Basilica di Santa Chiara, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 50 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore.
Da Cannara all’Eremo delle carceri di Assisi, itinerario ad anello, lunghezza totale 40 km, tempo di percorrenza tre ore e mezza.
Da Spello a Santa Maria degli Angeli, solo andata, lunghezza 19,2 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 1 ora e mezza.

Da Massa Martana a Spello, un percorso che permette di scoprire una varietà di produzioni tipiche del territorio senza dimenticare arte, ambiente e cultura

The itinerary starts from the Roman amphitheatre in Gubbio and continues along the mountains overlooking Sant'Ubaldo. It is only 20 kilometres, but the change in elevation means that it is classified as difficult, although it is one of the easiest in this category: if you are feeling adventurous, you can try and tackle it even if you are not an experienced biker.. Of course a bit of training is necessary.
The first climb starts after few kilometres: an atmospheric hill up through a narrow valley to reach the small church of the Madonna del Sasso. The trail becomes steeper after the church and will take you to the central part of the route, characterised by a long dirt hillside stretch with a breathtaking view of Mount Cucco and the entire Apennines between Umbria and Marche.
After this, you climb again for a few kilometres before taking a fun single track through the woods towards the last climb of the trail, which will lead you to the Sant'Ubaldo Basilica, where Gubbio's ""ceri"" (candles) are stored during the year.

From here, you continue downhill along the dirt road used during the race of the ""Ceri"" in May, a charming route with a fantastic view of Gubbio.

The road ends just above the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo del Duomo, from where you can descend towards Gubbio's town centre. Remember to visit the hanging gardens and stroll along Corso Garibaldi before heading back to the starting point.

This trail is very interesting from a cultural and naturalistic point of view. It starts from the Roman amphitheatre in Gubbio and continues along the ridge that separates Gubbio from Costacciaro and Sigillo, passing the charming Sant'Ubaldo Basilica.

Si parte dalla Rocca Flea di Gualdo Tadino in direzione della pineta di San Guido per scendere alla sorgente di Capodacqua. Superato il santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore si arriva a San Fecondino con la sua torre del XI secolo, fra le più antiche del territorio. Da qui si raggiunge il fontanile di Palazzo Mancinelli e attraverso un suggestivo sentiero l’abitato di Palazzolo e la sorgente del Saletto. Si riparte per Fossato di Vico, con il suo borgo medioevale e le caratteristiche “Rughe”, raro esempio di architettura militare medioevale. Proseguendo per Colbassano si arriva a Corraduccio per poi ritornare sulla strada provinciale che porta a Gualdo Tadino.

All’altezza di San Pellegrino si svolta a destra per una stradina fino a San Lazzaro, dove ci si immette sulla via Flaminia per raggiungere il pozzo di Taino, dove sorgeva il municipio romano di Tadinum, con la sua area archeologica. Da qui dritti fino a Gaifana per risalire il Rio Fergia fino a Boschetto e iniziare il viaggio di ritorno seguendo le cosiddette “Stradelle”, antico percorso costruito dagli antichi Umbri ai piedi dell’Appennino che attraversa uliveti secolari.

Si arriva così alle fontanelle della Rocchetta e da qui con una ripida salita alla Rocca Flea.

“There’s no wasted moment in life if you spend it on horseback”, claimed Winston Churchill who well understood how beneficial a horseback ride could be for the man.

This itinerary wants to offer you an inspiration for a horseback ride that will lead you to admire the Trasimeno Lake from a particular and inspiring viewpoint.

Leave from Romotorio di Pozzuolo, a small hamlet of Castiglione del Lago. Stop to visit the small church of the 17^th century devoted to St. Anthony Abbot and called indeed Romitorio. Take the avenue towards Piana and, on your right side, you can’t fail to admire the wonderful view over the Trasimeno Lake. If you are lucky and it’s a particularly clear day you could even admire the peaks of the Mount Tezio.

Go on for another 600 metres and turn along a road downhill located between two small lakes where, according to the season, you can observe birds like ducks and waders. Start to go up the coast and at a certain point on the left you will pass by the Graveyard of Pozzuolo. Now take one of the two narrow streets in front of you (both converge towards a bigger street). Along this street you will find a house that on its right has a street: take it and go along the beautiful tree-lined boulevard. From here the Trasimeno Lake’s waters stand out directly in front of you. You can distinguish clearly the historical centre of Castiglione del Lago.

Once crossed a small bridge, go through the asphalt road and take again a path going between farms that will lead you to the Church of Piana. If you need a break or you want to taste a good sandwich with the typical local cold cuts, stop at the bar next to the church. Thereafter leave again and enjoy the landscape that will appear different according to the season of your visit: in the area there are many nurseries making the colours around you unique and typical of the production cycles. Remount the horse and follow the avenue of Pallareto: this street will lead you, through an area of Mediterranean scrubland, towards fields where it’s highly probable to see some cute roe deers. Follow the big street and you will reach the Locality Scopi where there is a road between farms that will bring you directly to Romitorio di Pozzuolo, your departure point.

To complete this itinerary, you need about 3 hours: don’t miss the occasion to see a magical corner of Umbria from a new perspective!

A walk will allow you to see the Trasimeno Lake from a unique and thrilling perspective, together with an exceptional travelling companion: the horse.

A ring trail on a completely flat route, starting from the central Piazza San Matteo in Cannara (Pg). From the main square of San Matteo, where you can visit the homonymous Church of San Matteo, head in the direction of the Assisi-Spoleto cycling path using the asphalted track that runs alongside the bed of the Chiascio river. Continue on the pedestrian/cycle path along the confluence point of Topino river with Chiascio river, up to the waterfalls of the same Chiascio,then continue on a dirt road, in the middle of the cultivated plain, from which you can discover wide views of Mount Subasio and Assisi on one side, and, of the Umbrian Valley and Martani Mountains on the other.

After a sharp turn on the left of the gravel path, continue on the route in a flat segment between Cannara and Bevagna, north east from Mount Subasio and south-west from the of Montefalco hills, up to the place of San Francesco’s sermon to the birds in Piandarca.

Here, according to Franciscan scholars, the poor man from Assisi noticed the presence of a multitude of birds to which he addressed his sermon. Halfway through, on the left bank of the Formella torrent, there is a stone, which various early 20th century-documents identify with the one on which the Saint would have preached to the birds between 1212 and 1213. Going to the right, after a few meters, it is possible to admire the large TAU of Piandarca, facing

Assisi, realized with a different cut of the vegetation that makes it visible through a different chromatic effect. Leaving the TAU behind, it is possible to take a little detour to the left to reach the ancient road that connects Cannara and Bevagna, where you can visit the Piandarca Shrine, a small shrine built near a stream in 1926, on the occasion of the seventh centenary of San Francesco’s death and in memory of his sermon to the birds that took place in this territory.

Going backwards on the cycling path detour, you reach Vocabolo Fonte, continue leaving the dirt road towards Cannara where, after passing the highway intersection, cross the historic center and head to the end point in Piazza San Matteo.

The fourteenth century church was converted into its present form in the years 1788 – 1793, according to the project of an architect Giuseppe Brizi. The spired bell tower partially collapsed after the earthquake of 1832, it was rebuilt with the current end cap by the engeneer Domenico Martinangeli in 1860. Inside is exposed an interesting table Nicolò di Liberatore, representing the Madonna Enthroned with Jesus Child between St. Francis of Assisi and St. Matthew the Evangelist.

Example of the late Umbrian Romanesque style, the Church of San Biagio presents its old 13th-century façade, built in red and white stones from Assisi. The interior consists of a single room with the vault divided into four sails. The late sixteenth century canvas overlooking the main altar represents the Trinity with, at the bottom, the

Saints Lorenzo and Benedetto (on the right), Biagio and Blessed Lorenzo Giustiniani ( on the left). In front of the entrance there is a Baroque altar; on the walls there are fragments of fourteenth century frescoes. Of high interest, also for the purposes of local religious traditions, are two statues preserved here: the one of S. Biagio (3 February), made in modern times, to which is linked an ancient popular festival, the other is a statue of the Immaculate Virgin, attributed to Nero Alberti (1502-1568), counted among the ""Madonnas with hold-up stockings"". She is carried in a religious procession on the afternoon of Easter day and brought to meet the statue of the Risen Christ, giving life to the Rinchinata.

The Church of Buona Morte stands in front of the ""Tugurio"" (hovel) where, according to the tradition, S. Francesco retired to rest and pray when he passed through the land of Cannara.

At that time it was only a small oratory and according to the tradition, the Saint of Assisi dressed the first member of the “Third Order”: the Blessed Lucio Modestini of Cannara. Later on it would become the meeting place of St. Francis’ Company, later known as ""Della Morte e Orazione"", dedicated above all to works of piety, such as the burial of the dead.

It is a church with a single nave, with five altars, enriched by valuable works of art and tombstones that recall the conception of S. Francesco's Third Order in this sacred building and the high civil or religious role carried out by some Cannaresi in the past.

The valuable ""Crucifix"" with articulated arms characterized by solid wood joints, is exhibited in the niche above the presbytery and composed of five layers of overlapping linen cloth. It is a rarity in Umbria and dates back to the second half of the fifteenth century. It was purchased by the “Compagnia della Morte” in 1545, as an object of devotion and carried in the religious procession on the evening of Good Friday.

According to the “Fioretti” and the “Cantico di frate sole”, the Saint used to go between “Cannajo e Bevagno"" and in these places numerous testimonies of his passage are preserved, one of these is inside Majolica - Landrini Palace, in Piazza IV Novembre, where the hovel, in which St. Francesco lived during his visits to Cannara, can be admired. Apparently here was born The first Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (O.F.S.) founded by St. Francesco for all those men and women, married or unmarried, who lived outside the convents or monasteries, but still wanted to live their own Christian life following the example of St. Francesco; for them, then, the Saint of Assisi wrote a rule of life known as the ""Third Order"", approved afterwards by the Pope.

1226 – 1926 “La favilla accesa a Cannara dal verbo di S. Francesco d’Assisi non mai sopita nei secoli divampò in gran fiamma nel settimo centenario del poverello quando in questa casa fu ricostrutto il tugurio in cui la tradizione addita il primo germe del terz’ordine e fu murata un’edicola in Pian d’Arca dove parlando e benedicendo alle sirocchie uccelli il santo poeta preludiò al sublime Cantico delle Creature“.

(1226 - 1926 “The spark lit in Cannara by the word of St. Francis of Assisi, never dormant over the centuries, flared up in great flame in the seventh centenary of the poor man when in this house the hovel was rebuilt, in which, tradition points the first germ of the third order and a shrine was walled up in Pian d'Arca where, speaking and blessing the sirocchie birds, the holy poet prelude to the sublime Canticle of the Creatures “)

The Great Ring of the “Borghi delle due Valli” is a route, of about 80 km that can be covered either on foot or by bicycle, which, crossing hills of olive groves and vineyards, woods and plains, leads to a stop in the villages of Bettona, Cannara, Collazzone and Torgiano.

Departing from the center of Torgiano (PG), it starts at La Torre parking lot (there is an electric car charging point in the car park) near the Baglioni Tower which is the symbol of the medieval village of Torgiano.

Surrounded by a suggestive landscape setting, Torgiano is an ancient fortified village, a few kilometers from Perugia, located on the top of one of the hills overlooking the valley where the Chiascio joins the Tevere river. The etymological meaning of ""Torgiano"", from ""turris amnium"", is ""tower of the rivers"" and it emblematically represents how much the Tevere and Chiascio have influenced not just the territory geological setting, but also the historical, urban and economic development of Torgiano.

From Torgiano you get to Bettona, a hamlet with Etruscan origins and a typically medieval layout, is today one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most wonderful italian villages), in Umbria. Bettona charmes, not only from the cultural urges it is dotted with, but also for the environmental richness it is surrounded by. In fact, a luxuriant and splendid vegetation covered by olive groves, vineyards and woods frames the village.

Leaving Bettona, head towards Cannara. Located in the heart of Umbria, where St. Francis ""preached to the birds"", Cannara (Pg) takes its name from the word ""canna"" (reed), as it stands on a marshy area full of reeds, along the left bank of the Topino river, in the center of the Umbrian Valley, right in front of Assisi and Spello. The village of Cannara is surrounded by medieval walls, three sites trace the life of San Francesco, starting with the church of San Francesco, which keeps alive the memory of the Institution of the Third Order and the Majolica-Landrini palace, inside which there is the Sacro Tugurio (hovel), where Francesco lived during his visits to Cannara.

The third site linked to the figure of San Francesco is located about 3 km from the historic center, on the road to Bevagna. This is the famous Edicola di Piandarca (Piandarca Shrine) built in 1926, on the occasion of the 7th centenary anniversary of St. Francis's death, to commemorate the place of the ""sermon to the birds"", which according to tradition took place in the open countryside, about 1 km from the shrine.

From Cannara continue in the direction of Collazzone. The Collazzone area, crossed by the Tevere river and the Puglia stream, is of great environmental interest: the hills, rich in oak and pine woods, but also in olive groves make the environment healthy and hospitable. The medieval village of Collazzone preserves the essential characteristics of Lombard military architecture, with its walls, remparts, buttresses, still intact towers and small and narrow streets. From the castle walls, it is possible to admire the breathtaking landscape of the Tevere valley, from Perugia to Todi, while remaining immersed in the characteristic Umbrian hilly landscape, made up of woods and cultivated land.

The trail starts in Passignano and continues through the hills above the northern part of lake Trasimeno. It is a favourite with local cyclists for its varied scenery and staggering views. There are no prohibitive climbs or technical parts, but it's 48 kilometres with a 1000 metre altitude difference, making it more suitable for experienced bikers.
The first part is flat along the Trasimeno cyclepath, ideal to warm up and enjoy the atmosphere. After 10 kilometres, you will reach Borghetto, the start of the most difficult and fascinating part of the trail - you will have to face various kilometres uphill to reach Mount Castiglione and then continue on a long stretch across the mountain ridge to the Gosparini Cross, a vantage point that will leave you breathless.

From here, a series of steep ups and downs will test your legs, but the panorama is well worth it, seen that you are in one of the most panoramic spots of the lake Trasimeno area.

The last few kilometres are either flat or downhill, ideal to loosen your muscles and enjoy the views some more.

The route can be taken any time of year, but we highly recommend autumn, when the colours of the woods that surround the lake are truly breathtaking.

The route takes you through the hills of Lake Trasimeno, offering magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is 48 kilometres long with a 1000 metre altitude difference, so a good level of training is required.

This scenic loop trail is a mostly flat path, departing from the center of Torgiano (PG). It starts at La Torre parking lot (there is an electric car charging point in the car park) near the Baglioni Tower which is the symbol of the medieval village of Torgiano. Up until the mid-fifteenth century, the Baglioni Tower constituted the entrance to a customs area, where goods and products from a vast area of central Italy converged and embarked for Rome via the Tiber river.

Starting from the recently renovated Baglioni Tower, head towards Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the main street in the historic center of Torgiano. Passing the Palazzo Comunale, (or town hall) on the left, you also goes by the noteworthy Oratory of Sant'Antonio on the right. Built in the 15th century in conjunction with the foundation of the Confraternity of Sant'Antonio, you can admire a 16th century fresco outside the building. Depicting the ""Madonna with Child"", it is attributed to the school of Domenico Alfani, a well-known Perugian painter of the first half of the sixteenth century, and pupil of Raphael.

The path proceeds to the end of the Corso, where a sharp bend to the left leads to Via Tiradossi. From here it is possible to access, turning right downhill after about 200 meters, the Tiber River Park- an evocative route that winds along the Tiber River to the point of its confluence with the Chiascio river.

This area called, ""Parco dei Mulini"" or ""dei due fiumi""(mill park or park of two rivers) is today a river park, which gets its name from the presence of ancient mills for grinding wheat and olives, that are still clearly visible along the route.

At the end of the descent, the path turns to the right onto an asphalted road which continues for about 500 meters, immersed in a green area leading to the Via Tevere where on the left lies the choice to follow the trekking trail, and on the right follows the bike path. The panorama opens onto scenic countryside, while the route continues, bringing you to an intersection with Provincial Road SP403. Continuing straight onto a dirt road which meanders around a large vineyard, there is a wonderful view of the village of Torgiano from below. Keeping to the right on this path which flanks Via Perugia, the loop around the large vineyard ends back at the crossroads with Provincial Road SP403, where the route doubles back along the same path for about 400 meters. A deviation on the right leads to an increasingly close proximity to the Tiber River, and eventually reaches the area of confluence between both the Tiber and Chiascio rivers.

The dirt road then continues along the course of the Chiascio, skirting the ancient mills of which the territory is renown: The mill known in historical times as Molino della Palazzetta is still active today as Molino Silvestri, which applies the time honored driving force of water combined with actual stone millstones in the production of fine flours, bran, tritello and trivellino. It is a rare find of the oldest historical and cultural tradition of this region: the only fourteenth-century tower in Umbria that stands about three stories tall in the middle of the water.

Upstream from the Rosciano bridge, we find the mill or Molino, now owned by Orcidi, transformed into a private home after the nineteenth-century deviation of the course of the Chiascio river. Downstream from the bridge, with a medieval tower, stood a grain mill. Before arriving near the bridge of Rosciano you can admire the waterfalls of the Chiascio River and a scenic clearing. Further on, turn left onto Via dei Mulini and then go up left onto Via Olivello from where you return to the La Torre parking lot.

Torgiano, a medieval castrum based on Roman ruins on the outskirts of Perugia and Assisi, today widely known for its DOC and DOCG wines. The MUVIT Wine Museum was conceived and created by Giorgio and Maria Grazia Lungarotti, it was opened to the public in 1974 and is managed by the Lungarotti Foundation. The museum is located in Torgiano, in the pars agricola of the monumental Graziani-Baglioni palace, a patrician 17th century summer residence. The museum itinerary, developed along twenty rooms with over 3000 works on display, offers a real journey through 5000 years of wine history and culture, analyzing uses and consumption, mythological and legendary aspects and the multiple symbolic meanings connected to the drink that was dear to the gods.

Archaeological finds from the third millennium BC to the Roman age, tools and technical equipment for viticulture and winemaking, ceramic wine containers of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque ages as well as contemporary, engravings and drawings from the 15th to the 20th century and and other testimonies of decorative arts contribute to document the importance of wine in the collective imagination of the peoples who have lived, over the millennia, around the Mediterranean and in continental Europe. The individual collections on display at the museum are organized into thematic sections according to rigorous scientific criteria and propose the wine and the Dionysian theme as common threads.

The hills surrounding Torgiano are rich in olive trees and olive growing has always been one of the main productive activities in the area.For this reason the MOO - olive and oil museum was born, located in a small cluster of medieval houses within the castle walls and is managed by the Lungarotti Onlus Foundation. The museum itinerary develops along eleven rooms and opens with information written by the C.N.R. (National Research Council) on the botanical characteristics of the olive tree, on the most widespread cultivars in Umbria, on the traditional and most innovative techniques of cultivation and oil extraction, together with maps on the historical diffusion of olive growing. The following rooms are set in the premises that were formerly home to an olive press, active until a few decades ago; they host a rich documentation relating to the history and evolution of olive oil machines: from the first stone mortars of the 5th millennium B.C. to the introduction of the trapetum (the tub of Greek origin, used by the Romans, with two hemispherical rotating wheels), up to the reference to the most modern systems and to the invention of the “continuous cycle” system that marked the start for the modern olive oil extraction system.

The path continues on the two upper floors, where the presence of oil and olive trees in daily life, the uses and values attributed to them over time are documented in sections: the mythological origin of the plant, the importance of olive growing, from the Roman economy to the medieval revival up to recent centuries, oil as a source of lighting, in Mediterranean monotheistic religions, in medicine and nutrition, in sports, in cosmetics, as a source of heating and as a significant element of popular lore that attributed, and partially still does, symbolic, propitiatory, apotropaic and curative values to the plant and the product derived from its fruit.
The Museum is directed by the art historian and archivist Maria Grazia Marchetti Lungarotti.

At Palazzo Malizia, in Piazza della Repubblica in Torgiano, there is the ""MACC - Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art"", which includes two permanent collections: Vaselle d'autore per il Vino Novello (Author's Vases for the New Wine): exhibits jugs, called ""vaselle"" in the Umbrian tradition, made by contemporary artists who, every year, reinterpret the ancient and popular tradition of terracotta by proposing new types of vases to celebrate the new wine. Since 2010, the ""Vaselle d'Autore"" event has been part of the ""Versando Torgiano"" event, which has further emphasised the importance of wine as a typical product of these lands.

The exhibition of the sculptor and ceramist Nino Caruso: includes a conspicuous collection of about 60 works created from the 1950s to the present day. The works, which document the sculptor's entire artistic career, are evidence of contemporary ceramic art. Vases, oil lamps and steles evoke archaic forms of ancient civilisations, especially Etruscan, but also African.

Located on the corner between the main street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Baglioni, The Graziani-Baglioni, is a fine example of an agricultural-noble house in this unique area of Umbria.

The sober structure, which dates back to the end of the 17th century and incorporates the remains of older historical buildings, is divided into three floors. At the entrance there is a terracotta plaque engraved with the year 1694, perhaps in memory of the end of the construction work.

The front facade looks out over Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, on which both the main door and the secondary door open. The main door gives access to the staircase through which the residential part of the building is reached, while the latter constitutes the entrance to the agricultural part of the building, with rooms once used for the administration of land property, for the equipment needed in the processing of agricultural commodities and for the storage of products.

Today this entrance leads to the Muvit Wine Museum, a private museum founded in 1974 by the will and commitment of Giorgio and Maria Grazia Lungarotti. The residential part of the building, that until recently was still used as a private residence by the heirs of the Baglioni family, preserves on its main floor a gallery frescoed in the second half of the eighteenth century by Paolo Brizi (1702-1773), with a representation of the four continents. This area of the building also houses a library enriched with literary texts of great theological and cultural interest and numerous rooms embellished with period furniture. In the hall dedicated to large arms, on either side of the imposing fireplace, two cannons known as, “cannoncini di allegrezza” from the end of the 16th century are preserved along with other noteworthy pieces of artillery.

Another side of the building overlooks a beautiful garden, bordered by a seventeenth-century wall and by what were once the stables. Outside, in a niche, you can admire the fresco by Mario Madiai (Siena, 1944): Resurrection of 1998, one of the contemporary signs present in the city.

In front of the main entrance of the building there is another garden, framed by an eighteenth-century elegant architecture in terracotta and closed by means of an iron gate, dominated by the coat of arms of the noble Graziani family.

The parish church of San Bartolomeo, located in the historic center, was built at the end of the 13th century. In this epoch, the construction of the castle and the incentives promoted by the Municipality of Perugia to favor its rapid population also made it necessary to build a place of worship. However, the current appearance of the church is the result of the demolition of this original structure, which took place at the end of the 18th century. At that time, in accordance with the basilica design planned by the Roman architect, Antonio Stefanucci, a new church was immediately erected and completed in 1805.

It has a facade covered in terracotta. A square bell tower is housed in an ancient castle structure, that once was designated as a city cemetery. In the Middle Ages this constituted the keep of the eastern gate of the castle. At the base of the bell tower is the ""Oratorio della Compagnia della Morte, o della Misericordia"", built in 1587 and restored, as the inscription under the tympanum recalls, in 1714. It is currently deconsecrated and is used for cultural exhibitions.

Inside, the Church of San Bartolomeo has a single nave with a barrel vault and apse decorated by Ascanio Guglielmo di Panicale and Gaspare and Olimpio Colli di Piegaro in 1937. Above the four side altars, in gilded stucco of eighteenth-century style, some pictorial and sculptural works are placed. These include a Deposition by Felice Pellegrini, an artist of the Barocci school, made in the sixteenth century as narrated in the inscription: ""Felix Peregrinus de Perusia inventor pingebat 1588"", here probably transferred from the Oratorio della Misericordia; a Marriage of the Virgin dated 1814; a statue of the Immaculate Conception; an Apparition of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles dated from 1590.

Questo percorso è indicato sia per trekking che per bike, ma con quest’ultima si può percorrere solo in una direzione in quanto prevede passaggi su strade a senso unico.

Excursion trail in the form of a loop that passes mainly in woodsy areas, the beginning and end portions of which pass through a road that is open to traffic. Departure is from the historic center of Collazzone (PG), near the Church of San Lorenzo. This parish church is located in the center of Collazzone, in front of the main square, nominated after Umberto I, nineteenth century king of Italy. The church was built between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries on what was once the castle keep, replacing the ancient parish that was originally founded in 1671. Of the original structure, the newer church retains the eighteenth-century belfry, built on one of the castle towers and still visible behind the apse. The façade, built with inspiration taken from the Church of San Francesco al Prato in Perugia, is characterized by both a beautiful rose window and terracotta decorations of local craftsmanship. Inside there are works of great interest, including a 13th century polychromatic wooden sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child. It is among the highest examples of Umbrian art. On the sides of the tabernacle, two angels of local manufacture were added in the 15th century. On the right wall of the church, there is a small but noteworthy fresco depicting the Madonna and Child which dates back to the fourteenth century.

From the square, proceed to Via della Fiera and then take Viale Marconi, following towards Via dell’Abbazia if continuing on foot, or Viale Marconi if proceeding by bike. Next, take Via di Collazzone downhill, where after about 500 meters, a left turn puts you into the woods on a dirt path. From this descent, a wide view is offered, overlooking the small villages of San Terenziano, Grutti, Marcellano, and the hamlets of Gualdo Cattaneo.

After about 1.3 km, turn left again, continuing downhill in the woods for another kilometer, arriving once again at a left turn. This path continues on the opposite side of a small hilly gorge which brings you to the ruins of an ancient mill. The Mulino delle Botte, now completely in ruins, is located along the road that runs adjacent to the Puglia stream, near the turning point towards the hamlet Gaglietole. Architecturally, the ruins of the mill present an almost square-based body with a small extension alongside.

The perimeter walls are built in river stone mixed with bricks. Leaving behind the remains of the ancient mill, continue on the dirt road, arriving at Strada Gaglietolese which continues uphill through the woods. Follow the dirt path until you reach Via Jacopone da Todi and rejoin the asphalted road Via dell’Abbazia. This road arrives at the convent of San Lorenzo where you can visit the crypt of Jacopone da Todi. After the Monastery, continue straight on Via dell'Abbazia to return to the historic center of Collazzone from Viale Marconi.

On the wall of the public parking lot in Viale Marconi, a modern mural can be seen entitled, “Mother Nature”. A visually striking work of street art created by a group of local artists, the mural, is painted brightly in two halves divided by the central face of a crying woman- Mother Nature in depiction. On her left side is a family at the table with skulls as faces. Adjacent, a farmer walks by with a gas mask, against the background of burnt hills and a building with the classic undulating shape of the asbestos roofs that are still present in large quantities in this territory. The predominant color on this part is bright red.

The excursion ends by continuing on Viale Marconi, and turning right on Viale Cesare Battisti to return to the starting point in Piazza Umberto I.

The parish church of San Lorenzo is situated at the center of Collazzone, in front of the main square dedicated to Umberto I. It was built between the 19th and 20th centuries, where the keep of a castle once stood, to replace the old parish church founded in 1671. Part of its original structure is the 18th century bell tower constructed on one of the castle keeps and still visible behind the apse of the church. The façade is characterized both by the beautiful rose window and by the decorations made up of local terracotta. Inside there are art works of remarkable interest, including a 13th c. wooden sculpture, polychrome, depicting the Madonna and Child. It's one among the finest examples of Umbrian Art. On the sides of the tabernacle two Angels of local manufacture were added in the 15th century. On the right wall of the church, note a small but interesting 14th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.

The abbey, located not far from Collazzone castle walls, was home of the Benedictines since 1227 and of the Franciscans since 1236. In 1370, due to the several raids that involved that area, Pope Urban V ordered the transfer of the convent venue inside the castle walls. The convent is composed of a massive building destined as accommodation for nouns and of a church, believed to be of Romanesque origin, confirmation is given by the underground crypt structure, built in a style typical of the 10th and 11th centuries, where, according to tradition, Jacopone da Todi took refuge in 1306, looking for a solitary place to spend the last period of his life, dying on Christmas Eve of the same year. Today it is difficult to guess the layout of the ancient convent, which has been significantly changed following restoration works that have been made over the course of the centuries. The church is the most easily identifiable of the buildings: a simple structure divided into a nave with side aisles with rounded arches and characterised by wooden trusses.

Jacopo dei Benedetti, known as Jacopone da Todi (Todi, about 1236 - Collazzone, 1306), is remembered for being a great Italian poet and an uncompromising religious man, who abandoned all his earthly possessions to follow ""the word of God''. He was a member of a noble family and he was able to live a wealthy and accommodating life, studying law at the university and becoming a lawyer. In 1267 he married Vanna, daughter of Bernardino di Guidone, count of Coldimezzo. Unfortunately, not long after their wedding, Vanna died in a tremendous accident due to the dance floor collapse. Benedetti gave up his legal practice, gave away all his possessions and from about 1268 lived as a wandering ascetic, joining the Third Order of St. Francis. During this period, he gained a reputation as a madman, due to his eccentric behavior, acting out his spiritual vision, earning him the nickname he was to embrace of “Jacopone”. In 1278 he entered the Franciscan Order as a laic friar. The friar spends, at last, his last years in the Convent of San Lorenzo of Collazzone, where he dies in 1306. His body was originally buried outside Todi town walls, then his grave was discovered and his remains transferred to a crypt in the Franciscan Church of San Fortunato in Todi. The still existing tomb is adorned, at the behest of Bishop Angelo Cesi from Todi, with a slab engraved with the inscription: «Here lie the bones of Blessed Jacopone dei Benedetti da Todi, a friar minor who, mad with love for Christ with his new art, made fun of the world and conquered Heaven. He fell asleep in the Lord on March 25, 1296 year of the Lord "".

A ring trail on a path with a slight vertical drop, starting from the central Piazza Cavour in Bettona (Pg) (near the starting point there’s Bettona Outdoor, ebike / bike rental and workshop, bike and hiking tours organization). From Piazza Cavour take the central Corso Marconi and ViaXX Settembre in the direction of Porta Romana and exit the Etruscan walls.

Then continue among the olive trees, along the 5 Cerri road up to the crossroads with via Montemerlino on the right, where you start to walk on a dirt road, admiring on the left Mount Subasio with Assisi and the other villages overlooking the valley; on the right Deruta and, farther, Todi can be seen. Entering the woods, the path continues on a dirt road, crosses Via 5 Cerri / SP402 and continues straight on Via Santa Illuminata,where an alternation of olive groves and stretches of wood give shape to the ups and downs of the hill, until reaches the XII century Church of S. Gregorio, one of the “Luoghi del Cuore” FAI - Italian Environment Fund.

Characteristic are the bell gable and the front porch flanked by a well. During the Middle Ages it was used as a hospital. From the Church of S. Gregorio, the path descends on the dirt road until the intersection with Via Col di Lodola. Following the same road the road reaches the Church of Sant’Onofrio, annexed to the homonymous monastery, ruled by the Cappuccini Friars Minor since 1550. The church has inside important late-Giotto frescoes (14th-15th century) and today it serves as a chapel for the monumental cemetery of Bettona.

From the Church of Sant’Onofrio continue on Via Col di Lodola until you reach Via Roma where at the end, in Largo Bruno Buozzi, you will find the best preserved section of the ancient Etruscan Walls, resting directly on a sandstone bank; then bend at right angles at the square in front of the town entrance. You pass by the Bettona belvedere, facing Perugia, which embraces a wide panorama that goes from Mount Subasio to Lake Trasimeno. You enter the historic center of Bettona from Porta Vittorio Emanuele, which still retains the ancient wooden door, to arrive, along via Santa Caterina, up to Piazza Cavour.

The church of San Francesco is a XII century building. Inside we can admire the main altar with stuccoes from the 1500s. The altarpiece with a painting from the Cortonese school of the seventeenth century, depicting the crucifixion with Mary Magdalene, San Crispolto, San Francesco and the brothers of the Confraternity of Death. Above we can admire the Eternal Father. In the left altar we find a wooden crucifix for the excavation of Good Friday. In the right altar, instead, we find the seventeenth century Madonna Addolorata. On the vault, tempera that ""Pinse Giuseppe Barbadori all’età di 24 anni, 1808"" (painted at the age of 24 by Giuseppe Barbadori).

The Museum of the City of Bettona is housed in the Palazzo del Podestà and in the Palazzo Biancalana, a neoclassical style noble residence. The museum collection includes two sections: the archeological section and the painting gallery.

The archeological section of the Museum opens the exhibition itinerary giving evidence of the origins of the territory. Among the most important works there is the magnificent Aphrodite marble head of the mid-imperial age. Numerous Etruscan finds are preserved: burial markers, ceramics and rare examples of boundary stone (tular). Gold and other finds discovered in the tomb of Colle which was unearthed in 1913 are displayed in the Umbria National Archeological Museum in Perugia.

The paving works of Piazza Cavour have unearthed an ancient monumental well dating from the late fifteenth century; it is a circular structure of blocks of square sandstone; the outer diameter to the square level is of 6.40 m. Also interesting are the remains of underground walls and a stretch of roadway from medieval times.

The itinerary continues with the Pinacoteca, an artwork collection started in 1904. It occupies the Palazzo Biancalana noble floor and the hall of the 13th century Palazzo del Podestà. The Picture Gallery houses about sixty artworks, mostly paintings, ranging from the 13th century to the 19th century. Worthy of note are the Sant'Antonio da Padova and the Madonna della Misericordia by Pietro Vannucci known as Perugino, two precious 14th-century illuminated choirs , the Archangel San Michele by Fiorenzo di Lorenzo, the Adoration of the shepherds by Dono Doni, the Madonna In glory and saints by Jacopo Siculo, a tabernacle with Christ and the Evangelists attributed to Domínikos Theotokópoulos better known as El Greco, Saints Peter and Paul by Giuseppe Ribera called Spagnoletto. The collection is completed with heterogeneous artifacts of considerable interest, including scagliola and ceramic materials and interesting examples of sculptural production, such as the polychrome wooden crucifix attributed to Agostino di Duccio and the Saint Anthony in glazed terracotta from the Della Robbia school.

Recently, the very prestigious bust of Antonio Canova has been added to the museum collection, a self-portrait that the famous artist made in 1812 and which was found in Bettona in 2016.

It is the mother church of the territory of Bettona. Its origins date back to the dawn of Christianity: according to tradition it stands on the house of the first miracle of San Crispolto.

In 1225, it was enlarged and a next restoration gives it to us in its current neoclassical aspect. Of the ancient Roman-Gothic church, just the chapel of S. Rita remains. The apse was frescoed, in 1939, by the futurist painter Gerardo Dottori. The main altar is adorned with a ciborium finely made by Cruciano Egiduzio from Bettona in 1590. Various works from S. Maria Maggiore enrich the Museum of the City of Bettona. In 1797 a collegiate church was built next to the church thanks to the sale of the properties of the four brotherhoods and three rural churches.

The oratory of Sant’ Andrea share the same square of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore and it was built between the XII and XIII century: of modest size, it was characterized by a cross vault; the Venerable Confraternity of Sant’ Andrea used to meet here, they also managed the nearby hospital and took care of the burial of the dead in the front garden.

The facade was originally decorated with a painting depicting the “Giudizio Finale”, today just few traces remain near the bell tower. The oratory was completely restored between the 17th and 18th centuries, with the elimination of the cross vault and the addition of the Baroque main altar.

The church of San Crispolto was erected by the Benedictine monks at the beginning of the 13th century to preserve the body of the patron saint. The temple has a Latin cross shape and over the centuries it has been the subject of numerous interventions, for example, just the beautiful cuspidated bell tower remains of the whole primitive Romanesque building.

The current facade (1795-1797) is the work of the Roman Antonio Stefanucci, a pupil of Vanvitelli; near the main altar we find a canvas of 1590; the organ is the work of Cianciulla Romani from Cortona; the bust of the saint is in silver-plated copper from the early 18th century. In the left transept there is a pictorial cycle of 36 works depicting the legend of San Crispolto, copies made in 1797 by Stefano Notari; the much more precious original cycle, which decorated the central nave was attributed to Cesare Sermei from Orvieto.

A journey from Umbertide to see the fortresses and castles of the Upper Tiber valley, among strategic outposts of rare beauty and the men who used them. The journey ends in Pietralunga, on the hills of the Umbria-Marches portion of the Apennines.

If you wish to spend a sweet day with the family, we suggest that you head towards San Sisto on the outskirts of Perugia and spend some time in the Perugina School of Chocolate.

The Perugina School of Chocolate invites anyone wishing to gain the knowledge of the master chocolatiers and the secrets of perfect chocolate, its processing techniques and its manual tempering, to come to chocolate school. The courses are, for example, “Choco-Cake Design”, “Create and Decorate your bonbon” “Score a goal”, “Lady kisses”, appropriate for both adults and children. The school has 12 workstations with all the necessary processing tools, each able to accommodate 2 people.

The classroom was used to film scenes for Lezioni di cioccolato, the comic movie by Claudio Cupellini with Violante Placido, Luca Argentero and Neri Marcorè (2007).

After having attended one of the school’s courses and tasted your sweet creations, you could visit the Perugina House of Chocolate made up of the Historical Museum of Chocolate and the Factory.

Within the museum an itinerary will lead you through the history of the company, the evolution of its precious chocolate, starting from the land producing it, to conclude with the wonderful treats made from it, including the Perugina Baci. The museum also presents important evidence of a century of Italian business history; in fact, it houses the Buitoni Perugina Historical Archive, protected by the Cultural Heritage Agency.

After the visit to the Museum, you taste some of the best and most famous products made by Perugina and then visit the Factory producing Perugina Baci, Easter eggs, chocolate bars and many other well-known products.

The Perugina School of Chocolate and the House of Chocolate will take you on a sweet trip to discover chocolate and its thousand delicious aspects.

With its 70 hectares, the Polvese Island is the largest of the three islands of Lake Trasimeno, reachable in a few minutes by ferries departing from the main coastal villages.
The area is of particular historical and naturalistic interest, but also very rich from an artistic and cultural point of view.

Starting from the villa, you move towards the beach along the reeds. After the bar, you enter the woods. After about 200 meters, the path climbs up, penetrating the wood and exiting the olive grove, continuing by bending to the right. The route becomes very scenic.
Leaving the wood, continue towards the ridge of the island. After passing an abandoned roccolo and, further on, the Casa Merlata, you come to a crossroads. Turn left along Via delle Processioni and then down the path bordered by old rosemary and pomegranate hedges until, after Podere Poggio, you reach the Garden of Aquatic Plants. From here you quickly descend to the starting point.

From the villa, you go up for about 150 meters and, passing through a centuries-old olive grove, after passing some steps in the shade of oaks and cypresses, you reach the Garden of Aquatic Plants.
Resuming the path, continue for another 40 meters and then turn left. Among ancient olive trees, you reach the church of San Giuliano and the Castle.
Going up the path, this reaches Podere Poggio where the old farm stands, from whose balcony you can admire an unparalleled panorama.
The ancient procession route, bordered by splendid rosemary and pomegranate plants, leads you to the church of San Secondo and to the Monastery of the Olivetan monks.
After a short stop, go down to the right along a path bordered by cypresses. Continuing on the right, along the wood, you return to the Villa.

The route starts from the lawn in front of the villa, continues south-west along the path that leads to the Castle and the church of S. Giuliano.
After the short stop, continue along the lake along an avenue framed by oleanders and poplars, reaching the northern tip of the island. A quick look around allows you to see, on the mainland, the villages of Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Passignano and the other two islands.
Continuing, the path runs along the north-west side, which is cooler and more humid, characterized by the presence of an escarpment, in some places very high, where the holm oak wood has developed for centuries.
At the exit of the wood you are near the Casa di Delfo and a little further on the beach. From here, along the reeds you quickly return to the Villa.

A full table, with succulent meat-based dishes and wonderful desserts to enjoy: it's undoubtedly an experience not to be missed if you're in Umbria over the Christmas period.

Beginning with simple ingredients, the local traditional cuisine will impress even the most demanding palate. These uncomplicated but tasty dishes were originally created by Umbrian peasants, who managed to compensate for the lack of opulence with imagination and wit.

Every part of Umbria celebrates Christmas with traditional local dishes, but the basis of the menu is the same for everyone. Take a seat at the table and begin with the starters, enjoying the tasty crostini di fegatini (crostini with liver paté): a white meat paté on a slice of toasted bread (the bread must be unsalted), which is considered one of the cornerstones of Umbrian traditional cuisine.

Continuing onto first courses, to discover the real stars of the table: cappelletti in brodo di cappone (handmade cappelletti in capon broth). There is no family in Umbria, that doesn't celebrate the 25th December around a plate of this fresh pasta, preferably home-made, and cooked in flavoursome capon broth. The broth, which is already cooked for the first course, is eaten as a second course, accompanied by torta al testo (a type of bread) as well as something which the Umbrians eat at every festive occasion: the grigliata di maiale e di agnello (mixed grill of pork and lamb).

The side dishes on the Umbrian table on Christmas Day celebrate a vegetable which is often overlooked: Cardi (Cardoons). They may be simply boiled or cooked in delicious oven-baked ""parmigiana"", a dish which is enjoyed by young and old alike, made with cardoons, milk, parmesan and mozzarella.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a feast of sweets and desserts. In Umbria the Christmas desserts vary, depending on the area: you can try Torciglione, an almond paste-based sweet, in the Trasimeno area. Instead, in Terni, you'll find Panpepato, made of dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg and grape must. People from Perugia celebrate the festivities with a bite of Pinoccata (or pinocchiata) which, as the name suggests, is made of pine nuts and is flavoured with chocolate or vanilla.

All you need to do now is take a seat at the table and try the delicious delicacies, the result of time old cooking traditions!

If you are in Umbria over the Christmas period, try some of the delicious dishes from rural traditions. Take a place at the table and discover the flavours of Christmas.

Walking is a healthy activity, for both body and soul: walking through the historic centres of Umbrian towns is a wonderful way to admire and learn about the architecture and art of these places, as well as stay healthy.

If you would like to explore the neighbourhoods of Foligno, then spend a Tuesday or Thursday evening in this city when the Foligno Walks group meets at 8:30 pm for a walking tour. The itinerary changes each time to explore streets and neighbourhoods that even local residents may not be familiar with.

It is possible to participate in groups with moderate speed on a short trip (about 1 hour) or with regular speed on a long trip (about 1 h and 20 mins).

Foligno is well worth a visit, as its historic centre is one of the oldest in Umbria and has preserved many beautiful examples of places of worship and stately buildings. During your walk you will see many interesting areas, some of which merit further investigation. Among these is the Piazza della Repubblica, where the Cathedral of San Feliciano stands. Its secondary facade is an architectural jewel created by the masters Rodolfo and Binello, and dates to the year 1201. Nearby Palazzo Trinci is also well worth a visit for the series of early 15^th century frescoes done by Gentile da Fabriano together with other artists. You cannot help but be drawn to what was once the church of the Santissima Trinità in Annunziata where you can admire a work of the 20^th century said to be one of the best examples of art of its time, the Calamita Cosmica. It is a skeleton constructed of fibreglass, iron and Styrofoam, and it is 24m long with a width of 4m.

If you come to Foligno in June or September you will find the city transformed by the Baroque atmosphere of the Quintana joust, an historical re-enactment not to be missed.

For information about dates and itineraries, visit the Association's Facebook page Foligno Cammina.

Walking is a healthy activity, for both body and soul. And if you want to add to this the discovery of surprisingly beautiful places, this proposal is the one for you.

For lovers of trekking and woodland biking, Monte Malbe certainly offers the richest network of hiking trails in the Corcianese area, immersed in the wonders of Umbrian nature: Mediterranean scrub, ancient charcoal and limestone pits, suggestive karst sinkholes, meadows tinged with the changing colors of the seasons, small 'trosce' guardians of wildlife resources protected at European level and many other discoveries.

There are currently 5 ring-shaped hiking itineraries (marked locally and mapped in gpx) and a “Fantastic Trail” specifically dedicated to children.
Each itinerary presents peculiar points of historical-naturalistic interest and a specific degree of difficulty.

How many spiritual itineraries do you know? Certainly you'll have heard of the Santiago de Compostela Way, or of the ancient Via Francigena, two roads used by pilgrims to reach places of devotion and find themselves along the way. But Italy boasts many more spiritual paths, such as the Vie Romee or the Via Teutonica. Leaving aside Sigerico's itinerary, let us concentrate on the Cammino della Luce, the Path of Light, which also ends in Rome.

There aren't just the Via Francigena and the Santiago Way: discover these spiritual itineraries enshrined in Umbria's pristine nature. Through five locations, you will arrive in Rome enriched by history, charm, and well-being.

Benedict, named patron saint of Europe in 1964 by Paul VI, is an example of spiritual depth and strong involvement in the community. A timeless exploration of the enchanted places of Umbria, where nature and arts echo the Benedictine rule.

The Amerina Road is a very ancient path: indeed it dates back to the third century before Christ, as ""stitching"" of previous local tracks, that connected Veio with Ameria, the present Amelia (thence the name Amerina). The road crosses the territory of Falisci and touches the towns of Nepi, Falerii, Fescennium (Corchiano), Gallese, Vasanello and Orte.

A path starting from Perugia and reaching Rome, along the Amerina road, passing through walking the Amelia area, to enjoy a highly valuable as well as inspiring historical and artistic heritage.

8 separate itineraries, 3 of which ring-shaped to discover the medieval fortified villages in the upper valley of the Nestòre river: Castiglion Fosco, Oro, Greppolischieto, Gaiche and Cibottola.

The Nestòre river is a tributary of the Tiber which along its 42 km bathes the municipalities of Città della Pieve, Panicale, Piegaro, Perugia and Marsciano. From the Neolithic to the twentieth century it was important in local history. It hosts a rich ichthyofauna and constitutes the habitat of numerous species of flora and fauna.

In the upper valley of the Nestòre there are interesting fortified villages that date back to the Middle Ages which reveal themselves to visitors also through 8 easy itineraries that can be traveled on foot, all ring-shaped except the first 3:

Fontignano - Castiglion Fosco
Castiglion Fosco - Piegaro
Piegaro - City of the Pieve
Montarale ring
Cibottola La Fontana
Ierna
Tavernelle - Borga Sala
Montarale - Greppolischieto

Find the modern soul of Umbria in places you least expect: discover the end of a century, of a civilisation and of life itself inside a church and search for new talent in exhibition spaces that create a continuous connection between the past and the future.

From the genius of Calder to the geometry of Pomodoro, Modern and contemporary art from Spoleto to Terni. International art collections and unusual and fascinating exhibition spaces.

This journey will take you on a discovery tour from Todi to Assisi to see the extraordinary Romanesque architecture of buildings that radically changed the look of the older Medieval cities. It was a grand innovation which spread alongside the credos of various religious orders, including that of St. Francis.

From Todi to Assisi to see some of the finest examples of Romanesque religious architecture: from the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to that of San Rufino.

All’Umbria, che ispirò la sua arte con i paesaggi urbani e naturali, il maestro Gerardo Dottori dedicò originali e armoniose interpretazioni pittoriche viste dall’alto, ancora oggi attuali e di grande respiro.

Siete pronti ad andare alla scoperta delle sue opere? Sono disseminate tra Perugia e la sua provincia in luoghi religiosi e istituzionali fruibili ai visitatori (ma anche in ville e in palazzi privati), lungo un itinerario, che vi regalerà grandi sorprese.

Archivi Gerardo Dottori-Associazione culturale, via Pompili n. 38 Perugia, tel. +39 340 0694942
Museo civico di Palazzo della Penna-Centro di cultura contemporanea, via Prospero Podiani Perugia, tel. +39 075 9477727
Palazzo Baldeschi, corso Pietro Vannucci n. 66 Perugia, tel. +39 075 5734760.
Palazzo Gallenga Stuart, piazza Braccio Fortebraccio n. 4 Perugia, tel. +39 075 5746270

Un itinerario alla scoperta delle opere del pittore perugino tra i più influenti esponenti del Futurismo italiano.

One of these is Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest lakes in Italy. If you would like to explore the area west of the lake, take this tour to discover the lovely hilltop villages here.

A day in the hilltop towns above Lake Trasimeno exploring the medieval villages of the area: visit Castiglione del Lago, Paciano and Panicale, three of Umbria's most important villages.

The dynamic exhibition space of the Lauri Garden and the ideal city of Tommaso Buzzi; an excursion through the 'Green Heart of Italy' and one of the most surprising private collections of contemporary art; the surreal spectacle of the Scarzuola.

Find out all about how craftsmen work gold and glass, tradition and innovation: from the master goldsmiths of Torgiano to the artisans of glass in Piegaro, a discovery tour exploring the origins of traditional crafts and its modern version

Nature lovers already know that Umbria holds some spectacular pristine landscapes, ideal for a day or a weekend of wellness and relaxation. You could go to the area around Amelia, or explore the nature trails around the Marmore Waterfall, one of the tallest in Europe. But the region is more than clean air and expanses of greenery: here, you will also find culture, legends, and, crucially, history.

Archaeology fans in particular can go wild over the ancient Flaminian Way itinerary, erected in 220 BC by the Roman consul Caius Flaminius Nepotus. This road was built to connect Rome with the northern part of the Italian peninsula, up to Rimini.

Along the ancient Flaminian Way, dating from Roman times, we find prestigious outlooks and archaeological sites. Here they are all together in one itinerary.

It can be classified as medium-hard because of its height difference and its distance. The start is from the centre of Paciano in Piazza della Repubblica, where the trail descends downhill. Leaving the sealed road, it turns into a dirt road which goes under the railway and the main highway before returning to the sealed road below Villastrada.

It continues straight ahead up the short climb towards the “Le Coste” estate and after a quick descent, it meets the SS 71 at km 11,1 where it turns right towards Chiusi. The trail soon leaves the main road (km 11,4) and turns left up the first climb of the route: a wonderful dirt road first through the woods, then through fields and grapevines to San Litardo, where it picks up the SS 71 Nord and continues its climb towards Città della Pieve.

At Città della Pieve, a town of etrusco-roman origins, it is worth stopping at km 18,5 for a visit to the historical centre. From here the trail goes towards the sports ground and continues along a rather uneven dirt road after the sealing ends. At the bottom of the descent, it goes along a narrow valley until it crosses over the SP309 (km 24), into the dirt road on the other side and begins the second, hardest climb of the route.

The first 200 metres are very steep and rocky and may cause bikers to dismount, but the rest is not as rough. It continues through the woods for several kilometres, but towards the summit, the forest opens out onto breath-taking views that can reach as far as Mt. Abetone on clear days. The climb ends just a few metres from the top of Mt. Pausillo (km 29,5) where the trail start descending towards Paciano, a technical stretch to be covered with particular attention.

After the first few meters, turn right and climb briefly, take the narrow single track on the left inside the pine forest. Just outside the pine forest, turn left and resume the main dirt road that in a few kilometers takes you back to the center of Paciano.

Along the way, enjoy the regenerating power of the woods of Mount Pausillo, taking advantage of the wonderful views that open up on Lake Trasimeno and all the surrounding valleys, with a view that reaches up to Mount Amiata and that, on clear days, also embraces the Abetone. The villages crossed by the itinerary are also worth a visit. The historical center of Paciano, for example, is among the most beautiful villages in Italy for the remarkable environmental and artistic heritage, is enclosed in a fourteenth-century walls with towers and three gates and stands in an area rich in forests of oak and chestnut trees. The medieval village of Panicale is instead lying on the hills of Lake Trasimeno where you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake landscape and the valley of Nestore. Inside the country worthy of note are the Palazzo del Popolo, the Collegiate Church of San Michele, the complex of San Sebastiano and the Cesare Caporali Theater. Not to be missed is Città della Pieve: ancient Etruscan-Roman center, it has kept intact most of its ancient structure. Between the buildings of greater merit there are the Dome, that preserve the works of two great painters, the Perugino and the Pomarancio; the church of Saint Maria of the Whites, where the extraordinary Adoration of the Magi of the Perugino is found; the Fortress (1326), with five towers; the palace of the Corgna (XVI century); Bandini palace (XVI century); palace of the Fargna (XVIII century), center of the Common one, and Baglioni palace, of the XVIII century.

In the extreme western part of Umbria, through villages of great interest such as Paciano, Città della Pieve and Panicale, in a gratifying itinerary from the naturalistic, artistic and cultural point of view.

Although the trail is not very long, it is of medium difficulty because of the steep climb from Capocavallo to Monte Malbe and Colle della Trinità, over 600m high.

The start is from the carpark just outside the walls of Corciano. From here, the trail descends towards Ellera. At the next crossroads (Km1,3), it turns left towards Umbertide and continues to descend. It then goes straight ahead to km 6,4 where it turns right at the roundabout into a dirt road. Later, it returns to the sealed road and turns left at km 7,7 towards Capocavallo, and starts to climb, becoming a dirt road after about a kilometre.

The uphill road goes to the Capuccini convent (Km11,5), where an easy, enjoyable single track leads out of the woods to the start of another uphill stretch on dirt road. After a series of rather tough hills and dales, the trail arrives at Colle della Trinità, the highest point of the route. It then enters the Colle della Trinità Park before descending the sealed road back to Corciano. After the SP 172 turnoff, it is only one gentle kilometre uphill back to the starting point.

The small medieval village of Corciano (photo below) with its labyrinth of streets, alleys, towers and steps inside the high surounding walls. In the centre of the village it is worth seeing the tower of Porta S. Maria, piazza Coragino, where there is a nice 16th century well, the palazzo comunale and the palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the parish church of S. Maria Assunta, which contains a painting of the Assunta by Perugino (1513) and the Gonfalone by Benedetto Bonfigli painted in 1472. A kilometre from Corciano, it is worth visiting Castello di Pieve del Vescovo, a square, fortified castle with an inner courtyard and four corner towers. It was built around the XIII century, but was transformed into an noble residence between 1560 and 1570. The woodlands at Monte Malbe, rising above the village of Corciano, are an excellent place to see views of Monte Tezio and Perugia. The walled villages of San Mariano, Solomeo, Chiugiana, Mantignana, Miginana e Capocavallo, all just a few kilometres from each other, have kept their original aspect and are worth a visit.

The route starts from the medieval village of Corciano and for most of the way it winds through the woods of Monte Malbe, where there are beautiful views over the surrounding countryside, Perugia included

Pur non essendo brevissimo, questo itinerario non presenta alcuna difficoltà altimetrica: a Borghetto poi, è possibile inserire una deviazione che permette di ridurre il chilometraggio totale a 21 chilometri.

La prima parte del percorso, in cui si alternano asfalto e sterrato, si sviluppa nella pianura tra Castiglione e Cortona, a pochi chilometri dalla riva del lago. La parte più spettacolare di questo itinerario però è sicuramente la seconda quando, su un fondo stradale quasi completamente sterrato, si imbocca la ciclovia del Trasimeno che scorre a pochi metri dal lago e si snoda tra ponticelli in legno e una fitta vegetazione.

La partenza è fissata dagli impianti sportivi di Castiglione del Lago, città che al ritorno merita una visita accurata, da dove si prosegue sul lungolago. Uscite da Castiglione seguendo le indicazioni per Pozzuolo e per Piana e dopo circa 6,5 chilometri svoltate a destra e lasciate l'asfalto iniziando a pedalare su una serie di stradoni asfaltati.

Tornando sull'asfalto al chilometro 11,5, immettetevi sulla SS 71 e rimanete su questa strada per circa due chilometri prima di svoltare a destra verso Borghetto. Al paese proseguite diritti e superato il passaggio a livello, c’è un breve tratto in salita dopo il quale potete girare a destra sulla strada sterrata che scorre tra gli ulivi, ammirando un bel panorama sul lago.
Terminata la breve salita girate a destra e poi ancora a destra iniziando a scendere sempre su sterrato. Da qui, superando un casolare ed il sottopassaggio sulla superstrada, in neanche due chilometri si raggiunge la ciclovia del Trasimeno.

Al chilometro 22,5 si torna a pedalare per un breve tratto sull'asfalto, ripassando per il centro di Borghetto, mentre al chilometro 24,2 svoltando a sinistra e tornando sulla ciclovia del Trasimeno, attraverso una fitta vegetazione e bellissimi panorami, si ritorna a Castiglione del Lago costeggiando da vicino le rive del lago.

Questo Itinerario permette di ammirare davvero da vicino il lago Trasimeno, che con i suoi 128 kmq è il quarto d'Italia per estensione. Parco Regionale, la sua superficie circolare incastonata tra morbide colline ricoperte da ulivi e pianure coltivate è di grande interesse naturalistico e costituisce una meta molto ambita per i turisti.
Il centro storico di Castiglione del Lago, con le sue mura medioevali e le tre porte d'ingresso, merita una sosta ed una visita accurata, anche in virtù della splendida visuale che offre sullo stesso lago. All'interno del paese notevoli sono la Rocca del Leone, fortezza pentagonale di origine medievale, che rappresenta uno dei migliori esempi di architettura militare della regione e il Palazzo della Corgna, elegante dimora gentilizia di natura rinascimentale fatta costruire da Ascanio della Corgna nel 1560 su progetto del Vignola o di Galeazzo Alessi. Altro gioiello nell’area è Tuoro, sempre sulle rive del lago. Qui è affascinante il percorso storico della ""battaglia del Trasimeno"" del 217 a.C. tra Romani e Cartaginesi, che ricostruisce le fasi salienti della disfatta dell'esercito romano contro i cartaginesi di Annibale.

Facile e adatto a tutti, è un percorso pianeggiante a pochi chilometri dalla riva del lago, tra Castiglione del Lago e Cortona: si snoda tra asfalto, sterrato, ponticelli e una fitta vegetazione.

The official itinerary of the Romea Germanica Road was marked out by the Abbot Alberto of the Friars Minor in San Giovanni, in about 1236.

Historical Notes
The Abbot Albert, while he was at the Benedictine Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Stade (Hamburg), recognized the necessity to adopt a more rigid ecclesiastical discipline, according to the model of Cistercian rules.
Since he had to obtain the permission by Pope Gregory IX for that purpose, he started his journey towards Rome.
The Pope gave his approval to the wished reform, but the Brothers and the Archbishop of Bremen refused it.
Disappointed, Alberto resigned from his position and entered the Convent of Friars Minor in San Giovanni (Stade).
Here he dedicated himself to writing the so called Annales, a Latin chronicle of the main ecclesiastical and political events of his time.
In this work you can find the dialogue between two monks concerning the best ways for a pilgrimage towards Rome. In the dialogue, the Abbot points out different itineraries with precise data on places and distances to cross, on the conditions of roads and exact indications on the length of the individual stopovers in German miles.

The itinerary
The path, about 2200 km long, has been rediscovered thanks to the work of passionate scholars and archaeologists.
It is made up of three main sections: Germany (from Stade to Wernigrode through Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria). Austria (Seefeld - Innsbruck- Brenner) and Italy.
The Italian itinerary covers 1000 kilometres (divided in 46 stopovers) from Alps to Rome and crosses inspiring views immersed in the nature, villages and towns rich in art and history, through both internationally famous places and less known Italian corners.
The Itinerary can be covered on foot, by bike, on horseback, but also by car and motorbike, choosing from time to time the favourite stopovers to cover with calm and tranquillity, based on the available time and abilities.
There are four Umbrian legs: from Pozzuolo to Paciano (21 km), from Paciano to Città della Pieve (15.6 km), from Città della Pieve to Ficulle (21.7 km), from Ficulle to Orvieto (24.8 km).
It’s a journey at the discovery of some historic and artistic jewels of the Green Heart, among ancient testimonies and landscape beauties.

The Pilgrimage Credential
To follow the Itinerary, request the Pilgrimage Credential allowing to access “ospitali” (pilgrims' lodging) and to obtain some discounts.
The Credential carries the place and date of departure and arrival, the stamps of the places and of the accommodation structures visited, as a demonstration of the path travelled.
The Credential is also the document needed to obtain the certificate of pilgrimage completion, once arrived in Rome, the ""Testimonium”.

The official itinerary of the Romea Germanica Road was marked out by the Abbot Alberto of the Friars Minor in San Giovanni, in about 1236.

If you spend your free time in search of remarkable antiques and if wooden furniture is important to the interior design of your home, then take advantage of your stay in Umbria to learn more about its fine carpentry tradition.

The tradition of woodworking is deeply rooted in all of Umbria, but its best-known centre today is Città di Castello, where the industry produces excellence through tradition and innovation.

In Umbria UNESCO recognized as World Heritage Sites “Assisi and the other Franciscan places” and two places as belonging to the serial site “Lombards in Italy. The places of power (568 - 774 AD)” that includes the most important Lombard evidences located in the national territory.

We offer you an itinerary to discover these unique treasures in the areas of Assisi and Spoleto: comfortable shoes, a packed lunch, a sunny day and a camera is everything you need to leave

Whether you are a devoted pilgrim or a lay person, you cannot help but ask yourself what to seek as you take this journey: a sort of spiritual trekking, stopping in silent oases to contemplate nature and meditate. The itinerary of Merciful and Eucharistic Love invites you to invoke the message of the Gospel through art and prayer.

A journey of inspiration and spirituality in the footsteps of Mother Speranza: from Collevalenza to Orvieto, by way of Todi, the face of meditation takes on the features of this green heart of Italy.

""He nurtured a longstanding desire to travel...his fervour grew, thinking he might visit other sanctuaries"". We are following in the footsteps of Pope Gregory XIV who travelled through Umbria in 1841 to reach Loreto.

A glimpse of Umbria, through the eyes of a special traveller who wanted to visit sanctuaries. Following the announcement of the departure of Holy Father Gregory XIV, a general Jubilee was held.

Prendete nota delle suggestioni che riceverete da questo breve ma intenso tour in un lembo della conca ternana che ruota attorno alla Cascata delle Marmore, celebrata da artisti e scrittori di ogni epoca, definita da Lord Byron “orribilmente bella” e che, come un’attrice, è stata al centro di numerosi film, tra cui “L’Intervista”, del maestro Federico Fellini.
Tutti sappiamo che si tratta di un’eccellente opera d’ingegneria, ma ci piace farvi conoscere la leggendaria storia d’amore da cui ha origine la Cascata. Essa narra della ninfa Nera e del suo amore per il pastore Velino. Quando la dea Giunone venne a sapere di questo amore profano, decise di punire la Ninfa portandola in cima al Monte Vettore dove la fanciulla fu trasformata in un fiume: il Nera. Velino decise di gettarsi dalla rupe delle Marmore per potersi ricongiungere alla sua amata. Quel salto d’acqua, oggi la Cascata delle Marmore, è il simbolo del loro amore eterno.
Oltre alle favole, alle leggende e alla fantasia, bisogna avere gambe buone come le tue per entrare nel cuore della Cascata. Puoi scegliere sei tipi di sentieri proposti nell’area escursionistica.

A soli sei km dalla Cascata è il Lago di Piediluco, sinuoso specchio d’acqua dove si riflette il minuscolo borgo circondato da boschi. Il luogo è un salotto di perfezione e armonia che induce alla contemplazione e al silenzio, ma anche allo sport come il canottaggio: qui si allenano da anni tutti i campioni della specialità grazie a condizioni di acqua e vento sempre ottimali.
Potete fare un bel giro in battello della durata di 40 minuti, con una guida a bordo che vi racconterà le suggestioni e i misteri del lago; al ritorno, se il clima lo consente, potete affittare un lettino e un ombrello ai piedi dell’acqua che riflette tutto il verde circostante; si allungano sull’acqua anche i due monti dell’altra sponda, il Caperno e il Luco, dalla strana forma piramidale che ha dato origini a storie leggendarie.
E quando il giorno volge alla sera, una tappa al paese è d’obbligo. Non mancate di vedere la chiesa di San Francesco, monumento gotico della fine del XIII secolo, che si innalza sopra una larga scalinata.
E se avete ancora voglia di sgambettare, salite ai ruderi della Rocca, eretta nel 1364 per ordine del cardinale spagnolo Egidio Albornoz. Qui fu tenuto prigioniero Corrado Trinci, signore di Foligno.

A circa 20 km da Piediluco è Ferentillo che sorge in una gola boscosa allo sbocco del fosso Salto del Cieco nel fiume Nera e si sviluppa su due nuclei, Matterella e Precetto.
Vi chiederete: “Perché questa località in particolare?”. E noi rispondiamo: “Perché c’è un museo, unico del suo genere, che non potete perdere, Le Mummie di Ferentillo”.
L’esposizione, ospitata nella cripta della chiesa di Santo Stefano, che domina dall’alto il nucleo di Precetto, conserva appunto in grandi teche oltre 30 corpi mummificati con abiti, capelli, denti e unghie, ancora intatti. Ci sono anche 270 teschi, una bara ancora sigillata e due volatili, uno dei quali un’aquila. Anch’essi mummificati. E la scritta che domina all’entrata – e che vi farà di certo riflettere - è più esplicativa che mai: “Oggi a me, domani a te, io fui quel che tu sei, tu sarai quel che io sono. Pensa mortal che il tuo fine è questo e pensa pur che ciò sarà ben presto”. La prima frase è presa dalla Bibbia, la seconda è stata scritta da un cittadino del luogo.
Qui, dal XVI secolo in poi, vennero sepolti i morti del borgo di Precetto. In seguito, nel 1806, fu esteso all’Italia l’editto napoleonico di Saint Cloud, (Décret Impérial sur les Sépultures) che vietava la sepoltura all’interno delle mura cittadine e che impose la costruzione dei cimiteri extraurbani. Oltre a vietare la sepoltura, l’editto impose anche la riesumazione dei corpi e così ci si accorse della mummificazione di alcuni di essi.
Rimarrete di certo strabiliati da questi corpi e dal loro straordinario stato di conservazione, dovuto probabilmente alla composizione del suolo dove venivano deposti i cadaveri: era – come è stato accertato - un terreno particolarmente ricco di microorganismi che, assieme alla continua ventilazione delle finestrelle sempre aperte, pare abbia consentito questo processo.
Ma c’è un’altra particolarità che non vi può sfuggire: di molte salme si conosce la storia, che continua a essere tramandata oralmente o si ritrova negli archivi ecclesiastici: chi morì sotto i ferri del chirurgo, chi a pugnalate, chi, come una suora, seppellita con indosso il suo abito. C’è anche il corpo di una mamma, probabilmente morta di parto e al suo fianco quello di un bambino appena nato, poggiato sopra le fasce in cui era avvolto.
La storia più curiosa, e forse più triste, riguarda le mummie di due asiatici, riconoscibili dalla caratteristica fisionomia. La storia racconta che la coppia voleva raggiungere la capitale attraverso la Via Flaminia forse per l’anno giubilare del XVIII secolo, ma cadde vittima del colera nei pressi di Ferentillo e fu seppellita in questa cripta.

Informazioni
Museo delle Mummie di Ferentillo
via della Rocca, località Precetto
tel. +39 335 6543008
Orario: tutti i giorni, dalle 10.00 alle 13.00 e dalle 15.00 alle 19.00.

L’acqua è il personaggio principale di questo itinerario che vi propone alcuni fra i luoghi più suggestivi della provincia di Terni e di tutta l’Umbria.

Da Perugia è facile raggiungere il lago Trasimeno, il più grande dell'Italia Peninsulare, che deve il proprio nome al principe che secondo una leggenda si innamorò della ninfa Agilla.

Dalle sue acque affiorano tre isole, la Maggiore, dove ancora oggi vive una piccola comunità di pescatori, la Minore, privata, e la Polvese, dove è stato organizzato un centro di documentazione ambientale tra i più qualificati d'Europa. Comodi e frequenti traghetti collegano la terraferma alle isole, mentre il periplo del lago offre l'opportunità di visitare borghi pittoreschi, in pianura ed arroccati.

Uno di questi, per secoli conteso per la sua posizione strategica, è Passignano con il suo castello, di cui ancora si scorgono tratti delle mura, porte e torri.

A Tuoro, luogo decisivo della sconfitta dei Romani contro Annibale, un itinerario guida alla visita dei luoghi della battaglia, e dalle cave di pietra arenaria è nato il Campo del Sole, dove Pietro Cascella ha progettato una composizione di sculture.

Feudo della potente famiglia dei Della Corgna, Castiglione del Lago, in posizione affascinante a dominare il lago, è un alto esempio di architettura fortificata rinascimentale. Sullo sperone che emerge dall’acqua fu eretto il palazzo, con il giardino, gli orti e il castello unito alla residenza ducale da un camminamento.

Panicale, borgo murato a 431 m di altezza, domina il lago e la Valle del Nestore in un contesto paesaggistico di assoluta bellezza, tanto da ispirare Perugino, uno dei più grandi artisti del Rinascimento italiano, quando, nella Chiesa di S. Sebastiano, ne dipinse, nel 1505, il Martirio.

E poi ancora Paciano, o, tornando verso il lago, Sant’Arcangelo e Monte del Lago: dappertutto è consigliata una sosta per gustare il rinomato pesce d'acqua dolce e godere del panorama del lago da queste piccole ma suggestive località.

Before it becomes the great river of Rome further south, the Tiber runs through Umbria giving life to an important River Park in the area of Todi and OrvietoFor thousands of years, the Tiber has determined the course of history and borne witness to many civilizations, starting with the Umbrians and the Etruscans, and was the main conduit which permitted the Romanisation of the region. Later on, in the Middle Ages, the area was dotted with castles, fortified villages and historical centres many of which have remained virtually intact to this day.

The Tiber River Park: lush vegetation along the banks, Corbara Lake and traces of ancient peoples

Se vuoi goderti davvero il Lago Trasimeno devi farlo vivendolo da dentro, ovvero dalle tre isole: la Maggiore, la Minore e la Polvese. Dirigiti a San Feliciano e prendi uno dei traghetti per Isola Polvese, la più grande isola del Lago.
Parti dal Centro Servizi ed esplora l'isola lungo un percorso che costeggia un esteso canneto, ricco di flora e luogo ideale per lo svernamento di molti uccelli acquatici. Da qui raggiungi la punta dell'isola ed entra nel bosco, luogo di particolare interesse naturalistico per la sua lecceta ad alto fusto. A questo punto, esci in corrispondenza del crinale e raggiungi il Giardino delle Piante Acquatiche dove vedi una piscina profonda circa cinque metri, scavata nella roccia e alimentata dalle acque del Trasimeno. La vasca principale è circondata da vasche più piccole dove, a partire dalla tarda primavera, inizia la fioritura di ninfee, fiori di loto e gigli d'acqua.

Completata la visita a Isola Polvese prendi il traghetto verso Castiglione del Lago, splendido borgo anch'esso parte del Parco del Lago Trasimeno; da qui, imbarcati alla volta dell'Isola Maggiore e, fatti i pochi passi che portano al borgo medievale, puoi iniziare la tua passeggiata.
Una volta percorso il tratto che fiancheggia le case antiche, imbocca il sentiero che porta verso la parte più alta dell'isola: qui puoi godere di suggestivi scorci del lago e del paesaggio caratterizzato da ulivi, cipressi e pioppi. Da qui, dirigiti verso la chiesa di san Michele Arcangelo per poi scendere e arrivare fino alle sponde del lago, dove, secondo i racconti, si fermò a pregare san Francesco.
La visita al locale museo del merletto è l'ultima tappa del tuo viaggio: il ""pizzo di Isola"" o ""pizzo di Irlanda"" è il segno dell'eredità artigianale che le donne dell'isola si tramandano da circa un secolo. Ricorda che in uno dei ristoranti dell'Isola puoi assaggiare un ottimo tegamaccio, fatto con il pesce d'acqua dolce.

Siamo quasi alla fine del nostro percorso: dall'Isola Maggiore puoi tornare a Castiglione per poi prendere i battelli che portano alla Polvese e alla tappa iniziale, oppure, se non devi riprendere la macchina o hai ancora tempo a dsposizione, imbarcati verso Tuoro Punta Navaccia: approfittane per fare una pausa e per gustare i piatti tipici della zona, tra pesci di lago e prodotti DOP, come la Fagiolina del Lago Trasimeno.

Lake Trasimeno is one of central Italy's largest bodies of water: spend some relaxing time here and on its lovely islands.

How about a pleasant ride through the rolling hills of Umbria and past the clear waters of a lake? We suggest an itinerary that starts from Castiglione del Lago and along Lake Trasimeno following long stretches the Trasimeno Hills Wine Route and the PDO Umbria Oil Route.

Leave Castiglione del Lago in the direction of Pozzuolo, but at 2.5 km and turn right towards Piana and Ferretto. Pedal for several kilometres on secondary roads with no traffic, which run through small pine forests and cultivated fields. Once past Ferretto, at 12.5 km we arrive in Pietraia and turn right towards Riccio. Here you can take the SS71 road, which is quite busy, for about 500 metres; leave it immediately by turning right in the direction of Tuoro.

A few slight uphill stretches among the olive trees lead you to Puntabella, a real window on Lake Trasimeno, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view. Continue on the SS75 bis, passing Tuoro and Passignano at kilometre 38.5 turn right in the direction of Torricella (in this part of the itinerary, with a trekking bike you can take advantage of the dirt bike path that runs more or less along the main road and leads to Sant'Arcangelo).

Continue on the SP316 along the lake and cross San Feliciano. Note the typical harbour: San Feliciano has a strong fishing tradition. Shortly after San Savino get back on the SS71 where you turn right towards Chiusi. Once past the village of Sant'Arcangelo, a 500-metre climb leads you to Poggio di Braccio, with an ancient post-stage dating back to the 1500s and a wonderful view over the entire lake.

From here you start again following the main road up to 58.5 km, when you turn right following the signs for Arezzo and Castiglione del Lago, to which you return in less than 10 km. At the roundabout just before the village, turn right again and return to the starting point following the cycle path that runs along the lake shore. First, however, take the short climb that leads to the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago which, due to its position and its historical beauty, is worth a thorough visit.

If you have some time, go as far as Magione where you should visit to the Castle of the Knights of Malta there: it is a square structure with circular towers. The present structure, built on the nucleus of a hospice founded in the 12th century by the Knights of Jerusalem, is the result of an enlargement of the pre-existing castle which also incorporated an ancient abbey.

The route described is of medium difficulty, more because of the the distance than for the climbs.

In bici intorno al bellissimo Lago Trasimeno: un percorso che parte da Castiglione del Lago e attraversa i borghi e le campagne più belli.

The historical path from the Abbazia di Sassovivo to the village of Pale has been reopened in 2018: let's explore the mountains overlooking Foligno, starting from this 4-kilometer path.

Our starting point is the Abbazia di Santa Croce di Sassovivo: founded in the late eleventh century along the major pilgrimage route of Via Lauretana (connecting Rome and the Sanctuary of Loreto) and based on an existing castle, this impressive abbey rises in an area abundant of holm oaks, just a few minutes' drive from Foligno. The holm oaks of the ""Holy Brush"" of Sassovivo are one of the most remarkable naturalist landmark in the area, and will accompany us along most of our itinerary, starting from the first stop.

After 300 metres on the paved street to the village of Casale, we will find a Romanesque crypt, called the ""Cripta del Beato Alano"" (""Crypt of the blessed Alan"") after a monk from Wien residing in the chapel in the early fourteenth century. Founded in the 11th century by hermit Maynard and his followers as the first part of a full-fledged cloister, the structure was soon abandoned due to the habitual landslides of the area. Thus, the fraternity decided to move to the nearby castle, a gift from the Monaldis, a Longobard family. Today, the chapel is condemned due to its poor state, but we can still see the facade, the colonnade, and the crypt itself.

The path commonly referred to as “Passeggiata dell’Abate” (""Abbot's path"") starts here, passing through woods of centuries-old, 20 metres high holm oaks, solemnly towering over the trail. Almost one thousand years ago, the abbot of Sassovivo and his brothers used to find here, in this arboreal cathedral, the optimal peace and silence for their prayers.

Returning to the road to Casale, you will soon cross a dirt road, known as the ""goat's pass"", on your left; take this road to start the actual historical path to Pale.

Ignore the detours and keep the ditch on your left, until you reach a passage. From here onwards, the vegetation drastically changes: the holm oaks wood gives way to black hornbeams, common oaks, laburnums and maples. Now, take the mule track going downhill (pay attention: the slope becomes steeper as you go, and the pebbles make it easy to lose your footing) and you will cross the expressway SS77.

The main road to Pale is right in front of you; ever since its foundation in the tenth century, this little village has taken advantage of its positions on the Via Laurentana and the proximity to the Abbey, soon gaining a reputation for the manufacturing of paper, almost 30 years before the first well renowned paper industries of Fabriano.

Those who have some energy left have lots of options in order to keep enjoying their time in the area: three geological-cultural path start from the Elisei square, leading to the important landmarks of the ""Grotta della Badessa"" (""Grotto of the Abbess""), the Castle of Pale, and the Hermitage of Santa Maria Giacobbe; alternatively, the Menotre Falls are just a few minutes away from the village, and the Pale rock face offers over 150 routes ranging from 4c to 7c+ difficulty (UIAA scale: V to IX+) for all the free climbing enthusiasts among you.

Spirituality, nature, sport: everything in a 4 kilometer walk through holm oaks and woods, a stone's throw away from Foligno

We suggest you drive towards the north-west of Umbria, along the Apennine range which marks the boundary with the Marches. There you will find an area dominated by dense woods which delineate the Park of Monte Cucco, rich in natural beauty and history, well worth a day trip or longer stay.

Plan your trip before you leave, think about how you would like to spend the day and which activities you would enjoy. This way you will know just where to go (for detailed information visit our website).

To orient yourself there two cities, both important from an historical and artistic point of view, that delineate the territory: Gubbio to the north and Gualdo Tadino to the south. They are well worth a visit and could be just the right destination for your trip.

Discover the wonders of the Park of Monte Cucco: live oaks, wide valleys and rare species of wild fauna make this park an ideal place for exploring some of the wonders of Umbria. Many outdoor sports can be enjoyed here.

Do you love strong, vivid colours, and walks out in the open air? Then let us take you on an excursion on Monte Cucco, in the heart of greenest Umbria. This mountain is right by the Apennine ridge and has always been an obligatory stop for those travelling down the Flaminia road.

This is one of Italy's most extraordinary natural parks. Here we can find underground rivers and mineral springs, not to speak of beech forests, karst caves, and remarkable animals such as wolves and royal eagles. Therefore this is also an ideal place to practice mountain sports, such as for example paragliding, cross country skiing, trekking, and speleology.

On foot or by bike, explore the paths and itineraries into Monte Cucco's natural environment. Among forests and beech woods, you will discover Umbria's greatest beauties: clean air, pristine vegetation, and breath-taking landscapes

Una delle immagini panoramiche più frequenti dell'Umbria è una valle colorata da mille colori di fiori sbocciati: è la piana di Castelluccio di Norcia, nel Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini.

L'altopiano di Castelluccio raggiunge l'apice della sua bellezza nel periodo che va da maggio ai primi giorni di luglio, tingendosi di colori che vanno dal giallo ocra al rosso, passando per il viola, ma in qualsiasi stagione dell'anno ti regala un paesaggio unico e sempre diverso.

Il Parco dei Monti Sibillini è definito ""magico"" e ""selvaggio"" e comprende l'omonima zona montana. La cima maggiore del sistema montuoso è il monte Vettore che raggiunge i 2476 metri; il paesaggio di questa zona, quindi, è quello tipico dell'alta montagna in cui si alternano declivi dolci e aspre dorsali rocciose. Il territorio, considerato il regno della mitica ""Sibilla"" è una realtà unica grazie all'irripetibile simbiosi di storia, natura, cultura e magia.

Per un interessante percorso a piedi da Castelluccio, raggiungi Forca Presta, dove puoi individuare il punto di partenza che conduce alla cima del Vettore.

Prima di incamminarti assicurati di avere tutto il necessario: abbigliamento adatto, scarpe da trekking, acqua e un buon panino che puoi farcire con i tantissimi prodotti tipici della zona: ad esempio il prosciutto o il pecorino di Norcia.

Il sentiero è visibile fin da subito e sicuramente non sarai il solo a percorrerlo: è uno dei più frequentati dell'Umbria. Raggiungi Rifugio Zilioli e qui prenditi una pausa per mangiare, gustarti il panorama e riposarti prima di proseguire.
Se sei un escursionista esperto puoi scendere da qui fino al lago di Pilato, a cui la presenza di un piccolo crostaceo dà un particolare colore rosso.
Se sei un amante delle emozioni forti puoi concederti anche un giro in deltaplano oppure in parapendio. Spiccando il volo, sfruttando anche poco vento, vedrai la bellezza del parco dall'alto: lo spettacolo sarà senza eguali. Se hai un po' di tempo, avvicinati al comune di Preci e nel mezzo della Valcastoriana concediti una visita all'Abbazia di Sant'Eutizio, uno dei complessi monastici più antichi d'Italia a cui sono stati legati anche San Benedetto e San Francesco.

Visit one of Umbria's most beautiful areas: the Mt. Sibillini National Park including the gorgeous landscape of the Castelluccio Plains outside Norcia. There are great hikes here and you can practice such exciting sports as paragliding and hang-gliding.

Come to visit with your family, ideally in the spring: the Volcanic Park of San Venanzo is open every Sunday (in fall and winter you need to book a guided tour).

A journey through thousands of years of volcanic rock formations in the Volcanic Park of San Venanzo. Discover signs left by time and the intervention of mankind. A learning experience for young and old alike.

Do you dream of a green paradise, immersed in peace and quiet and with much to see and explore? Well, open your eyes, for such a place exists: the Monti Sibillini National Park. Let us take you into the heart of Umbria, mountains that can rise above 2000 metres of altitude. Here we find Mount Vettore, Mount Sibilla, Priora, Argentella, and the Redentore summit. Among important rivers and valleys, find over 1800 species of plants and flowers, including especially the Apennine edelweiss, bearberry, and hornbeam. But the true masters of this land are wolves, porcupines, wildcats, and choughs.

Some suggestions on the locations and itineraries worth visiting on the Sibillini mountains: ideas for sportspeople, birdwatchers, and lovers of nature, as well as of history and culture

Umbria's updrafts have been discovered over the years by practitioners of a breathtaking sport: paragliding. Several flight schools offer visitors the chance to try the sport safely, even with children. There are different departure locations and you should always check the weather forecasts so you can take flght in the best conditions.

Different heights and flight ranges are possible, all with breathtaking viewpoints over the Umbrian landscape. Here is a list of some of the best ones for practicing paragliding.

Wherever you go paragliding in Umbria, you will admire incredible panoramas. Our advice? During your flight relax, revel in the pleasure of slipping through the air, enjoying an entirely individual emotion.

Umbria has always been thought of as a spiritual and mystic region but it is also a beloved destination for the sports enthusiasts. Paragliding is popuar, and will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Umbria's landscape from a privileged point of view.

A journey into Roman history that begins with the remains around Gubbio, then to ancient Helvillum, now Fossato di Vico, and up to the slopes of Monte Serra Santa to explore Gualdo Tadino, ending in Nocera Umbra along the upper Via Flaminia.

Il tuo viaggio parte da Todi, uno dei sette comuni compresi nel territorio del Parco Fluviale del Tevere. Una passeggiata per la città, nei vicoli intorno alla centralissima Piazza del Popolo, culminante con la facciata della Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Annunziata, ti permetterà di intuire in pochi sguardi la lunga storia di questo borgo, che trova nell'imponente Palazzo del Capitano, al lato della piazza, il suo emblema più noto.

Proprio a nord di Todi, dal piccolo abitato di Montemolino si sviluppa per 50 chilometri il vasto territorio del Parco Fluviale del Tevere. La Gola del Forello è uno dei luoghi di più suggestiva bellezza: una stretta gola calcarea scavata dal piccolo fiume, che in questo punto è incrociato e attraversato dal Tevere nella sua discesa di 8 chilometri lungo la valle, fino ad Orvieto. Il tuo percorso segue lo scorrere stesso di queste acque: da alcuni punti della strada principale puoi vedere alcuni scorci naturalistici particolarissimi e affascinanti. Ti consigliamo di fare una piccola sosta lungo il tragitto per visitare l'Eremo della Pasquarella, facilmente raggiungibile dalla strada principale, percorrendo un brevissimo tratto di strada a piedi.

Rimettiti in viaggio: per alcuni chilometri ti accompagnerà il paesaggio calmo e limpido del Lago di Corbara fino a raggiungere Baschi, risalendo per qualche chilometro una piccola collina, in direzione Sud. Fai una passeggiata nel suo nucleo più antico: un saliscendi di stradine e vicoli, alcuni strettissimi, su cui si affacciano piccoli portoni e finestrelle. Gli abitanti del luogo chiamano ""i buchi"" questa particolare struttura del centro storico, perché ogni piccolo spazio sembra sia ricavato da questo corpo unico di pietra grigia, che colora inconfondibilmente il paesaggio. Nel punto più alto del paese si apre un piccola piazza su cui si impone la facciata della Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Nicolò, che col suo campanile medievale determina il profilo di questo storico borgo. Da qui e da altri piccoli spazi che si aprono nel tessuto urbano puoi ammirare il bellissimo paesaggio circostante, su cui domina incontrastato il Tevere. È giunto il momento di una sosta: torna sulla piazza principale, a cui fa da sfondo scenografico il Palazzo Comunale, e scegli per il pranzo uno dei tanti ristoranti tipici: ti consigliamo di gustare un piatto di ""Gallina Umbriaca"", in cui la carne viene ricoperta di vino rosso delle colline adiacenti e fatta stufare a lungo con tutti le erbe aromatiche che portano i profumi di queste terre. Dopo il pranzo, riparti per la vicina Alviano, un borgo medievale ben conservato, dalla lunga storia. Puoi notare che di quel periodo di lotte per il dominio territoriale resta traccia nell'imponente Rocca di fine XV secolo: puoi scoprire di più su queste vicende nel Museo dedicato ai Capitani di Ventura umbri, lì ospitato. Una menzione particolare va all' Oasi naturalistica di Alviano, gestita dal WWF, speciale per la ricchezza delle specie faunistiche che ospita. Ora hai un altro buon motivo per tornare a visitare questi luoghi così speciali e iniziare subito un altro viaggio.

In viaggio da Todi, attraverso i luoghi più belli del Parco Fluviale del Tevere. Fra scorci naturalistici di rara bellezza e borghi raccolti e silenziosi, il viaggio tocca l'antica Baschi per terminare ad Alviano, con le specie faunistiche dell'Oasi Naturalistica.

Take a short running start, brace yourselves and start flying over countryside and villages.

It doesn’t take much to fly in hang – gliding: you just need good weather, a slope where you can take off, a good deal of bravery and a great desire to see the world from the top. Ascending currents and the experience (yours, or of the instructor that goes with you) will do the rest, to live a fantastic experience!

In Italy there are not so many places to do this kind of sport, but if you want hang gliding in Umbria there is plenty of choice.

In free flight to appreciate this Region from the top, like tourists or sportsmen, in tandem or in lone.

Crossed by a 20-km stretch of the river from which it takes its name, the Nestore Valley has been and is still an important border and transitional territory between Umbria and Tuscany and, bordering the municipality of Città di Castello, it is an ideal bridge with the Tuscan lands, with which it had enjoyed fruitful economic and artistic exchanges.

The itinerary leading to the Valdichiana mixes nature, history and architecture: villages, churches, parish churches, towers and abbeys testify to the illustrious past of this valley and its still living reality.

The first town along the itinerary is Trestina whose church is devoted to San Donato, who at the end of 7th century was chosen as patron saint of the Lombard militias. After Trestina, a kilometre further along Provincial Road 104, a road on the right side leads to the hill where the Basilica della Madonna del Transito of Canoscio and the Parish Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano are located.

Discovering the history of this valley among villages, churches, parish churches, towers and abbeys

In his journeys in the southern part of Umbria, St. Francis often used the path that, passing through the beautiful Meadows, connects Stroncone to Greccio, home of the first Nativity scene.

In his journeys in the southern part of Umbria, St. Francis often used the path that, passing through the beautiful Meadows, connects Stroncone to Greccio, home of the first Nativity scene. Let's follow the ancient sheep track to completely immerse ourselves in the Franciscan world, between nature and spirituality.

Umbria: a region to be loved, experienced, explored. A land to find one's inner peace and well-being.

Seeking out one's spiritual side in the heart of Umbria: amid pristine nature and contemplative settings.

A tour in search of signature ceramics in Gubbio, famous for its ruby red decorations by Mastro Giorgio Andreoli, and Gualdo Tadino, where the splendour of the majolica tiles has the colours and scent of broom

A hiking itinerary which leaves from Poggiodomo and ends in Monteleone di Spoleto: discover the Valnerina along its hiking trails

Welcome to the Valnerina: pristine mountain landscapes where the play of light in the woods alternates with the reflections of the sun on streams and rivers.

This route takes you through a picturesque landscape of typical stone-built Umbrian villages perched on high mountain outcrops and surrounded by nature.

This path begins from the central square- Piazza Cavour, in Bettona (Pg).
(Note that near the start there is a bike rental shop: Bettona Outdoor, ebike / bike rental and workshop, which organizes both bicycle and trekking excursions).
From Piazza Cavour, take the central roads Corso Marconi and Via XX Settembre in the direction of Porta Romana which exits from the Etruscan city walls. Continue straight on Viale Roma and then turn right onto Via Col di Lodola. On the right, you can visit the Church of Sant’Onofrio, annexed to the monastery of the same name, ruled by the Capuchin Friars Minor since 1550. The church has important late-Giotto frescoes (14th-15th century) inside, and today it serves as a chapel for the monumental cemetery of Bettona.

Continue on Via Col di Lodola until you reach the intersection with Via Sala. Turn right here and follow Via Sala until you cross a bridge which brings you to Via San Quirico. Take this road uphill until you meet the dirt road that leads downhill to the Abbey of San Quirico. This ancient Benedictine abbey is located on top of a hill which dominates the Topino Valley, from Assisi to Foligno. Its foundation dates back to the 10th century, although the heyday of the Abbey of San Quirico coincides with the 11th and 12th centuries, when the monks built up a vast land patrimony with numerous dependencies. In this period, San Quirico was one of the two major monastic settlements in the territory of Bettona, (together with the nearby abbey of San Crispolto). In 1414, the monastic buildings were almost completely destroyed during the raids of the troops of Ladislao d’Angiò, king of Naples, who repeatedly crossed the borders of the Papal State. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the commendam of San Quirico was continuously assigned to Roman prelates who, until 1810, entrusted the Capuchin Friars Minor of the nearby convent of Sant’Onofrio di Bettona with the office of the church. In 1810, the monastery of San Quirico was suppressed by the French, and the buildings were converted for use as farmhouses and sold to private individuals.

Leaving behind the Abbey of San Quirico, take a right on Via dei Colli, a dirt road that goes up to Vocabolo S. Lucia. From this vantage point, with a view of Mount Subasio and Assisi, continue on to pass through Vocabolo Pantani and Vocabolo Ceretagna, to the banks of the Topino River. Continue along the river to reach Via Santa Elisabetta, where our path enters into the historic center of Cannara. Walking on to the central square, Piazza S. Matteo, one may visit the homonymous Church of San Matteo.

This excursion trail connects the village of Torgiano (PG), to that of Bettona, via a mostly flat path departing from the center of Torgiano at the La Torre car park (there is an electric car charging point in the car park) near the Baglioni Tower, which represents the symbol of the medieval village of Torgiano. Until the mid-fifteenth century, the Baglioni Tower constituted the entrance to a customs area, where the goods and products from a vast area of central Italy converged and embarked for Rome via the Tiber River. Leaving behind the Baglioni Tower, head towards the historic center and turn left upon reaching Via Olivello, descending until reaching crossroads with the main road SP403. Continue straight onto Via E. Trascurati and then turn right onto a dirt road and make an immediate left onto the path running along the Chiascio River. Continue on this dirt road for about 1 km and then turn left onto a rustic path that takes you into the middle of the fields. From here you can admire the nearby hill of Brufa, and on the right the larger Mount Subasio with Assisi set in the side of the mountain, whose view is introduced by the Basilica of San Francesco in the proceeding valley. Proceed until you reach the main road SP400 (Via Assisi) and walk along this road until you reach the intersection with Via Col di Mezzo. At this point there is a dirt path upon which you continue in the middle of the fields for about 2 km. Turn right onto Via Ponte di Ferro crossing the bridge and turning right again onto Via Salceto. From this point it is possible to admire the Torre del Molinaccio, which is located between the small towns of Colle and Passaggio di Bettona. The Tower, which unfortunately is not open for visitors, dates back to the 13th century, and is quite well preserved. Fortified with beautifully crowned corbels, its rather unusual position leaves it completely isolated in the plain, which was nonetheless a useful post for the sighting of enemy troops in the time of the wars against Perugia. This tower served both as an outpost and as a defense of the mill, known as Molinazzo. This mill is built on a river bend in the shallower part of the Chiasso River, which once, before the period of land reclamation at the end of the 19th century, lapped up to the feet of the hills of Bettona. Continuing, take Via Colle on your left, which goes uphill and leads straight onto Via G. Garibaldi. Then head towards the historic center of Bettona on Via Etrusca. Along the way on the left it’s possible to admire an Etruscan Tomb. This large sepulchral chamber was discovered at the beginning of the twentieth century and dates back to the end of the third century. B.C. and the beginning of the second century. A.D.

A short corridor in the open air (dromos) leads to the door, originally consisting of two travertine slabs fitted with hinges, while the two steps which allow access to the sepulchral chamber are still intact. The entrance is a round-arched with a high arched architrave of irregular profile. Beyond this you enter a single room whose roof consists of a barrel vault made with regular stone blocks arranged in rows in the direction of the depth of the tomb, to form a perfect semicircle. The tomb is made of square sandstone (7.86 x 4.25 m), and along the side walls and the back wall there are four stepped platforms for the deposition of the cinerary urns and the burial artifacts of the dead. For safety reasons, only a few fragments of the urns and lids are left inside the actual tomb. These objects are found scattered on the platforms, while the recovered burial artifacts are kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Perugia, and at the town museum of Bettona.

To get to the center of Bettona, continue on via Montelino, along an uphill dirt road among olive trees at the left side of a stone house, arriving at a point where you skirt the ancient walls of the village which brings you to the central square- Piazza Cavour. In order to return to Torgiano, start from the same Piazza Cavour. (Near the departure you’ll find the store, Bettona Outdoor, an e-bike / bike rental and workshop, which also organizes bike and trekking excursions.) From Piazza Cavour, take the central roads Corso Marconi and Via XX Settembre in the direction of Porta Romana to exit the Etrusc

A tour of the most important places of the Longobard civilisation in Umbria, from the capital of the ancient Duchy, Spoleto, to the magic of the little temple at Campello sul Clitunno, all the way to Nocera Umbra to uncover the history of this civilisation.

This short and easy route, which starts from the high part of Spello, is suitable for all cyclists, takes in one of the most fascinating, well-known areas of Umbria, where the artistic and cultural heritage of the towns of Assisi and Spello blend perfectly with the interesting variety of landscape between the imposing peak of Monte Subasio and the Foligno plain.

Leave Spello through Porta Montanara, following the signs to Perugia, but without taking the uphill road towards Collepino and Monte Subasio. Taken Via poeta, and when you get to the first fork in the road, keep to your left, and 300 metres further on take the road to the right, called Via degli Ulivi. This is one of the most delightful sections of the route, as you cycle along a road half way up the mountainside for several kilometres, through a splendid olive grove (as the name of the road itself suggests). When you get to the crossroads at km. 3.3, cross over and continue along this road until you reach Capodacqua. When you get there, keep to the right, but do not take any of the several lanes dropping down into the valley on your right.

After 6.5 km. you come to Viole, where you then take the major SS147 road winding up towards Assisi, albeit not very steeply. Three kilometres further on you come to a roundabout just outside of the town of Assisi: turn left towards Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Basilica of St. Francis (if you wish to, you can carry straight on to the upper section of the town and then ride down to the centre, which is the perfect place for a rest). At km. 9.8, just after the large car park you will come to on your right, turn left and down the steep descent, across Via Francesca and into Via Salette, until you get to the junction with the main road, at km. 12.8. Turn left here and 400 metres further on you will come to the Basilica at Rivotorto. From here, continue straight on along the main road running alongside the dual carriageway, until you get to km. 15.5.

At km. 17 you ride through Capodacqua, and at km. 20 past Villa Fidelia, a marvellous 16th century villa to which a beautiful Italian garden was added in the 18th century. Another kilometre and a half further on brings you back to Spello: follow the signs to the town centre and ride back up to the starting point.

Spello’s medieval town centre also boasts numerous Roman remains, such as the theatre, the amphitheatre, the baths and the Arch of Augustus, an ancient gate leading into this former acropolis. The town’s holy buildings include the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (12th-13th century), featuring a number of important works of art: on the left-hand side of the nave you will see the splendid Baglioni chapel (cappella Baglioni), decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio, as well as paintings by Perugino and an ancient Deruta-tile floor. The splendid 16th century Villa Fidelia, situated just outside of Spello, was built on the former ancient Roman site of the Venus Temple, Theatre and Baths, and it houses a fine collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques. You cannot do this ride without visiting the wonderful town of Assisi and its Basilica of St. Francis, important symbols of Christianity and spirituality, both of which are described in more detail in the section on Route 23. You may also wish to visit the beautiful nearby Monte Subasio Regional Park and the Basilica of Rivotorto.

In one of the most fascinating and well-known areas of Umbria, where the artistic and cultural beauties of Assisi and Spello meet the charm of the landscapes between Mount Subasio and the plain of Foligno.

Let’s discover Solomeo and its incredible history: the small medieval village in the Municipality of Corciano, in the province of Perugia, it became a concrete dream of the Umbrian businessman Brunello Cucinelli, known in all over the world as “the king of cashmere”, which took him back to its former glory. Today this village, with its castle and its narrow streets covered by tiled bricks, is a green island dedicated to the culture, art, tradition, history and beauty.

Solomeo’s trip starting from Piazza della Pace and from Foro delle Arti, built by Umbrian master craftsmen inspired by British artists William Morris and John Ruskin.
The Brunello Cucinelli Theatre is the central monument of the complex whose figure resumes the Farnese of Parma and the ancient theatre of Sabbioneta. It can accommodate over 200 places including those ones in the stands of the cavea below the gallery.
Attached to the structure you find the “Giardino dei Filosofi” (Garden of Philosophers), a set of terraces on the hilly landscape, excellent for meditation, the Gymnasium, the Amphitheatre and the New Humanistic Academy, born to promote “the treatment of the human value”, which contains the Aurelian New Humanistic Library, place of cultural meetings dedicated to the study of philosophic, historic, literary and artistic topics, and full of ancient and modern books.

This village also contains the School of Arts and Crafts, created with the will to convey to the new generations the value of the craftsmanship heritage and of the manual creativity. This School offers its students classes of female Pattern Making and Tailoring, of male Cutting and Tailoring, of Mending and Stitching, of Horticulture and Gardening and of Wall Arts.

There’s also the parish church of San Bartolomeo, founded in XII century, rebuilt in ‘700 and at the end expanded in’800. Inside you find a precious organ of the eighteenth-century.

The town is surrounded by a green belt of 100 hectares divided in several sections: it’s the so-called “lovely suburb” in the process of transformation recovering a part of the ground already occupied by old disused factories in favour of trees and orchards. Meadows now look like paintings among hills and recall Umbrian medieval and renaissance landscapes of the Perugino’s and Piero Della Francesca’s pictures.
Here the industrial park, the laic oratory where you can take up creative energies and unzip stress, the farm park dotted with vineyards. Can’t miss the crusher and the cellar with the statue of Bacco, situated at the entrance and visible from all directions and from Solomeo, which symbolizes the Greek origin of the good relationship between man and landscape.
In the end the park of dignity, where the central element is represented by a monument of five arches in which stands out the slogan “Tributo alla dignità dell’uomo” (Tribute to the human dignity).

This complex of caves and caverns is accessible even to the less experienced, and can be visited accompanied by professional guides. For this plunge into the heart of the earth you need footwear with rugged soles, long pants, a sweatshirt, protective gloves and ... a pinch of courage.

The vertical spectacle that meets your eyes is unforgettable: among stalactites and stalagmites like stone giants and chambers illuminated by dim glimmers of light, you will feel like a real explorer.

The journey to discover the “belly” of the Marmore Falls begins at Marmore's Campacci Park, about 10 kilometers from Terni, near the village of Marmore. You are 377 meters above sea level, on the cliff of the waterfall, to the right of the Velino River and at the foot of Mount Mazzelvetta, which rises to 641 meters. From here, along with the waterfall, the view encompasses the Nera River and its river park.

The rampart on which you rest your feet is a travertine ''mine'' formed by sediment from the Velino River, which descends to a depth of 165 meters. This type of friable rock has allowed the formation of more than 300 cavities over the millennia due to the intense circulation of water.

From this point, escorted by your guide, start descending inside the cliff with its unexpected meanders of which three are the most striking: the first is the Grotta Morta; the second is the Grotta delle Colonne; and the third, with a development of over 190 meters, is the Grotta della Condotta, named after the ancient conduit that in the past fed the hydroelectric power plant system.

If you are a novice, we recommend the guided tour of the Grotta della Condotta, an easy route that will take you to discover a surface water adduction channel. In all, the vertical walk takes about an hour.

Also suitable for you is the visit to Grotta Morta (Dead Grotto), which, despite its name, is the easiest chamber to walk through, with a round trip of about 45 minutes.

Expert cavers will not want to miss a complete visit to the Marmore underground system. The challenging route takes about three hours and also includes equipped sections that will allow you to feel part of a wonderful natural world that lives and breathes in Marmore Falls.

For everyone, it’s a wonderful experience. Step by step, you will be able to admire an incredible variety of concretions, from plant fossils to impressive stalactites, immersing yourself in a world of tunnels and galleries in chiaroscuro thanks to the light that penetrates from the ceiling at times, making the environments more pleasant and reassuring, even for the less daring.

Look around and listen: you are walking through a veritable geology textbook, with eras and past lives now crystallized as petrified watermarks.

For guided visits, tel. +39 0744 67561 – +39 0744 362231 Monday-Friday 10.00-13.00 -15.00-17.00, Saturday 10.00-12.30

Feel like a real explorer among stone-giant stalactites and stalagmites and chambers illuminated by glimmers of light

Italy Coast to Coast is a tricolour “Route 66”, to be covered on foot or by bike, along paths, unpaved roads or virtually traffic-free streets. It is a real journey to the discovery of Italy, with its hermitages, its ancient streets and buried cities, its characters, traditions, ancient cultures and unique sites.

The itinerary is about 400 km long and crosses four Regions (Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany), creating a highly panoramic route that is rich in nature, history, art and spirituality.
It’s possible to cover it both on foot and by bike. The pedestrian route is 410 km long and it develops in 18 daily stages along paths, cart roads and secondary roads. The stages are conceived according to the distances (the average length is 23 km), the gradients and the accommodation facilities. Instead, the cycling route is 440 km long and can be divided into 9 stages.
The itinerary starts in Portonovo, reaches Osimo and from here, through the Marche hills, arrives at Filottrano and Treia, for then continuing towards first San Severino Marche and then Pioraco.
Going up the valley of the Potenza river, the itinerary reaches Nocera Umbra and, once it went round the Subasio Mountain, it arrives at Assisi, the first important destination of the Coast to Coast.
It crosses the Umbrian Valley through Bevagna and Gualdo Cattaneo, until Todi and from there, through the Tiber River Park, it goes deep into a breathtaking nature. From the Civitella del Lago’s natural balcony the itinerary moves towards Orvieto, an Etruscan town lying on an imposing tufa cliff.
The route crosses an Etruscan road and then a Roman one, then it heads towards Bolsena, continuing along a stretch of the Francigena route and then reaches Onano, in the hills of Viterbo.
The next stages lead to Sorano, Pitigliano, Manciano and Capalbio, until Orbetello, the final stage of the Coast to Coast.

The Coast to Coast in the Green Heart of Italy starts from Nocera Umbra, located along the Flaminia Road connecting Foligno and Gualdo Tadino, on the summit of a rocky spur which overlooks the upper valley of the Topino river. The natural waters are the most significant resource of the area: its therapeutic qualities have been known since the 16th century, when plants, collection and transport systems were built.
Then the itinerary goes on from Nocera Umbra towards Assisi that, lying on the slopes of Mount Subasio, is famous as the town of St. Francis and St. Claire as well as the universal centre of the Franciscan message of peace and brotherhood. Assisi, built with the typical pinkish stone of Mount Subasio, creates for all visitors an atmosphere of deep spirituality in the places made unique in the world by its history and its Saints’ faith.
Leaving Assisi, the Coast to Coast heads towards Cannara, on the left side of the river Topino, in the heart of the Umbrian Valley’s Plain. According to the tradition, the name comes from the presence of abundant reed thickets that formerly grew along the Topino’s swampy area.
The following stage is Bevagna, situated at the western border of Foligno’s plain, at the foot of a group of hills where Montefalco is also located, near the bend of the river Timia. The hill of the Umbrian Valley where the city stands is surrounded by a fertile plain rich in waters and planted with wheat, vineyards and olive trees. It is part of the “Italian most Beautiful Villages” Club thanks to its significant environmental, cultural and artistic heritage.
After Bevagna, the itinerary reaches Gualdo Cattaneo, a medieval village perched on a hill on the slopes of the Martani Mountains in a particularly impressive position. The name of the place derives from “Wald” (forest, wood) and confirms the richness in forests surrounding this territory.
The next stage after Gualdo is Todi, a wonderful art city standing on a high hill overlooking the Middle Tiber Valley. Thanks to its historical, artistic and architectural richness, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Umbria.
The itinerary leaves Todi, crosses a street along which it’s possible to admire luxuriant woods rich in fauna and deep karst chasms, and reaches Baschi, placed on the summit of a rocky spur which overlooks the Tiber valley, not far from the confluence with the river Paglia.
The Coast to Coast ends in Orvieto (in Umbria), a charming town of Etruscan origins rising on an imposing tufa cliff. The town, that has a significant artistic and cultural heritage, brings with it the magic and force of 3000 years of history that are visible on the medieval urban structure that remains unchanged over time. Because of its centuries-old ceramic tradition, it is member of the Italian Association City of the Ceramics (national mark “Artistic and Traditional Ceramics”).

From Marche to Tuscany, through Umbria and Lazio: a journey on foot or by bike, from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Are you after authentic and exciting experiences? Umbria has what you're looking for. Whether you like a trail ride on horseback, a hike, or a bike ride, the views you'll find are bound to offer the perfect backdrop to a day of well-being.

Art, culture and tradition: discovering Assisi and Gubbio through paths immersed in nature, traversing places dear to St. Francis.

From Assisi to Spello , along the trails of Monte Subasio: a long hike that most visitors can do and which connects two medieval Umbrian towns, the Franciscan spirit of the Hermitage, nature and the scenery of the Park. Get to Assisi and prepare yourself for walking over the trail that connects the birthplace of St. Francis to Spello, the town famous for its flower carpets.
Set out from Porta Cappuccini, where a dirt road goes along the old medieval walls of the city and then into the woods. Once you have made it to the top, you'll get to a rest area where you can catch your breath before setting off downhill towards one of the most symbolic places of St. Francis, the Eremo delle Carceri, where he would retreat from civilisation to pray and meditate in the natural caves and under ancient oak trees.
From there you go up again along the Carceri gorge which takes you to the Croce di Sasso Piano, where in springtime you can pick various types of edible mushrooms or simply enjoy the beauty of the forget-me-nots and orchids.
Continue on towards the Rosceto gulley until you reach the Mortaro refuge, an old observatory used during WWII, and then pass the Mortaro Piccolo and Mortaro Grande, two deep limestone indentations which were once used to make and keep ice.
When you get tired, rest and enjoy a sandwich made with pan caciato, or pan nociato, breads typical of the area, perhaps with some tasty percorino cheese flavoured with bits of walnut.
Go downwards to Fonte Bregno, where you can take another break next to the river, and then towards Fosso Renaro to then reach Sasso la Botte, after having gone through the woods. You are about to begin the last leg of your walk, starting with an ascent along the slopes of Monte Pietrolungo to reach Poggio Caselle. From here go downwards through the olive groves towards Fonte Bulgarella and you'll soon be at the gates of Spello.
Part of the route you will have walked coincides with the yellow/blue marked trail of the Franciscan Way, which you can follow along the full length of the park.
For those of you who want to get some serious adrenaline flowing, Subasio Park is a great place to go hang-gliding: why not fly in the sky over Assisi?

Discover Mt. Subasio Park to enjoy one of Umbria's most important mountains, and also to visit some of the places St. Francis most loved, like the Eremo delle Carceri.

Don’t miss this path that is connecting two “monumental” pilgrimage destinations, Assisi and Loreto, it belongs to an old track that led up to Rome: pilgrims used to walk it to visit the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Mary in the Marche region small town. More than a pathway, it is an open – air museum of locations, routes and memoirs, 150 km long and divided into seven stages, each one of about 22 km. Because of its beautiful landscapes it will remain in your heart for many years.

We suggest you several stages of the Lauretano journey which wind through the Umbrian land and partially through the Marche region. You can follow all of them or just one, depending on your roadmap. The most important thing is that you choose to start during autumn or spring time, the better seasons for a barefoot adventure into the wild nature. An advice: be careful to the not always visible track. Just for a few months started the restoration works which include the arrangement of the wooden road marks and some totem indicating the route with historical and cultural information about the area.

Start from Assisi towards Spello through the National Road 444 and head to the Saint Benedetto al Subasio abbey. From here, with an over three hours walk for ten km with maximum height difference of 340 meters, you can enjoy the Subasio Mount coast, between coppice woods and olive groves, which is sending you on the plain below carrying you in no time above Spello and giving you a beautiful and unexpected view of the village.

The second stage, for the most trained and motivted ones, does go from Spello on the Colfiorito highland for more than eight hours walk with an uphill difference in height of about one thousand meters.

It is surely the most challenging stage of all the journey, 29 km long between dirt roads and wild paths, but you will appreciate this for its wonderful landscapes, which from the Spoleto Valley and from Spello’s hills they climb on the Apennine and they cross it. You will walk down several cultivated areas, higher woods and pastures up to touch the Colfiorito’s swamp, a precious casket of biodiversity.

We recommend a visit to the Church of Santa Maria di Plestia styled protoromanesque, located on the border between Umbria and Marche regions: this building is located at the Municipality of Serravalle di Chienti, while the churchyard is located at the Municipality of Foligno.

The third stage, after crossing Colfiorito’s plain and the upper part of the Chienti’s Valley, it goes in the Marche region. Now you can choose between two different paths of the Lauretana Way: one who lead to Camerino, for about 23 km and six hours of walking with an uphill difference in height of 600 meters, or that one to Muccia, 18 km for more than four and a half hours on foot with an uphill difference in height of 350 meters.

From here to Loreto there are still 80 km of walking passing through the villages of Belforte del Chienti, Tolentino and Macerata, but whatsoever be your decision – to keep going or to finish your road – you will feel better, in your body, in your mind and in your soul.

Credentials of the Pellegrino Lauretano (Lauretano Pilgrim) - (Charta Pelegrini Lauretani) shall be issued by the Confraternities of the Most Holy Stigmas of Saint Francis (www.sacrestimmate.it) at religious places specifically authorized or electronically, in cooperation with Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi too.

On the road between nature and mind, exploring an open – air museum of locations, routes and memoirs.

Vi proponiamo un itinerario per seguire le tracce in Umbria del grande maestro Giotto e di una schiera di artisti locali che nel Trecento, insieme ad altri pittori sparsi in numerosi luoghi della penisola, divennero seguaci e continuatori del suo stile.

Qui si conclude il nostro viaggio in Umbria nel segno di Giotto e della sua nuova lingua: uno stile pittorico, semplice, chiaro, più espressivo e naturalistico, che illuminò chiese e basiliche lasciandosi alle spalle il Medioevo.

Un percorso che si snoda tra Assisi, Spello, Montefalco e Vallo di Nera per ammirare l’arte innovatrice del pittore toscano in Umbria.

Welcome to the ""Water Park"", the Nera River Park which, among its many beautiful places, also includes the majestic Marmore Falls.

The 20 kilometres of clear, fresh water of the mid to lower course of the Nera River is what characterises this park. The area is dotted with small fortified hamlets and castles that arose in the Middle Ages. As you leave Terni, you'll come across Collestatte, Torre Orsina, Casteldilago, Arrone, Montefranco, Ferentillo, Macenano and Terria, all built to keep strategically important crossroads under control. When you're in Ferentillo, go see the crypt in the Church of Santo Stefano. The bodies buried here have become naturally mummified thanks to the specific environmental conditions and the chemistry of the soil.
To the east is Polino, Umbria's smallest town, perched on a mountain top along the old route herders used during their seasonal migrations with their livestock.

What makes this park so wonderful is its truly impressive vegetation: the foothills and a part of the mountain are covered with silvery green olive groves, particularly the area of the park closer to the Terni basin. The steep slopes of the mountains are covered in woods of broad-leaved trees insterpersed with magnificent rocky outcrops, making the area truly scenic.

Would you like to visit a mystical place that is also truly beautiful? The Valnerina has always been home to bustling religious activity and to ascetic hermits, and many abbeys, churches and hermitages were built here over the centuries. Stop in and see the lovely San Pietro in Valle abbey.

Hikers can walk over any of the many marked trails that crisscross the park, many follow old mule tracks and the roads that were once the main means of commerce and communication that connected the little hamlets. Observe the park's verdant fields and breathe the pure air of the Green Heart of Italy.

We suggest you visit some industrial archaeological sites as well: old and abandoned hydro-electric plants and factories that had been built to exploit the energy produced by the Nera and Velino rivers. The electro-chemical plant at Papignano is of particular interest as this is where Oscar-winning actor and director Roberto Benigni filmed much of Life is Beautiful.

One of the park's main attractions is the Marmore Falls, an ancient feat of Roman engineering which today is the ideal place for a family outing or a great hike.

If you love water sports, the Nera River Park is the place for you: the Nera River and its tributaries make this the perfect place for fishing, canyoning, rafting, caving and canoeing. But if climbing is your passion, don't miss the Ferentillo wall, one of the best equipped rock faces in all of Europe.

For your lunch you should taste the trout caught in the waters of the Nera: it's a white-fleshed fish with a delicate flavor to be boiled or cooked on the grill.

The Nera River Park offers visitors a myriad of activities to choose from: you can visit the Marmore Falls, or go for a lovely hike along the many trails deep within pristine nature. If you love adventurous sports, choose from among the many water sports and even rock climbing and caving.

To begin your trip in underground Perugia, head to the Museo del Capitolo di San Lorenzo, next to the cathedral of the same name. Check visiting arrangements before you go as booking is required. (http://www.cattedrale.perugia.it/?p=26 , click here to find information regarding opening times and prices).

The visit begins from the cloister of the Canonica, via a side staircase. You will find yourself in the Sala del Conclave, where four Popes were elected: Honorius III, Honorius IV, Celestine V and Clement V. The large room appears to be divided by a wall, built in the middle of the last century to support the floor of the cathedral above.

Leaving the room, follow the route indicated, which will guide you to the remains of the Etruscan walls, built to make the acropolis of Perugia appear even more majestic. Here there was a temple, perhaps dedicated to Juno-Hera (in Etruscan, Uni). You will discover how in this part of the town has been in use, without interruption, since Etruscan times. Proof of this can be seen in the vault, of medieval origins, built in the foundations of the Cathedral which can be visited.

Still following the route, walk on the ancient cobbled road, first used by the Etruscans and later the Romans, on which the ruts left by cart wheels are still visible today. Continue your trip following the ancient Roman road and you will find yourself below Piazza Cavallotti.

If you want to make your trip to underground Perugia even more exciting, check the CAI website which organises exciting and fascinating ""walks"". You can be a speleologist/archaeologist for a day and see the Etruscan well, the underground areas of the Cathedral, the Postierla della Conca, a secondary entry gate to the town, near the Roman aqueduct, that allows access to the deep underground passages intended for pedestrians or also, according to some, for flood waters, as well as the air-raid shelter- a historic place that joins Corso Cavour to Rocca Paolina.(http://www.caiperugia.it/)

You can be a speleologist/archaeologist for a day, admiring the underground wonders of Etruscan, Roman and Medieval Perugia.

A journey in the southernmost corner of Umbria, in a territory rich in art, nature and history.

From North to South Umbria, taking in the lives and testimonies of women saints and blessed women.

Extraordinary histories. Buildings, precious paintings, and even objects of daily use, one needs to get closer to feel the spiritual experiences that these places still embody today. This itinerary pays homage to female saints, whom John Paul II, in his Mulieris Dignitatem, intended to recognise as actors of peace, serving the cause of life and love of their fellow humans. In Umbria you can get closer to the saints and mystics who lived here over the centuries, and take inspiration from their lives and testimonies for your own betterment.

From Citta di Castello to Narni, through the Christian identity of great female figures, who marked the faith and civilisation of their times, and remain bright symbols to this day.

Are sport and adventure your passions? Are you looking forward to spring to seek the most inaccessible views, so that you can descend among mountains just with the help of your arms? Whether you are an expert or amateur of canyoning, the gorges of Valnerina will suit your needs.

The gorges of Pago are located in Scheggino. This area is famous for one of Umbria's finest typical products: the black truffle. Take some time out to make a tour among shops and workshops where you can buy it pure or in sauces and other products.

The itinerary in the gorge of Pago delle Fosse takes you to one of the most fascinating places of all Umbria and the combination of walking sections and steep descents make it an itinerary suitable also for (trained) beginners in their first descent.

To start the itinerary, reach the village of Ceselli, turn right crossing a bridge and take the first small unpaved road on the right that leads to a wide plain that is the exit of the gorge. Return then to the asphalt road and continue on the right side towards the mountain, until the village of Monte San Vito. At that point you have nearly reached the entrance of Pago Gorges.

Before starting the descent, remember to have the necessary equipment: two ropes at least 35 metres long, a wetsuit and footwear, a helmet, slinging equipment, carabiners, descenders, rucksacks and technical shoes.

Pago delle Fosse is a real canyon, deeply engraved on a pre-existing fault and reshaped by waters that have today almost abandoned it, except in highly rainy periods. The lack of water, though, is not a problem at all because the isolated and wild environment offers a primordial and evocative atmosphere that makes this gorge the most spectacular of the Valnerina gorges.

Walls of grey massif limestone will accompany you in the descent towards flourishing vegetation, creating an atmospheric and exciting contrast that surprises one metre after another. The first section of this descent is really something unique, its wilderness is very beautiful. Its second part, more sunken and damp, is reached after a walking section and finishes beyond a cement piping suspended among walls.

The Gorge of Casco represents instead a classical descent of the Apennines Canyoning Circuit. Starting from Scheggino through a nice wooded access path, you can reach the gorge to discover the canyon, rare fauna and breathtaking views over the Valnerina to the Sibillini Mountains.

Still in the Valnerina, in Vallo di Nera, in the Gorge of Roccagelli, with the help of ropes, you can descend seven waterfalls in rapid succession, the largest of which is 16 metres. The lack of deep pools makes this gorge ideal for canyoning.

If you love canyoning, gorges of Valnerina will inspire you. Don’t miss an excursion in uncontaminated nature and among the surfaces of limestone massif in your canyoning experience.

Some visitors prefer to spend their days strolling by the lake while others, the free climbers, choose the adrenalin rush of rock climbing.

Rock, water, earth: these three elements come together to shape this unique and inimitable landscape.

Ferentillo offers a wide choice of climbing routes for all levels of proficiency, from the beginner to the passionate expert.

The Ferentillo cliff is located in the Valnerina, just a short distance from the centre of town and not far from the Marmore Falls, an artificial waterfall built in the third century B.C. by the Romans and one of the highest in Europe. If you are in the area, don't miss a visit to the park of the Marmore Falls.

As you near the Falesia cliff, you will see climbers of all levels, whatever the season, scaling the rock face, surrounded by a marvelous natural scenario of singular beauty. The many climbing routes are always being updated, but you can find a guidebook to the various levels of difficulty in local sporting goods stores.

The cliff is one of the most popular Italian destinations for rock climbing, equipped with the latest in rock climbing equipment.

Scaling the Ferentillo cliff is everything the free climber could want: as you ascend you have an increasingly impressive view of the Valnerina It is the only point from which the entire valley is visible in all its full and pristine beauty.

After your climb, recharge your batteries with a taste of Barabazza con la salvia, a tasty dish made with pork cheeks seasoned with sage; you can continue the day with a visit to the Church of Santo Stefano which houses the Museum of the Ferentillo Mummies. In the crypt you can see bodies that have been perfectly preserved and mummified by the chemical components in the earth, which have completely dehydrated the human cells.

The Ferentillo cliff is one of the most famous and popular rock faces in Europe! There are climbing routes for both expert and amateur climbers, and the breathtaking views make this one of the most important climbing surfaces in Italy.

Starting from the central Piazza San Matteo in Cannara (Pg), where it is possible to view the homonymous Church of San Matteo, the trail then leads to the picturesque village of Collemancio which is worth a visit: Exiting the city center along Via Santa Elisabetta, you reach and continue along the banks of the Topino River for about 1.2 km until meeting Vocabolo Ceretagna. At this point, continuing with your back turned from Mount Subasio, Assisi and the village of Spello, climb up Via Collemancio until you reach the town of Collemancio, which is located on a hill overlooking the Umbrian Valley.

An ancient charm still vividly present is evoked by the solid overhanging city walls and the sturdy keep protecting the main entrance door, where the emblem of the village (a tower surmounted by a keep and Guelph battlements) is carved. The history of Collemancio has its roots back in Roman times, as evidenced by the archaeological site of the city of Urvinum Hortense (1st century BC). This ancient Roman town whose remains can be admired here, is located in an enchanting position, which in its height made this city the perfect dominator of a magnificent panorama over the valley which was inundated by the Lacus Umber, an extended lake which at that time, left Assisi and Spello on the opposite shore. Archaeological excavations have brought to light many artifacts that are permanently exhibited in the Antiquarium and in the Museum of the City of Cannara, including the noteworthy 65 square meter mosaic belonging to the baths, dated between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. This work of art represents Nilotic scenes with exotic animals, and thick vegetation as a backdrop for the setting of various figurative scenes. The central mosaic depicts pygmies intent on fishing with marine animals around them.

Urvinum Hortense extended on the top of the plateau of ""La Pieve"", a small town located a few hundred meters northeast of the Collemancio castle. This town occupied a modest ridge (526 m. S.l.m) that jutted out over the Umbrian Valley, on the north eastern side of the Martani Mountains. As ascertained by the regular excavation campaigns and studies conducted by the University of Perugia, the ancient center of the settlement was planned during the second century BC; including the regio of Augustan VI, with the inhabitants enrolled in the Stellatina tribe. However, it received a true urban development only between the end of the 1st century BC. and the beginning of the 2nd century AD.

From the Church of Madonna delle Piagge in Collemancio, take the dirt road SP412 in the direction of Pomonte and go down on the right for about 7 km, then turn right onto a dirt road passing through the woods and continue straight onto the paved road crossing the village of Cerquiglino. From here continue downhill on Via del Rubiatino, a dirt road that leads up to Strada del Piandacardato, which, crossing the main road SP415, continues then straight onto the asphalted road Strada Gaglietolese. Go through the village of Gaglietole, a hamlet of Collazzone, after which Strada Gaglietolese becomes a country road that takes you between olive trees on the left and vineyards on the right until you come across the ruins of an ancient mill known as Mulino delle Botte. Now completely in ruins, this mill is located upon the road that runs alongside of the small River Puglia, near the junction for Gaglietole. Architecturally, the building is made up of a body with an almost square base and a small extension alongside. The perimeter walls are built in river stone mixed with brick.

After passing the remains of Mulino delle Botte, continue along this path that leads you to the Strada Gaglietolese which goes uphill through the woods. Follow this dirt road until you reach Via Jacopone da Todi and rejoin the asphalt road Via dell’Abbazia. This road will lead past the convent of San Lorenzo where you can visit the crypt of Jacopone da Todi. After passing the Monastery, continue straight on Via dell'Abbazia to reach the historic center of Collazzone from Viale Marconi, passing by the mural entitled, ""Mother Nature"". Located on the wall of the public parking area in Viale Marconi, this mural is a work of street art, by a group of local artists. Visually striking, the mural is made up of a series of bright colors and two halves that are divided by the central face of a crying woman who is understood as a depiction of Mother Nature. On the left side is a family sitting at the table, their faces replaced by mere skulls. Adjacent, against the background of burnt hills, a farmer with a gas mask walks by. A building is visible with the classic undulated shape of the asbestos roofs that are still present in large quantities in this territory, and the predominant color is bright red.

Having arrived at Piazza Umberto I in Collazzone, the return towards Cannara begins by going down Via della Fiera and then taking Viale Marconi. Proceed towards Via dell’Abbazia on foot, or via Viale Marconi by bike. Then take Via di Collazzone downhill for about 500 meters at which point on the left a country road continues in the middle of the woods. From this descent the view overlooks the small villages of San Terenziano, Grutti and Marcellano, hamlets of Gualdo Cattaneo. After about 1.3 km, turn left again continuing downhill in the woods for about 1 km. Then take another left to continue on the opposite side of the small hilly gorge until you reach the ruins of the ancient Mulino delle Botte, from where you may follow the same path backwards towards Cannara.

A complicated but exciting itinerary that starts from Cerreto di Spoleto and takes you to Poggiodomo: trails deep within nature and the peaceful silence of the Valnerina.

ATTENTION: On the advice of the regional technical offices, the itinerary is not currently practicable. The Region of Umbria and Sviluppoumbria, each as far as they are concerned, are exempt from any liability in the event of non-compliance with this prescription.

There are no really steep stretches, but the long climb from Migiana di Monte Tezio must be added to the many ups and downs along the whole way, making it rather hard. The distance is suitable for everyone, however.

Starting from the church at Cenerente , the trail goes along sealed road towards Migiana di Monte Tezio (photo below right), then past Oscano castle and after about 1,5kms, it begins to climb gently. It continues uphill along sealed road until km5,6, where it turns left onto the dirt road that goes to Migiana di Monte Tezio, a beautiful natural balcony at km 7,5.

From here, it goes along the hillside though the woods for several kilometres, keeping left until km 11, when a steep descent to the sealed road below Antognolla castle begins (watch out for the chain across the road).

Here it turns left along the heavily trafficked SP169 road for about a kilometre, then, at San Giovanni del Pantano, it turns left again onto another dirt road uphill towards Pieve Pietroia. It continues for a few kilometres along the hillside, with several steep uphill stretches, to the Monte Tezio Park (km 18,2), another great lookout point. From here, the fittest bikers can continue climbing up to the left, along the marked tracks to the summit, while this route crosses the highest part of the carpark to the dirt track on the left that goes to the start of the descent. At km 19,6, in the middle of the descent, the trail turns sharp left then continues downhill. Close to a group of houses it turns right downhill again until it meets the sealed road at km 23. Here it turns right and in two kilometres it returns to the starting point.

The Monte Tezio Park (961 metres a.s.l.), about 10 kilometres north of Perugia and covering about 135 ha. The park borders with Corciano, Perugia and Umbertide territories and the hillsides are covered with various kinds of oaks and conifers. From Monte Tezio there is a beautiful view of the Tiber valley on one side and of Monte Acuto and Castel Rigone on the other. The little village of Capocavallo, clinging to the hillside, was first a villa then a fortified castle from the XV century. The bell tower has an unusual rococò style. Parts of the walls and a gateway are still visible.

The route starts at the church at Cenerente, just a few kilometres from the centre of Perugia, then winds itself around Monte Tezio, where there are wonderful views of the valleys below.

Lying on the southern slope of the Subasio Mountain, between Assisi and Foligno, Spello is part of the club of “Italy's most beautiful villages”, thanks to its rich environmental, cultural and artistic heritage.

An ancient centre of Umbrian origin, it was elevated to Roman municipality in 90 B.C.: remembered as ""Splendidissima Colonia Julia"", the town, known today for flowers, preserves important and impressive evidence of the Roman period which combine perfectly with its current medieval urban aspect.

The Venus Gate was erected in the Augustan age. In the 17th century some local historians closely related it with the remains of a temple devoted to Venus, that were discovered at the Villa Fidelia, outside the external Spello town walls. Indeed its name derives from the “Triumphal” street (as evidenced in an inscription found in Bevagna in 1589) surmounted by the gate and that connected this temple to the city centre.

The two towers flanking the gate and linked by an ancient tradition to the name of the Roman poet, are generally considered to be of medieval origin. Likewise legendary is the identification of the tower on the top of the gate with the place where Orlando was imprisoned.

The gate, with three supporting arches, is adorned by pilasters of Doric order, placed between the arches.

It’s also has a cavaedium, a fortified building equipped with a double door. The area around the complex was once rich with other buildings whose remains are currently visible in the cellars of the houses winding through via Torri di Properzio (the presence of a cryptoporticus-a covered passageway-should also be noted).

It was probably built in the first century A.D. on an area that in ancient times had several sacred buildings, located along the road linking the nearby Flaminia Road to the internal centres of Asisium, Arna and Perusia.

A symbol of the Roman colony’s glorious period, today you can still see the hints of steps and sections of the original road surface. Furthermore there are quite a few remains of the wall built mainly in opus vittatum (quadrangular blocks on the surface with the inner core made of concrete mortar).

The whole structure was originally of notable dimensions: about 16 m high with two rows of tiers, the major axis of the ellipse of 59.20 m, the minor axis of 35.52 m.

Traditionally the Arch allowed the communication of the upper part of the town with Mt. Subasio. It’s also known as Gate of Arce and as the Capuchin Gate, because of its proximity, respectively, to the remains of Federico I Barbarossa’s fortress and to the Capuchin Monastery of St. Severino.

It probably dates back to the pre-Augustan age, has just a single passage and a drainage slot. It is still partially underground, indeed the bottom of the doorway is about 1 m below the road level. Located in the highest point of the town, it was closed with a portcullis. The transit point for the communication with Mt. Subasio was placed in the western section of the walls.

Following Via Roma, it’s possible to walk along a tract of the Augustan walls, among one of the best-preserved ancient fortified structures in Italy.

The walls ran for about 2 km and were built in limestone from Mt. Subasio, much of which was reused in the Medieval period.

The Via Roma leads to the Urbica gate, dating back to the Augustan age and provided with a Tuscan order opening. nbsp

The villa is located not far from the Spello historical centre, near the Roman amphitheatre and the Romanesque Church of St. Claudio.

The very ancient Roman settlement where the villa stands was made up of a wide sacred area hosting the so called Venus temple, the Theatre and the spas. The primitive plan was raised in the 16th century on the orders of the Counts Acuti Urbani of San Lorenzo. In the 18th century the villa was owned by Donna Teresa Pamphili Grillo who transformed and enlarged the residence built by the Urbani and built the Italian-style garden. After her death, the estate was owned at first by the Counts Sperelli and later by the rich landowner Gregorio Piermarini, who made significant transformations and enlargements between 1805 and 1830.

After various vicissitudes, in 1923 the villa was bought by the engineer Decio Costanzi who sold the most ancient part to the Missionary Sisters of Egypt and the remaining part, including the small house, the gardens and outbuildings, to the Province of Perugia.

The most significant aspect of the villa is its extraordinary external areas that gave origin to the Vesuvian garden at the entrance, to the horse track, to the Italian-style garden and to the park with a wood of cypresses.

The focal point of the so called “Vesuvian” or Baroque garden, located near the entrance, is the beautiful fountain with an exhedra, situated in a central position and with a statue representing Diana, goddess of the hunt, and closed on its top with an elegant decoration hiding the tank, adorned with niches and surmounted by a clock. The wide horse track in the shape of a circus was built in the 1900s and was juxtaposed to this particular garden. An older feature is the Italian-style garden, dating back to the 18th century and placed behind the small house. The garden, with a narrow rectangular shape extended over 150 metres, is currently divided into four main flowerbeds double bordered with box hedges and in turn spread over four small flowerbeds.

The St. Francis Way is an evocative natural and spiritual itinerary crossing Umbria from North to South, passing through some of the most beautiful towns of the region, and above all the most important and significant Franciscan sites.

This cycling itinerary should be approached with a pilgrim´s spirit in order to ride in the green, but at the same time immersed in the spirituality and mysticism of these lands, while meeting the local people who will charm you with their welcoming spirit and authenticity.

This route can be made starting either from North or from South, always having as final destination Assisi.

The Northern Route starts from the La Verna sanctuary, in Tuscany, crosses St. Sepolcro, enters Umbria and then goes through Città di Castello, Pietralunga, Gubbio and Perugia before reaching the Sacred Convent of Assisi. It´s an itinerary through wild landscapes, where pilgrims discover little-known places and roads, but requiring a good level of training to overcome a series of challenging uphills.

The Southern Route starts from Piediluco, crosses the villages of the Lower Valnerina such as Arrone, Ferentillo and Scheggino, before reaching Spoleto and then continuing through Trevi, Foligno and Spello. It´s an almost perfect balance among natural beauties as well as cultural and artistic gems, a shorter and less arduous trip than the Northern route.

The Northern and the Southern Route create a fascinating experience in any case, independently from the religious aspect. It´s a journey than anyone can interpret in his/her own way, with a pilgrim's spirit or simply by enjoying the beauty of the itinerary and the natural, artistic, cultural and food and wine excellencies of this area.

An evocative natural and spiritual itinerary crossing Umbria from North to South

This beautiful, but difficult, route starts in Piazza Matteotti, in the upper part of Assisi. The trail, which is just under 35km long, is distinguished by a hard, steep, climb up Mt. Subasio, where some stretches have grades of more than 20%, making the trail suitable only for the fittest bikers. Bikers wanting to partly “soften” the route can do it in the opposite direction: Mt Subasio still has to be climbed but from the Spello side, the climb is not as steep.

From Piazza Matteotti the trail turns right following the signs for Monte Subasio and after exiting from Porta Cappuccini immmediately starts to climb towards the summit (as the start is steep, it is advisable to warm up for a while, by visiting the centre of Assisi, for example). After 300m, just outside Porta Cappuccini, the trail leaves the sealed road and turns left onto path n.50: the first part of the climb is the hardest and may force some to dismount because of the steep grade and the rough surface. In less than 6 kilometres, the trail climbs up through shady woods to “Gli Stazzi,” almost at the summit: from here it comes out of the woods, crosses the sealed road and follows the dirt road that runs right across the side of the mountain.

At this stage the hardest part of the trail is over and the track that unwinds itself just below the peak of Subasio provides breathtaking views. From km 8,5 to km 12,5 the trail goes along an enjoyable single track before rejoining the dirt road that goes 5 kilometres downhill to Collepino (km17,4). Here, at the sealed road, it turns right downhill through olive groves towards Spello, where a visit to the town centre is a must.

From Spello it turns right and at km 22,7 it turns right again into via degli Ulivi, which brings the trail to Capodacqua (km 25,9), where it leaves the sealed road again and tackles the second tough stretch of the route uphill through the olive groves to km 28,4. From here, the trail continues along a dirt road through hills and dales to km 30,3, then turns right at a crossroad, then left into via Borghettaccio. At km 30,8 it turns left again and returns to a sealed road that rejoins the main highway (km 33), climbing back up to the centre of Assisi after a turn to the right.

The beauty of the natural scenery along the trail, mainly inside the Parco Regionale del Monte Subasio, is a further attraction that should not be missed, with also the historical centre of Assisi, an absolute must recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the church of Santa Chiara, the convent of San Damiano and the wonderful church of San Francesco. Just outside the walls, dominating the town, is the superb Rocca Maggiore, rebuilt in 1367 by Cardinal Albornoz over a previous building (1174) that had been an ancient feudal castle. It is also worth visiting the historical centre of Spello, which has many medieval traits, but has also preserved many constructions from the time it was a Roman colony, such as the theatre, the amphitheatre, the baths and the so-called Arco di Augusto. Amongst the religious buildings, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (XII-XIII century), is important for its precious artistic treasures, such as frescoes by Pintoricchio and paintings by Perugino. Close to Spello is Villa Fidelia (XVI century), built on the site where the Temple of Venus, the Theatre and the Baths once stood.

Cycling in the overwhelming beauty of the landscapes of the Regional Park of Mount Subasio, refreshed in body and soul by the suggestive atmospheres of fascinating villages such as Assisi and Spello.

The starting point of the southern route is the Franciscan sanctuary of Greccio in Lazio, set high up on the rocky cliffs that surround the Holy Valley of Rieti. The journey begins in the place where, in around 1223, St Francis began one of the most cherished Christian traditions: the nativity scene.

The southern Via di Francesco has a total length of around 180 km. We recommend doing it in 10 stages (with a choice of detours), although you are free to decide to increase or reduce the distance of the individual stages to suit you.

The first stages take you to the main sanctuaries in the Holy Valley: Greccio; Fonte Colombo; La Foresta and Poggio Bustone. This first stage involves climbs and descents of medium difficulty, although the effort is rewarded by the beautiful natural landscapes.

From Rieti Cathedral, the road starts climbing, first towards the Sanctuary of La Foresta, then on to the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone. The itinerary continues through Umbria to Piediluco, where you are greeted on the banks of the serene lake.

You hike first along the banks of the river Velino, and then up along the river Nera. This is a flat stage, in a narrow valley (Valnerina), where it is possible to take a detour to discover the majestic Marmore Falls.

After a demanding climb, you leave the Valnerina for the Spoleto Valley, much loved by St Francis: Nihil iucundius vidi valle mea spoletana (I've never seen anything more pleasing than my spoletina valley).
Abbeys, churches and monasteries testify to the spiritual charm of this stretch of the Way, which passes through historical towns rich in art and history: Spoleto, Trevi, Foligno, Spello and Assisi.

The journey continues almost entirely on hillsides covered in olive groves, surrounded by a landscape that inspires peace. The climbs and descents, one of the features of the Way, follow one another but are never excessively uneven. Your pilgrimage concludes in meditative silence at the tomb of St Francis within the Lower Basilica of Assisi.

On the website www.viadifrancesco.it you will find all the stages, with maps, descriptions of the route, gradients, GPS coordinates and a list of resting places and specialised accommodation for pilgrims. Don't forget to ask for the Pilgrim's Card.

The Lazio section of the Via di Francesco is indicated by CAI signage (white and red signs) and yellow and blue signs. In Umbria and Lazio, the path is well signposted with the colours of the Way: yellow and blue signs will guide you to Assisi.

The southern Via di Francesco: starting from the Sanctuary of Greccio, crossing the Holy Valley of Rieti in Lazio to arrive in Umbria, continuing on to the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi

Your journey begins in the southern part of Umbria, where the old Via Flaminia leaves Lazio and crosses our Region in a continuous line from Otricoli to Scheggia. Inaugurated in 220 BCE by Gaio Flaminio to connect the Tyrrhenian area to the Adriatic, the modern-day road in that direction still follows much of the original route.

In order to really follow in the proverbial footsteps of the Romans after they conquered the area, your journey should begin with a walk in the

Archaeological Park of Otricoli. Set along a stretch of the Tiber River, it conserves eight centuries of history among the monumental remains of the ancient city. Visitors can walk along a path to see the sites and there are rest stops along the way.

After this visit, go towards Narni. There is a fork in the consular road here that offers two choices: the straight line to Carsulae, or a road built at a later date that goes through Terni and Spoleto to then join up again with the older part when you get to the ancient Forum Flaminii, just outside of Foligno.

For the purposes of this tour, we suggest you take the first option, which is shorter and easier to follow. Take the Via Flaminia towards San Gemini, and just past this medieval town you'll finds signs leading to the Archaeological Park of Carsulae, the old Roman municipality that once flourished along the ancient road. Here you'll feel like you're catching a glimpse of daily life in the times of ancient Rome.

Before or after your visit, find some time to enjoy a plate of picchiarelli alla sangeminese, a hand-made pasta dish seasoned with plenty of spicy sauce.

There is still quite a ways to go before you reach Bevagna. Just past the village the two sections of the Via Flaminia come together again here before it heads into the Apennines. Through the Park of Monte Cucco, the Flaminia leaves Umbria and heads to the Adriatic Sea, crossing over the mountains at the pass in Scheggia. Keep this in mind for when summer arrives and it's time to head to the shore.

A journey that follows the route of the Via Flaminia, the ancient consular road that marked the destinies and fortunes of the towns that arose along its path. From ancient Ocriculum, through Narni, Spoleto and Carsulae, to Scheggia, from where it heads to the Adriatic Sea.

In the other months, area mills that are part of the Strada dell’Olio in Umbria are ready to welcome you, by reservation (here is list of participating mills)

An area undoubted interest in landscape, art and architecture and which offers one of the best and most prized products of Umbria: PDO olive oil of the Assisi-Spoleto Hills.

Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry a backpack with your camera, drinking water and a snack, for example, a sandwich made with the famous local pork products known as ""norcineria."" You are now ready for your hike in the Valnerina, along the trail of the great loop around Monte Meraviglia: a walk around the base of the mountain most loved by the locals, one that takes you past ancient farmhouses and through cool shady woods.

Your hike begins at Onelli, near Cascia. Take the paved road that leads to Cascia and after about 2.3 km take the road to the left towards Località Casali Sant'Antonio. In springtime, the colours here are like a painter's palette. Continue upwards and follow the directions for the agriturismo. Past the fountain to the left you will reach a fork in the road: take the dirt road to the left. Don't be scared off of the steepness – take a deep breath and keep a steady pace. This is the most difficult part of the trail, but it is well worth the effort for the beautiful scenery. Never lose sight of the signs along the trail which will lead you to the great cement aqueduct. Once here, turn left towards Casale Costabella. Continue for three hundred metres and at the crossroads follow the road that slopes slightly to the right. Along this part of the trail you will see, on both sides, old farmhouses with their haylofts and living quarters on the first floor and the stalls for animals on the ground floor.

After about 3 km you will reach another fork and on the right you will see Casale Tetella, a recently restored building. But keep going left, climbing upwards. Along this trail, after about 2 km, you will be at the crossroads of Onelli, turn right and continue towards the Church of San Sisto, where we began our hike. Stop to visit the church. It was built in the XIV^th century and a Renaissance portico was later added whose arches were subsequently closed. Take a minute to contemplate the church from outside, set like a jewel in the perfect silence of the green of Monte Meraviglia.

Do you enjoy nature walks? Follow the great loop trail around Monte Meraviglia, near Cascia. Along the way you will pass old Umbrian farmhouses and be in the constant company of the green countryside.

Do you know Narni? It's a town in Terni province, known especially for its past as a Roman colony. Even the name derives from the Latin Narnia, which used to be the moniker of the river Nera.

The Roman conquerors left many traces in the area. One of these, known as the bridge of Augustus, is located near Narni Scalo.

This crossing dates back from around the year 27 BC, and was erected right along the Flaminia road, built by will of consul Caius Flaminius to connect Rome with Rimini on the coast in 220 BC.

The original form of the bridge featured four wide arches. Today only the first and largest one remains standing, along with a few fragments from the original structure.

This is because over the centuries the bridge has had to withstand not only the natural corrosive effects of time and weather, but also a first collapse in the 8^th century. In 847, after being re-built with scavenged materials, it was again damaged by an earthquake.

Around the year 1000 the upper part of the bridge also collapsed and was never mended. That is why many documents from the time make mention of Ponte Rotto, a ‘broken bridge'. However, the bridge's ruined state did not prevent artists and painters from the world over to admire it and be inspired by it.

Even Jean Baptiste Camille Carot, who came to Italy in the 19^th century during his Grand Tour, passed through Narni and was captivated by it. His painting, depicting the viaduct, is displayed today in the Louvre in Paris.

Today, the location, enshrined by Umbria's typical vegetation, is well suited to long walks and open-air excursions with family and friends. nbsp

We are on the Flaminia road, in the heart of Umbria: here is the bridge of Augustus, built in ancient Roman times across the river Nera.

The Itinerary of St. Benedict is 300 km long in the heart of Italy, between Umbria and Lazio to the border with Campania. It is an itinerary of sixteen stages to retrace the life of the Patron Saint of Europe, through paths, cart roads and roads with little traffic, among valleys and mountains of the Central Italy.

The itinerary visits the three main Benedictine places: Norcia, birthplace of the Saint; Subiaco, where he lived for more than 30 years and founded several monasteries; and Montecassino, where he spent the last part of his life and wrote the Rule.

Benedict was born in Norcia at around 480, just after the Fall of the West Roman Empire.
He began his studies in Rome, but he soon retired into the solitude of the Aniene Valley, into a cave near Subiaco, around which he organized a colony of monks, made up of twelve small monasteries with twelve monks each.
He then left Subiaco and, with his most faithful followers, he went to Cassino, on whose mountain he founded, around 529, the famous abbey of Montecassino.
Here he wrote the Rule, made up of a prologue and 73 chapters. After a first moment of coexistence with other monastic legislations, the Rule of St.Benedict ended up with prevailing and was adopted in all monasteries.
He died in Montecassino, according to tradition, on 21^st March 547.

The itinerary starts in Norcia, on the slopes of Sybilline Mountains, and then continues to Cascia, where St. Rita, the so called “Saint of impossible cases” lived. From here the itinerary goes towards Monteleone di Spoleto, charming medieval village, to reach Leonessa (Lazio), at the foot of Reatini Mountains. From Leonessa the itinerary reaches Poggio Bustone, later Rieti and the Holy Valley.
The itinerary then crosses the Sinibalda Fortress and the Tora Castle, Pozzaglia, Orvinio and Mandela to Subiaco, the first major destination of the Way.
From Subiaco, the Way goes on towards Trevi and after Trevi, a sequence of inspiring medieval villages follow: Guarcino, Vico and Collepardo.
The next steps are Certosa di Trisulti, Casamari, Arpino, San Giovanni Mountain, the gorges of Melfa and Roccasecca, and finally the Montecassino Abbey.

Norcia is an enchanting town at the foot of Sybilline Mountains, loved by trekking enthusiasts,combining deep Benedictine Spirituality, the charm of nature, the wonders of art and the authenticity of gastronomy.
It is part of the “Italian Most Beautiful Villages” Club, thanks to its significant environmental, cultural and artistic heritage.
The main monuments are located around the central square: the Basilica of St. Benedict, dating back to the 12^th century; the Renaissance Portico of the Measures; the Castellina; the cathedral of St. Maria Argentea and the Town Hall.

Located in south-eastern Umbria, Cascia rises in the highest area of the region, near the National Park of Sybilline Mountains. Perched up on the St. Augustine hill, it is surrounded by superb mountains descending to the Corno river, tributary of the Nera river. Birthplace of St. Rita, it is one of Umbria's main spiritual centres.

Don’t miss a visit to the Monastery of St. Rita and the adjoining Sanctuary of St. Rita, built in the modern era to host the remains of the saint, and today place of worship drawing pilgrims from all over the world, and the valuable churches of St. Francis, St. Anthony and the Collegiate of St. Mary.
Don’t miss Roccaporena, St. Rita's native village, at the bottom of a small gorge cut by the Corno river, which winds around a slender cliff, the so called “Sacred Rock”.
It is possible to reach the rock’s top by walking the Way of the Cross with 300 steps: beside the highly spiritual aspect of the place, the view will also leave you breathless, as it ranges from Sybilline Mountains on the north to the Reatini Mountains on the South.

Monteleone di Spoleto is a small mountain village resting on a hill at the end of the Corno Valley, starting north-east of the slopes of mount Terminillo, surrounded by mountain peaks offering a unique view.
It used to be called the “Lion of the Apennines” because of its fortress, crouched on the slope.
It has a significant historiy, since it is located along ancient communication routes, at the boundary between the Papal State and the Kingdom of Naples. This boundary is still recalled in the memorial stones placed on the staircases leading to the Clocktower gate.
The gem of Monteleone is definitely the biga, a parade chariot and an extraordinary product of Etruscan workshops dated around 540 BC.
Also interesting are the complex of St. Catherine, which has the shape of an ovoid derived by four equilateral triangles intersecting each other, the Church of St. Nicola, with altarpieces attributed to Ghezzi and Masucci, and the beautiful 15^th century Bernabò palace.

Those walking the Way should request the Credential, which certifies the status of pilgrim and is required to access most of the ""pilgrim hospitality"": religious hospitality or other facilities for which only an offering is requested.

History, art and a little bit of mystery meet in the belly of the town of Narni to offer its visitors a unique itinerary, full of wonders: we suggest a guided itinerary discovering underground Narni.

The route begins in the complesso conventuale di S. Domenico (a monastery) with the entrance in a charming hypogea-church with a single nave: the walls, partly dug out of the rock, are covered with frescoed plasterwork. The oldest of these fresco cycles date back to the 12th century, the period when the building was constructed. Inside the church you will find a brick passage way: cross it and you will arrive in a room which contains a Roman cistern which was used to collect rainwater. You will find yourself in what was probably a domus. Take the next tunnel along: you will arrive in a room of pink and white rock, beneath the apse of San Domenico, which was the site of the court of the Holy Inquisition. Look around, you will find a small cell whose walls shows graffiti of a devotional nature, others connected to judicial events, others with an esoteric meaning. Your visit continues in the underground area of the church of Santa Maria Impensole, above which a church was built in the eighth century. Later a Romanesque church was built over it. Your route ends inside Lacus, the great early medieval cistern located under the fountain of piazza Garibaldi, formerly piazza del Lago.

The route dedicated to underground Narni has come to an end, but you can enjoy another experience, which is of great interest from a speleological point of view: a visit to the acquedotto della Formina. This is a Roman aqueduct, probably built in 27 A.D. during the reign of Tiberius. The aqueduct is about 13 km long and it winds along the slopes of the Narni hills, through three mountains and even crosses some rivers. You can walk along a 700 metre long conduit, admiring the fantastic flowstones and then exit via a steep spiral staircase that is carved into the rock, from a well that is 18 metres deep. Visits to the aqueduct can only be made from May to October, and are subject to booking (you will find all the necessary information on the website (http://www.narnisotterranea.it/).

The visit to Narni Sotterranea lasts for about an hour and a half, whilst the one to the aqueduct lasts three hours: you'll have just enough time to visit beautiful Narni and try the delicious local pastries and cakes, famous for their ancient origins.

Discovering underground Narni: ancient churches, tunnels, cells and Roman cisterns await you on a journey of hidden treasures

The excursion starts from the central Piazza Umberto I in Collazzone (PG). Taking the asphalted road Via della Fiera downhill, descend until you reach Via Collazzone, from where you can admire the gentle hills of woods and vineyards that make up the countryside of the nearby town of Gualdo Cattaneo. Continue on for about 500 meters, turn left on a dirt road in the middle of the woods and then continue descending for about 4 km where you will find the remains of an ancient mill known as the Mulino delle Botte. Now completely in ruins, this mill is located upon the road that runs alongside the very small River Puglia, near the junction for the town of Gaglietole. Architecturally, the building is made up of a body with an almost square base and a small extension alongside. The perimeter walls are built in river stone mixed with brick.

After passing the remains of the ancient mill, continue on the dirt road Strada Gaglietolese in the middle of the woods until you arrive near the Abbazia Collemedio Resort, in the vicinity of the hamlet of Collepepe. Continue straight on downhill, on the asphalted road, Strada dell'Osteria, crossing over the main road SP415 and continuing left onto the dirt road, Strada Esterna del Molino, which leads to Strada Esterna della Fornace.
This route offers a panoramic view of the Tiber River, the town of Deruta and beyond as far as Lake Trasimeno and the fortresses that overlook it. After passing the small hamlet of Ripabianca (Deruta), continue passing through Vocabolo Caprareccia, and then on the right pass through Vocabolo Montecchio. Now continue downhill on the asphalted road, Strada Esterna Vicinale del Macchione, approaching the village of Deruta, where, passing onto a dirt road in the middle of the fields, take Via del Palazzone arriving at and crossing over the main road SP419. Continue on to reach the green/cycle path of the Tiber River.

Follow along this green/cycle path for about 4 km, with the river to your left, and then take Via Francescana near the bridge and continue straight on SP400 towards Torgiano. After passing the Church of San Lorenzo and the Church of the Crucifix, cross the bridge, Ponterosciano to reach, on the left, Via dei Mulini in the direction of the River Park of the Tiber and Chiascio rivers. From here you can easily reach the historic center of Torgiano and the Baglioni Tower.
Once in Torgiano, the return to Collazzone is expected by following the path backwards, except for the last stretch near Collazzone where, near the remains of the ancient mill, continue right on the dirt road until reaching the road Strada Gaglietolese in the middle of the woods. Follow this dirt road uphill until you reach Via Jacopone da Todi and rejoin the asphalt road Via dell’Abbazia where you pass by the convent of San Lorenzo. Here you may visit the crypt of Jacopone da Todi. After the Monastery, continue straight on Via dell'Abbazia to return to the historic center of Collazzone from Viale Marconi, passing by the mural entitled, ""Mother Nature"". Located on the wall of the public parking area in Viale Marconi, this mural is a work of street art, created by a group of local artists. Visually striking, the mural is made up of a series of bright colors and two halves that are divided by the central face of a crying woman who is understood as a depiction of Mother Nature. On the left side is a family sitting at the table, their faces replaced by mere skulls. Adjacent, against the background of burnt hills, a farmer with a gas mask walks by. A building is visible with the classic undulated shape of the asbestos roofs that are still present in large quantities in this territory, and the predominant color is bright red.

You may return to the starting point of Piazza Umberto I by continuing on Viale Marconi and turning right on Viale Cesare Battisti.

Discover the area crossed by the western route of the via Flaminia, which headed towards Massa Martana and the settlements at the foot of the Monti Martani. Located in a border area, it facilitated the fusion of cultural and religious traditions.

By car
Highway del Sole (A1), exit “Valdichiana” for those coming from the North, exit “Fabro” and “Chiusi-Chianciano Terme” for those coming from the South E 45, exit “Perugia”, direction Trasimeno Lake, passing through Highway Connection 6 Bettolle-Perugia/Highway Connection A1 Perugia and SR599.

By train
Direction Milano-Firenze-Roma and Direction Ancona-Foligno-Firenze: Train Station Chiusi-Chianciano Terme.

The Umbrian section of the ""Sole"" Bike Lane is not very long and it does not have very challenging sections but it represents a good test for those who want to engage some paths not entirely flat.

Do you want to try an ‘extreme' sport suited to everyone? The only basic requirement for rafting is knowing how to swim. Then all you need to do is bring suitable clothing, a good measure of courage and head out to the part of Valnerina outside of Terni, between the towns of Ferentillo and Arrone.

Here the Nera river offers fantastic rapids perfect for rafting. After a short lesson in basic theory, put on your wetsuit, life jacket and helmet, and climb on board the raft, ready to experience the excitement and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Settle into the guided rhythm and movement of the group in the raft: the adrenalin rush is fabulous as you go down the river and especially when you feel as though you are falling into the water pulled by the river's force. This is the true thrill of rafting.

This river experience lasts for just a couple of hours. In the time you have left over you can visit either Arrone or Ferentillo.

Arrone is a small fortified town that rises on a rocky hill on the left bank of the Nera river, on the border with the province of Rieti. Walk to the highest part of town and admire the medieval city walls that have remained almost intact over the centuries.

Ferentillo is a small typical Valnerina village, along a gorge overlooked by two great rock faces famous for rock climbing. If you are a climber, take advantage of one of the hundreds of climbing routes this mountain offers. If you prefer something a bit more relaxing, visit one of the most beautiful abbeys of Umbria, the Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle. It is now private property and officially listed as an historical residence, but you can visit the church which still shows traces of two different styles of architecture. The first is from the Longobard period, but the building was finished in the Romanesque period, in the 12th century. Then head to the interesting Church of Santo Stefano with its Mummy Museum, with perfectly intact, naturally mummified bodies are on display. The chemical composition of the terrain dried every cell of the bodies and thus prevented their decomposition.

Do you want to try an ‘extreme' sport suited to everyone? Bring your most comfortable clothes, a good measure of courage, and hop into the inflatable raft. Now you are ready for rafting on the Nera river, between Ferentillo and Arrone, a unique and inimitable experience.

This itinerary will lead us to the discovery of some of the most interesting places in northern Umbria.

It starts from Città di Castello, the most important city in the Upper Tiber Valley.

Although it has a history that goes back to the ancient people of Umbria, walking through Città di Castello you cannot fail to notice how the artworks of the Renaissance period characterize the place, starting from the walls that surround it, the Renaissance palaces (it is mandatory to stop at palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, which now houses the Municipal Picture Gallery and its collection, among the most beautiful in the Region), the churches that overlook the streets and squares of the city. Many of these places of worship were in fact built, expanded or rebuilt between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, adopting the styles of the time: this is the case for example of the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Maria delle Grazie, San Francesco, and San Domenico.

Among all, the Cathedral of Saints Florido and Amanzio stands out: the richness of its interiors and the splendid frescoes are truly suggestive. With still in your eyes so much wonder, then move a few meters, for a visit to the adjacent Museum and its collection of sacred art.

Città di Castello is also an unexpected world reference for contemporary art. Between palazzo Albizzini and the former Tobacco Dryers you can admire an important collection of artworks by his most famous fellow citizen, Alberto Burri, one of the greatest figures of the international contemporary art.

To reach Umbertide, the second stop, it will take just half an hour by bus (the E119 does well for us). If a military and political structure like the Fortress of the fourteenth century, symbol of the city, now hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, you can perceive the artistic and cultural soul of this city in the Upper Tiber Valley.

The churches of Umbertide confirm this feeling: Santa Croce (now a museum) with the Deposition from the Cross by Luca Signorelli and a Child in glory between Angels and Saints by the Pomarancio; San Bernardino, where there is a wonderful Dinner with the Apostles by Muzio Flori; Santa Maria della Pietà, decorated by Pinturicchio with a fresco and an altarpiece depicting the Coronation of the Virgin (now in the Vatican Museums); finally, the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Reggia, repository of an artwork by Pomarancio.

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy is waiting for you about a quarter of an hour from Umbertide (by bus E115 or E119), on a hill at the confluence of the Tiber and Carpina rivers. That's Montone, birthplace of Umbria's most famous captain of fortune, Andrea Fortebraccio, better known as Braccio da Montone.

This small village has a strong relationship with the past and not only with its own: piazza Fortebraccio and the ruins of the Rocca di Braccio are an important legacy of its most famous citizen, the municipal historical archive (in the former convent of Santa Caterina) that preserves one of the richest documentary heritage of the region, while the museum complex of Saint Francis houses an ethnographic museum that focuses on the history of East Africa. In the Church of Saint Francis, it is possible to admire many frescoes and paintings of the Umbrian school.

Your next destination: in less than an hour, the E055 will take you to the last leg of the journey.

Gubbio is one of the oldest towns in Umbria (the finds dating back to the time of the Umbrians and the most recent Roman Theatre, of which you can admire the remains, are a remarkable testimony), but lived one of its periods of greatest splendour between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, a period in which many of the major monuments of the city were built: palazzo dei Consoli in the spectacular piazza Grande, the Cathedral of Saints Mariano and Giacomo, piazza Quaranta Martiri (dedicated to the 40 residents of Gubbio killed by the Nazis in 1944 but already seat of the market during the Middle Ages), Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the churches of Santa Maria Nuova, St. Peter and St. Augustine, the Monastery of San Marziale. Instead the refinement of the majolica working technique, which is still the pride of the city, dates back to the years between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Plan your trip so as to be in Gubbio on 15^th May: on the day of the famous Corsa dei Ceri, symbol of the city and of the entire region, three large wooden candles surmounted by statues of the three saints of Gubbio (the patron saint St. Ubaldo, St. George and St. Anthony Abbot) are carried by men and women through the streets of the city, for then starting the race, cutting the festive crowd, in the direction of the Basilica of St. Ubaldo, on top of Mount Ingino. If, however, you can't make it don't despair, there is another characteristic but less scenic custom of Gubbio that can see you as the protagonist: just three rounds around the fountain in front of the Bargello Palace (and the presence of a Gubbio inhabitant) are enough to earn the always coveted “Patente da Matto” (""Crazy License"")!

The hike starts at the Abbey of Sant'Eutizio. With the abbey behind you, follow the trail that goes up along the edge of the building, once on the paved road continue right and turn left at the crossroads, following the signs for Collescille. Right after a rural building with a big tree, leave the paved road and turn onto the trail to the left. After the Santo Spes church, the oldest of Preci, go straight and when it joins the paved road again turn right towards Saccovescio.

Turn left and then follow the paved road uphill. You'll find yourself in Castelvecchio. Walk about town until you find the signs to San Vito, fifty metres onwards, and after having crossed a stream, get on the dirt road on the right that goes along the edge of the stream. When you get to San Lazzaro, continue straight into the woods. Stay on the left-hand trail and turn right onto the paved road, and then left again to go to Bagni di Triponzo. If you need a rest, this is the place. Relax in the waters of the thermal baths and maybe even in the steam room. Then get back on the path and follow the dirt road towards Triponzo. Take care here, this part of the trail is very exposed and may be slippery if wet, another good reason to wear good hiking boots.

Go through the centre of Triponzo, then turn right on the SS209 (a paved road), cross over and then turn right onto another dirt road. You have reached your destination: the centre of Cerreto di Spoleto. Cerreto gets its name from the great oak trees (cerre) here and the lovely little town is well worth a visit. The historic centre and castle are in the area where the Nera, Vigi and Tissino rivers meet. Legend has it that the town was founded in the 800s by the Franks who had come south in the wake of Charlemagne to fight the powerful Longobard stewards of nearby Ponte. While here, enjoy a crescionda, a simple but delicious dessert as soft as a pudding and made with eggs, flour, chocolate and sugar.

If a nice long hike is what you love, then this route from the Abbey of Sant'Eutizio to Cerreto di Spoleto, surrounded by nature and little hamlets along the way, is the thing for you.

This part of the walk will allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of northern Umbria: there are no exhaustingly-long climbs, and you'll walk through fields, vineyards and hill towns in the peaceful green silence.

Starting from the village of Citerna you reach Città di Castello after 20.5 km on paved and unpaved surfaces. During the stage, you will have to follow the official yellow and blue signs of the Via di Francesco. Exit the historic centre of Citerna by Via Garibaldi: walk down to the crossroads with the newsstand and turn right in the direction of of L'Eremo del buon riposo and Città di Castello. Take plenty of water because you will only be able to refill after 12 km near Lerchi, where there are fountains.

After about 100 m on an asphalt road with a lot of traffic, turn right onto a dirt road: you will walk slightly uphill among horse chestnuts, oaks and downy oaks. At the fork (at this point you will have covered 4.91 km from the starting point) turn left and after 300 meters continue right to Le Burgne. From here you will enjoy a magnificent and wide view of the Tiber valley and the Umbrian landscape, with hills, villages, forests and churches.
From the crossroads marked at km 6.76, walk down to the right (paying attention to the presence of unleashed dogs) until you reach Caldese; from here, after a short stretch on asphalt, turn onto a dirt road, skirting a buffalo farm and climbing up to the ridge of the hill.
At the junction for S. Lorenzo, walk down to the left to reach Lerchi. Once here, you can choose between the shorter but busier road to reach Città di Castello (along Via Toscana) or decide to pass through the Church of the Madonna della Speranza, turning right and continuing up to Varzo (516 meters above sea level). You will have to continue on the flat until the fork, then take the left; you will begin to see in the distance the bell tower of the Duomo di Città di Castello and you will pass in front of the famous Franciscan Hermitage of Good Rest (Eremo del buon riposo), where St. Francis used to stop when he walked to La Verna. The Hermitage has hosted many well-known religious figures such as St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bonaventure, St. Bernardine of Siena and Blessed Francis of Pavia; it can be visited with the kind permission of the owners, when present.
You will continue through the woods passing through the guesthouse of Villa la Montesca to a grey gate, where you will have to turn right and continue to the Cathedral of Città di Castello, a beautiful city on a human scale whose history has always been linked to art.

The itinerary follows in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi: not a classic pilgrimage, but a true spiritual journey enriched by the charm of the Umbrian land. Today we will follow the northern route from Citerna to Città di Castello.

If you're not daunted by hairpin bends, get on your motorbike and follow this itinerary around the ones on Subasio, visiting some of the most important locations for Franciscans, along roads that area surrounded by expanses of olive groves.

The route begins in Spello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy; take the Statale 147 and head towards Capitan Loreto and San Vitale. From San Vitale start climbing towards Monte Subasio. This easily accessible and scenic road, leads first to the Eremo delle Carceri, the perfect place for a break, with its holm oaks and its mystical and relaxing silence. Don't miss the chance to visit the natural grottoes where saints and hermits withdrew in prayer and meditation. The journey continues towards Assisi, which you will reach in only a few minutes, travelling along a road completely surrounded by greenery that will take you to the Porta Cappuccini entrance. Then continue along the Strada provinciale 251, heading down towards the centre of Assisi, until you reach the turning for the Statale 444 which will take you back towards the Parco del Monte Subasio. From here, continue towards Valtopina. There you can decide whether to continue with the trip or stop for a walk in the woods and meadows or around the numerous castles located in the area: the Castello del Poggio (which was until the beginning of the century, used to house the Palazzo Municipale- the town hall), and those of Gallano, Santa Cristina, Pasano and Serra.

Leaving Valtopina, you again re-enter the Parco del Monte Subasio, taking the strada provinciale 249 towards San Giovanni and Armenzano, returning to Assisi, after a countless series of hairpin bends, where your journey by motorbike ends and a new journey in art and spirituality begins.

Get back in the saddle and take a trip to discover the hairpin bends of Monte Subasio: an itinerary that will allow you to discover locations connected to Saint Francis, on your motorbike

INTERMODALITY
To reach Assisi:
By train:
Line Firenze –Terontola –Perugia –Foligno, Assisi/S. Maria degli Angeli StationConnected with bus service –Azienda Perugina della Mobilità (APM)

From St. Francis town to that one of the Festival of Two Worlds, a journey that you can cycle dividing it into two easy stages: the first one from Assisi to Bevagna and the second one from Bevagna to Spoleto, in this way you won’t miss anything of the beautiful countryside and villages of Umbria that you will be passing through.

Umbria with its stunning landscapes, beautiful cities and charming medieval villages, is the ideal destination to take a holiday surrounded by the region's evocative landscapes and to discover its many cultural treasures.

Let’s start from the area of Terni, the town of St. Valentine, patron saint of Lovers, where the Lake Piediluco is located: a mirror of water above Marmore falls.
It is said that, when you reach the centre of the lake, the voice produces such a powerful echo to be heard within few metres; if you are thinking to declare yourself, then you can make resound your marriage proposal until Piediluco, the picturesque village with colourful houses.

Marmore Waterfalls are well known also because one of the balconies where you can admire the waterfall’s spray is called “the Balcony of Lovers”: a small window reachable through the Lovers’ Tunnel. The legend narrates that Saint Valentine, in order to demonstrate the purity of Nerina, called into question by her boyfriend, struck the cliff with his bishop’s crozier and produced a jet of water with the shape of a bride’s veil.

Orvieto, standing on a tufa cliff, is located in the province of Terni too. The entire town, as well as the beautiful Cathedral, seems to stand almost touching the sky. The square is an original and fascinating setting, especially at night, when the colours of the church’s façade soften and release a soft and romantic light.

If the weather is good, one of the most romantic spots in Umbria is certainly the Trasimeno Lake: the sunsets that can be admired in the villages standing on its shores (Passignano sul Trasimeno, San Feliciano, Tuoro sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago) take always different and surprising colours according to the season and the climate of the moment. A very romantic experience is then the visit to the Maggiore Island in the centre of the lake. A charming fishing village stands on the island, that is reachable by ferry: the walkways looking over the lake, exactly at sunset, fill with an intense and very beautiful light.

Located within the Albornoz Fortress, a fortress placed at the top of the hill overlooking the town of Spoleto, the Painted Room is decorated with frescoes telling Breton or Provencal poems. These poems have a strong power of influence and all those who had the chance to admire them remained fascinated by them. Lovers who get to Spoleto should stop in to see the Painted Room, formerly the bedroom of the castellan. The pictures painted on the walls, illustrating stories of courtly love, are delightful.

Retreat to the Springs of Clitunno, with a serene atmosphere of weeping willows, a mirror of water surrounded by total silence, a church with the shape of a Greek temple. This place inspired poets and scholars such as Pliny the Younger, Virginio, Lord Byron and Carducci, therefore it will be able to conquer you too.

Baciadonne alley (""kiss-women"") in Città della Pieve is a very narrow lane whose name derives from a dispute among neighbours. The popular tradition narrates that in the Middle Ages two neighbours decided to detach their houses, creating an alley between 50 and 70 centimetres wide. Two passers-by who cross the alley in the opposite direction are forced to be so close that they touch their lips.
The romantic walk can then go on at the research of the birthplaces of Pietro Vannucci, called “Perugino”, one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance and master of the great Raphael.

Love lives on sensations and emotions. Come to Umbria and choose the romantic place that suits you best: silent villages, majestic nature, flavors and scents that fill the heart, landscapes that evoke ancient stories. You will return with indelible memories and fragments of happiness.

Our area, abounding in historic, artistic and natural beauty, is an ideal destination to hold your wedding.

Umbria is without doubt one of the most interesting regions in Italy, a land of ancient traditions, splendid landscapes and full of ancient villages with walls, towers, alleys and evocative churches.

If you are looking for a romantic ceremony, our region is the ideal spot: luxurious locations, fascinating villas, ancient castles, countryside residences and – why not – a medieval-style wedding with ancient costumes, dances and dishes of the local tradition.

Perugia, Spello, Spoleto, Orvieto, Gubbio, Assisi, Bevagna, Montefalco are just some of the cities with enchanting churches and unforgettable sights. Why not choose Terni, home of St. Valentine, an emblematic city of lovers. Some couples even choose to marry on the 14th of February, St. Valentine's day.

If you love a symbol of the force of nature, the Cascate delle Marmore (Marmore Waterfalls), among the highest in Europe, are the ideal place: the pounding water combines with the green of the surrounding environment, giving you an unforgettable backdrop for your ""I do""!

For a peaceful atmosphere, the Lago Trasimeno (Trasimeno Lake) is absolutely the ideal, because the surface of the lake, mirroring the surrounding hills, offers reassuring romantic horizons for elegant ceremonies. The splendid islands, Maggiore and Polvese, make the lake even more precious and could be the ideal place for your exclusive wedding. Board all your guests in a boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery immortalised by Perugino.

For an unusual wedding we suggest the smallest theatre in the world, located in Monte Castello di Vibio, with 99 seats, or the Fonti del Clitunno (Clitunno spring), praised by different poets fascinated by its sweet waters, as well as by its weeping willows and by the evocative presence of the early Christian temple.

These are just some of the many places that Umbria offers for an unforgettable ceremony.

Umbria offers many places to celebrate your wedding thanks to extraordinary villages, sweet and romantic hills, amazing castles and dream villas.

A unique journey of around 500 km, incorporating La Verna, Assisi, the Holy Valley of Rieti and Rome

The Via di Francesco - Via di Roma, between Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, link together ""places"" that witnessed the life and teachings of St Francis of Assisi.

The 23 stages of the journey, with a choice of several detours, start from the sacred mountain of La Verna. The journey takes you to places that St Francis passed through and prayed in: the hermitage of Montecasale, Sansepolcro, Citerna, Città di Castello, Pietralunga, Gubbio and Valfabbrica, ending in Assisi. Here you will have the opportunity to rest and meditate at the tomb of St Francis in the Basilica dedicated to him. However, we recommend finding time to visit the many places that preserve the memory of his life and message.

Then on to Rome, crossing the Spoleto Valley, much loved by Francis, who exclaimed: Nihil iucundius vidi valle mea spoletana (I've never seen anything more pleasing than my spoletina valley). Abbeys, churches and monasteries testify to the spiritual charm of this stretch of the Way, which passes through historical towns rich in art and history: Spello, Foligno, Trevi and Spoleto. You continue across the Valnerina valley through the villages of Ceselli, Arrone and Piediluco. It is possible to take a detour to Terni and the Marmore Waterfall.

Leaving Umbria for Lazio, the Way leads you to the main sanctuaries in the Holy Valley of Rieti, much loved by Francis: Greccio; Fonte Colombo; La Foresta and Poggio Bustone. From Rieti, you will start the last 100 km towards Rome, the cradle of Christianity and the destination of pilgrims from all over the world.

The Tuscany section of the Via di Francesco is indicated by CAI signage (white and red signs). In Umbria and Lazio, the path is well signposted with the colours of the Way: yellow and blue signs will guide you first to Assisi, then into the Holy Valley of Rieti and on to Rome.

From the Sanctuary of La Verna you head to Assisi and then continue on to Rome, the destination of all great pilgrimages, also visited by St Francis as a pilgrim

This itinerary will lead us to the discovery of some of the most famous Umbrian cities. It's a journey designed for travelling by camper, but suitable for all those who want to fully experience the history and culture of the Green Heart of Italy.

An itinerary designed for motorhome owners and not only, to discover the major cities of the Perugia area, from the Upper Tiber Valley to the Sibillini Mountains

Fill your tank with petrol, check your tyres and then hop on your motorcycle. The E45 will take you from Perugia towards the hills heading to Cesena. Exit at Valfabbrica. Just further on is a stretch of road local bikers love for its many bends and the perfect road bed of Casacastalda. Remember to stay in the centre of your own lane – for your safety and that of others, and that pleasure is not measured in terms of speed! Drive to Gubbio, where the major points of interest are the Palazzo dei Consoli, the Sant'Ubaldo Basilica and the Santa Maria Nuova Cathedral. If it's time for lunch, order a plate of tagliatelle with a white truffles, or enjoy some local ‘street food' like the farmer's version of crescia al panaro, cooked in hot ashes, with a rabbit friccò, or have some brustengo, fried bread, with prosciutto or sausages. Sated, get on the road to Scheggia along another great road, and the route becomes even more interesting. From Apecchio head toward the Bocca Serriola Pass.

The road ascends gradually to start with and then becomes a veritable haven for bikers. The road bed is perfect with plenty of great bends and marvellous views. If you want to stop for a cup of coffee or a cool beverage, take a break just after Fraccano. There is a mountain refuge here with spectacular views and stone tables at which to relax. Once you are over the pass you'll soon reach Città di Castello, the birthplace of Alberto Burri. A visit to Palazzo Albizzini and the ex Seccatoi del Tabacco, the cathedral and Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera are a great way to end this adrenaline-filled day. And when you're ready to leave, the E45 leads straight to Perugia.

From Perugia to Città di Castello via Casacastalda, Gubbio and the fabulous Bocca Serriola Pass. For you who love travelling and enjoying the landscape along some of the most famous curving roads of northern Umbria.

After parking conveniently along the pier we start our tour around Passignano sul Trasimeno
The old urban centre is still surrounded by medieval walls that bear witness to the development of the small agricultural village dating back to the Roman Empire; its castle was bitterly contested between Arezzo, Perugia and Florence. There are no great monuments, but very pleasant walks and places, such as the town walls, the church of San Rocco and the sanctuary of Madonna dell'Oliveto.
The oil is one of the oldest and most typical in the area: remember to sample the ""Dolce Agogia"" variety, which is suitable for delicate dishes and fish. Continue on to Tuoro sul Trasimeno, a fifteenth-century fishing village that is located in the area that was the scene of the battle in which Hannibal's Carthaginian army annihilated over 16,000 Romans: an event remembered every year with a show.
A short distance away you can visit Pieve di Confine, a Romanesque building from the early twelfth century and the castle of Monte Gualandro. If you're hungry, begin with a salad of farro and Trasimeno beans: a legume cultivated since ancient times, now part of the slow food movement. Follow with a catch from the lake, perhapsin the soup al ""tegamaccio"" di coccio: make a toast with Gamay del Trasimeno. Heresy? Do not be sceptical, this young and fruity red, with velvety tannins and only a little aggressive, seems born to accompany this dish.

With fried foods, fish or shellfish salads, a dry Grechetto or a Trebbiano is better, often in tandem with pinot grigio or chardonnay, chosen from the DOC Colli del Trasimeno, Perugini or Altotiberini. To digest, a walk to Punta Navaccia, Lido di Tuoro, to see the columns of Campo del Sole: a collection of architectural sculptures created by international artists.
When you arrive in Castiglione del Lago, the ideal route starts with a visit to the church of Santa Maria Maddalena: followed by the Castello del Leone and the adjacent Palazzo della Corgna. The treat at the end of the day will be a dish inspired by saffron in nearby Citta della Pieve

The wines of the Colli del Trasimeno route take their character from the sweetness of the landscape. The soft tannins of Gamay and the moderate acidity of Grechetto: classic confirmations and unexpected enological surprises await among the lands of Hannibal.

To give you an insight into the history of fishing and to allow you to enjoy delicious dishes, we propose a visit which encompasses food and wine as well as culture, along the shores of Lake Trasimeno to discover more about an ingredient which has greatly influenced the traditions of this area: lake fish.

The tradition of fishing in the lake has ancient origins dating back to the first people who lived in the area: the Etruscans. For a long while, fishing was neglected and its tradition almost forgotten, but in recent years, a series of initiatives brought about by local institutions and residents have revived this ancient practice and restored fish to its starring role in local cuisine.

To begin, head to San Feliciano, a small town in the Magione district, home to the Museo della Pesca sul Lago Trasimeno: learn more about lake fishing techniques, the history of fishing practices and see the famous ""giacchi"", fishing nets expertly made by hand. The atmosphere of the museum and its location in a typical and peaceful fishing port is part of the attraction. If you are in San Feliciano at the end of July, don't miss the Sagra del Giacchio where you'll be able to enjoy delicious lake fish-based dishes.

Anguilla (Eel), carassio (Crucian carp), carpa (Common carp), latterino (Big-scale sand smelt), luccio (Pike), persico reale (European perch), persico sole (sunfish), pesce gatto (Catfish) and tinca (Tench) are caught every day in the waters of Trasimeno. Head towards Passignano sul Trasimeno, to Tuoro or to Castiglione del Lago: many restaurants have stunning lake views and you'll be able to savour delicious dishes, enjoying the unique and special flavour of fish. Try carpa regina in porchetta or the traditional tegamaccio, a fish soup, which takes its name from the terracotta tegame (pot) in which it is cooked. Another succulent dish is brustico: the unscaled fish are roasted on embers made from reeds from the lake and are then fileted and dressed with local olive oil and lemon. Alternatively, perch has a much more delicate flavour and can be enjoyed fried or in a pasta sauce.

The Festa della Padella in Passignano sul Trasimeno (which usually takes place at the end of August) and the Sagra del Pesce del Trasimeno in Borghetto di Tuoro, in June are very popular events, where you can enjoy wonderful local cuisine.

To accompany the fish-based dishes, you have a vast choice of wines: those identified by the ""Colli del Trasimeno"" or ""Trasimeno DOC"" appellation are among some of the best-known and important of the region.

Fish from Lake Trasimeno is connected to an ancient tradition, rediscovered in recent years: we suggest an excursion which will give you an insight into the history of fishing and fishing techniques as well as allow you to enjoy delicious lake-fish based dishes.

Benozzo Gozzoli is one of the great protagonists of the Italian Renaissance painting.

He was born in Florence around 1420 and was a pupil of Lorenzo Ghiberti as well as Beato Angelico with whom he cooperated to create different artworks in the Vatican. Later he moved to Umbria, where, together with his master, he started to fresco two vaults in the Saint Brizio's Chapel inside the Orvieto's Cathedral. About half a century later the chapel was completed by the superb hand of Luca Signorelli.

In recent years the painting cycle discovered in the crypts of the Città della Pieve’s Cathedral has also been attributed to Benozzo Gozzoli; it seems that the artist used here a cardboard (preparatory drawing) already adopted in Orvieto and for that reason this cycle is placed chronologically around 1449.

Benozzo Gozzoli, pupil of Lorenzo Ghiberti and Beato Angelico, is one of the main Italian Renaissance painters; he left in Umbria precious traces of his art by giving us masterpieces that reflect all the genius of the artist.

Start your trip from Perugia to Todi: in this area grechetto, Sangiovese and Trebbiano grapes are cultivated (also used for the Vin Santo), joined in recent decades with some international varieties such as pinot grigio, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
An obligatory stop is Torgiano, a small village which grew around a medieval castle, of which today only a few walls and a tower remain. In the world of wine Torgiano is synonymous with a great Sangiovese, one of the first Italian DOCG. While there, visit the Wine Museum, which the New York Times called the best wine-themed visit in Italy, and the nearby Olive and Oil Museum. If you have time, for something a little off topic, but not too much, visit the Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art with the permanent exhibition Vaselle d'Autore for new wine.
If you develop an appetite: tagliatelle with chicken giblets and rabbit alla cacciatora with torta al testo ed erbe di campo. To drink, preferably red, either Torgiano or a choice between the DOC from Assisi, Colli Perugini or Colli Martani.
The afternoon begins with a stroll through the picturesque medieval village of Monte Castello di Vibio with its delightful Concordia theatre, ""The Smallest Theatre in the World"".
We continue along the road towards Todi, an Etruscan city spread over two hills which have always been a natural border for those crossing the Tiber valley. Hence the Etruscan name tuder, frontier. It is a beautiful village nestled in one of the most picturesque areas of the region, with a historical centre clearly of medieval origin, boasting religious and civic buildings of great prestige. Walking around the city, see the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the monument to Jacopone da Todi, the San Fortunato temple, the municipal buildings and the cathedral Santa Maria Annunziata.

Here the star is grechetto doc, historically grown in the variety known as ""Todi"". The land and local climate suit white grapes, although there are some red wines made from sangiovese and merlot.

From Perugia to Todi: travelling through the vineyards of the Colli Perugini hills we find the balance between the austere elegance of Rosso di Torgiano and the fruity verve of Grechetto of Todi wines. The aromas of the land between art and history: for a full gourmet experience

A hilly territory rich in woods that extends from Città della Pieve to Paciano, Panicale and Piegaro, an ideal place for long walks immersed into nature and among medieval villages rich in history, culture as well as food and wine: these were the landscapes from which Pietro Vannucci drew inspiration for his paintings and these were the lands dominated by Ascanio della Corgna, who built palaces that are still majestic today.

""The paths of Perugino in the lands of the Marquis"" is an itinerary to discover slowly, through beauty, traditions and evidence of past glory: an itinerary of about 100 km, divided into five stages of 20 km each allowing you to penetrate among cultivations, olive groves and vineyards.

The route starts from the beautiful and charming Città della Pieve, where Perugino was born, and reaches Panicale, a real terrace on Trasimeno lake and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Departure: centre of Città della Pieve
Arrival: historical centre of Panicale
Uphill height difference: 910 metres
Length: 19 Km
Difficulty: Medium

From Panicale you can admire the beauty of the Trasimeno Lake during your descent, and the wide views over the surrounding countryside, on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, until you get to Fontignano to reach the burial place of the Divine Painter.

Departure: historical centre of Panicale
Arrival: Fontignano centre
Uphill height difference: 880 metres
Length: 21 Km
Difficulty: Medium

From Fontignano we head towards the agricultural countryside in the direction of the Pietrafitta area. We reach the Abbey of the Seven Friars and continue along a path of ups and downs, alternating between agricultural and forest areas typical of the Valley, until we arrive in the small village of Castiglione Fosco.

Starting point: Fontignano centre
Arrival point: C. Fosco centre
Uphill height difference: 629 metres
Length: 21 km
Difficulty: Medium

It starts from the characteristic cylindrical tower of Castiglion Fosco, symbol of the village where you can find traces of the ancient castle, located on the hill.
You can reach Montarale at 853 m. above sea level, the summit of the entire path that dominates the lake basin, with wide views over Perugia, Assisi and neighbouring Tuscany.
Then you descend into the valley and climb up to Piegaro.

tarting point: C. Fosco centre
Arrival point: Piegaro centre
Uphill height difference: 1.100 metres
Length: 21 Km
Difficulty: Challenging

From the centre of Piegaro climb towards Montegabbione and Monteleone di Orvieto.
After admiring some splendid scenery and views of the Valdichiana, you can return to the historical centre of Città della Pieve.

Starting point: Piegaro centre
Arrival point: Città della Pieve
Uphill height difference: 615 metres
Length: 21 Km
Difficulty: Medium

An area known for being sacred, where the Umbrian saints spent hours in prayer and reflection. Let yourself be transported by the green expanse of trees and follow the paths which are perfect for hiking: we will guide you from Spoleto to Monteluco along ""la corta"", a picturesque path which crosses the woodlands of the Spoleto area.

Once you have finished your walk, head back to Spoleto, and enjoy visiting its beautiful historic centre. Complete your day with a gastronomic experience, try Crescionda, a delicious dessert based on amaretto biscuits and chocolate.

We propose a route which leaves from Spoleto and reaches Monteluco, through an area of local hermitages and the bosco sacro (Sacred Wood).

Pietro Vannucci, also known as Perugino and as the ""Divine Painter,"" was born in Città della Pieve in 1446. And it is here in his hometown that some of his beautiful paintings are preserved.

We propose a tour of the town and its near surroundings to discover them, places that will leave the viewer speechless.

Pietro Vannucci, also known as Perugino and as the ""Divine Painter,"" was born in Città della Pieve in 1446. And it is here in his hometown that some of his beautiful paintings are preserved.

We propose a tour of the town and its near surroundings to discover them, places that will leave the viewer speechless.

Situato a pochi chilometri da Perugia, Torgiano è un antico borgo medievale posto sulla confluenza del fiume Chiascio con il Tevere, in mezzo a colline sinuose tappezzate di vigneti e uliveti, che lo hanno reso famoso per la qualità del vino e dell’olio.

L'itinerario che ti proponiamo parte da Torre Baglioni, antica costruzione realizzata nel XIII secolo e posta appena fuori dal centro storico.

Esci da Torgiano scendendo in direzione di Bettona e Deruta, e al termine della breve discesa, in corrispondenza di un semaforo, gira a destra.

Prosegui continuando a seguire le indicazioni per Deruta fino al centro storico di questa splendida ""Città della Ceramica"", da cui si gode una bella visuale sul territorio circostante, caratterizzato dal passaggio del Tevere e da una connotazione ancora prevalentemente rurale.

Una volta uscito da Deruta continua seguendo le indicazioni prima per Casalina e poi per Papiano.

Al chilometro 13,5 gira a destra verso Papiano stazione e poco prima del passaggio a livello, anziché reimmetterti sulla strada principale, prendi a destra una stradina secondaria che, per alcuni chilometri, scorre tra la ferrovia e i campi coltivati e che presenta anche un tratto di sterrato ben battuto.

Procedi seguendo le indicazioni in direzione di Perugia, andando sempre diritto fino a San Martino in Campo.

Raggiunto San Martino, al chilometro 23,5, trovi una rotonda dove giri ancora a destra seguendo le indicazioni per Torgiano: superiamo prima il ponte sulla E45 e poco più avanti il ponte sul Fiume Tevere, prima di iniziare la breve salita che riconduce al centro del paese, che inizia proprio in corrispondenza delle Cantine Lungarotti.

Salendo verso il centro storico, sulla sinistra si possono osservare le distese di vigneti che hanno reso famosa questa cittadina per il suo vino e, appena più lontano, il profilo inconfondibile di Perugia e del Monte Subasio.

Arrivato in cima alla salita si gira a destra e in pochi metri ti ritrovi al punto di partenza.

Looking for something unique? Made and painted by hand? On this journey from Orvieto to Deruta, you can combine the pleasure of tourism with the joy of shopping. And if I want to learn more about ceramics? Courses and artisans at your service ...

Sali in sella a Deruta, antico borgo nella piana del Tevere. Non perdere l'occasione di un giro tra botteghe e fabbriche di ceramica e maioliche artistiche. Se sei amante dell'arte,se non hai tempo per un corso con il tornio, qui troverai sicuramente qualcosa per abbellire la tua casa: dal vasellame con i colori della tradizione ad un oggetto di design con le moderne tecniche miste. Se vuoi fare due passi, il piccolo centro storico è praticamente all'interno del castello medievale: ti consigliamo di visitare la Chiesa di San Francesco, in stile gotico, con l'attiguo convento, oggi sede del Museo Regionale della Ceramica.

Prosegui tra curve e colline passando per Pietraia, Mugnano e Monte Buono per fare tappa a Castiglione del Lago. Se hai una reflex questo è un ottimo punto per la fotografia: la vista sul lago e sulle pianure che lo circondano, coltivate a vigneti nbsp e uliveti è veramente appagante. Romantico e pittoresco il borgo medievale dove il castello fa da sfondo ad antiche mura ed intime stradine. Più in là, Tuoro, famosa per battaglia che oltre duemila anni fa vide trionfare Annibale su Roma. Lungo le sponde del lago sono tanti i moli da cui puoi prendere il traghetto per le isole al centro del Trasimeno, l'Isola Polvese, l'Isola Maggiore e l'Isola Minore (non visitabile): l'occasione di una gita tra castelli e villaggi di pescatori.

Prosegui lungo il lago, fino ad arrivare a Passignano: se è l'ora di pranzo approfitta dei ristorantini romantici dove assaggiare il pesce lacustre - prova il Gamay del Trasimeno, un rosso che si abbina con il pesce mentre la sottozona della Dop Umbria del Trasimeno offre un olio delicato e fresco - e concludi con una passeggiata lungo il porticciolo.
Sei quasi arrivato alla fine. Dirigiti verso Magione, che si erge su di un colle posto a guardia sul Trasimeno: splendida la medioevale Torre dei Lambardi, da visitare il Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta, circondato da un ampio parco da cui il panorama si spazia lontanissimo… Buon rientro

Experiencing the magic of Umbrian nature and Lake Trasimeno's blue waters. Start the tour from Deruta, a city famous for its ceramics, then take a romantic break at Castiglione del Lago before heading towards your final destination of Magione.

Don Matteo, the priest-detective hero of the famous Rai Uno tv series, rides his well-known bike through streets of unusual beauty. The historical center of Spoleto with its alleys, splendid churches, its palaces and its imposing fortress, serve as a backdrop to the priest's inquiries.

The tour we propose will take you around the ""places of Don Matteo"". You can walk through the places of the historical center on your own, or take advantage of the guided visit offered in certain times of the year of the year, using the Spoleto Card (for information contact the I.A.T. – Tourist Office – of Spoleto).

One of the key locations is the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. It is one of the principal shooting locations of Don Matteo, where the rectory and the Carabiniere barracks are located. Few meters from the Cathedral square is the Piazza della Signori, where you will recognize the places from Don Matteo season 9. Not far from there is Palazzo Bufalini, which been used for the external shots of the Carabiniere barracks.

Heading towards heart of Spoleto's historical center, look for via Fontesca, a beautiful alley where Cecchini (Nino Frassica) and Captain Tommasi (Simone Montedoro) live.

And what about the Church of Don Matteo? It is the Basilica di Sant'Eufemia located inside the Episcopal palace built on the foundations of the previous residence of the Longobard Dukes. Few meters from there, you can see the Teatro Caio Melisso which stands in as the prison's visiting room.

Visit the Complesso Monumentale di San Niccolò to see the nearby school of Maestre Pie Filippini where all the scenes in the elementary school are filmed.

Don Matteo's well-known bike rides and walks with his friend Marshal Cecchini take place along Corso Garibaldi, one of the main streets of the historical center, and also along via dell'Arringo, via delle Mura, via di Visiale and Vicolo della Basilica. The most evocative location, just a bit outside the historical center, is the Ponte delle Torri under the Rocca Albornoziana, the fortress which dominates views of Spoleto.

If you are a fan of Terence Hill and of the famous tv series featuring the priest detective, this itinerary will take you around the places of the recent seasons of Don Matteo, to discover the beauties of Spoleto.

An exciting journey will lead you to discover some of the works created by the most famous pupils of the great Pietro Vannucci, so called the Perugino, the master god of Renaissance painting in Umbria.

A ""team"" of artists who, once they left the prestigious atelier of the Divine Painter, embellished churches, convents, brotherhoods and parish churches, making the Green Heart of Italy a treasure chest of beauty.

In Umbria, a sense of the sacred emerges from every abbey, hermitage and the many places of faith that mark the territory. The Upper Tiber Valley holds an extraordinary wealth of buildings of great historical and cultural interest.

The itinerary begins in Città di Castello, the gateway to the north-western part of the region. Visit its historic centre, characterized by elegant Renaissance architecture, and be sure to see the masterpieces preserved in the municipal art gallery of Palazzo Vitelli, with works by Signorelli, Raphael and Ghirlandaio, among others.

The first stop, after only a few kilometres, takes you to the Hermitage of Buonriposo, a stop on the St. Francis Way because, in this place surrounded by greenery, the saint found spiritual rest in his travels to La Verna. It is particularly moving to visit the room in which St. Francis lived in 1213; you can still see the simple church with its altar and choir, the refectory, the small cloister and the Cave of the Devil, where Francis was repeatedly tempted by demonic apparitions.

Continue your journey towards Città di Castello and, after about thirty kilometres, you will find the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere, built at the end of the 17th century. The Sanctuary venerates an ancient image of the Madonna. As its name suggests, a visit to the monastery is also recommended by virtue of the panorama that can be enjoyed from its position, which offers a unique view of Città di Castello and its bell towers, and also the Upper Tiber Valley, from Mount Verna to Mount Acuto.

Just under thirty kilometres of the Apennine road separate the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Belvedere from the Abbey of San Benedetto Vecchio di Pietralunga. Its structure has three naves and the original sculptural decorations are enchanting. The abbey has undergone many changes and the original three-nave basilica has been mutilated in the front and left aisle, the facade corresponds, in fact, to the width of the nave and right that has been transformed into a sacristy.

The path continues towards Umbertide, with a detour to visit the must-see medieval village of Montone.

Once in Umbertide, stroll among the many architectural and artistic jewels of the city, before leaving for the Abbey of San Salvatore di Montecorona, founded, according to tradition, by San Romualdo around the year one thousand; the Benedictine monastery in Romanesque style is the ideal symbol of this spiritual and artistic journey. You can end the journey by going to Gubbio to see the countless beauties of the city of the Ceri, and, why not, for a delicious dinner based on typical products of Gubbio: crescia, truffles, game and many others.

The northern part of Umbria is characterized by beautiful sanctuaries in leafy settings: the ideal place to find your inner peace and feel your spirituality.

If you want to know more about saffron growing and harvesting methods and sample saffron-based products, contact the consortiums which will know how to advise you about organised guided visits and tastings.

In the ""Saffron cities"" it is also possible to purchase pure saffron and saffron-based products in the many small shops selling typical local products.

Saffron: a precious spice with numerous organoleptic properties. It is one of Umbria's most important local trades which involves the territories of Città della Pieve, Cascia, Gubbio and Spoleto.

Piccoli e grandi tesori da scoprire nel territorio del Comune di Perugia, al centro del progetto di valorizzazione ColleGali.

Info
La lunghezza dell’itinerario è di circa 100 km. A Monte Tezio, punto informativo sull’offerta integrata del territorio, potete sostare e ristorarvi dopo una camminata, parcheggiare le vostre autovetture prima di incamminarvi lungo i percorsi ciclo-pedonali, partecipare ai numerosi eventi di promozione delle produzioni e dei prodotti locali e conoscere le storie e le tradizioni dei luoghi visitati.

Percorsi trekking
Da Cenerente a Migiana di Monte Tezio, solo andata, lunghezza 6 km, tempo di percorrenza 2 ore e mezza, dislivello massimo 600 m.
Da Solfagnano a Civitella Benazzone, e ritorno, lunghezza totale 11,5 km, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore, dislivello massimo 410 m.

Percorsi bike
Da Cenerente a Valbiancara, Monte Pacciano e il sentiero dei conservoni, andata e ritorno, lunghezza 18, 27 km, tempo di percorrenza un’ora circa, dislivello massimo 379 m.
Da Fontignano a Mugnano (MB) e ritorno, lunghezza totale 23 km circa, tempo di percorrenza 3 ore circa, dislivello massimo 495 m.

Piccoli e grandi tesori da scoprire nel territorio del Comune di Perugia, al centro del progetto di valorizzazione ColleGali.

Terni è la “città dinamica” dove, alla fine dell'800, si insediarono grandi imprese industriali e, nel ‘900, l'industria idroelettrica, che fecero di questa città uno dei massimi poli industriali d'Italia.

Nata in epoca pre romana, come testimonia una vasta necropoli, venne scelto come Municipio romano, anche in virtù del suo essere nodo commerciale di rilevante importanza sulla via Flaminia.

Tra l'Ottocento e il Novecento un profondo ripensamento della struttura del suo impianto di origine medievale ha rinnovato la città con nuove prospettive architettoniche di piazze e slarghi, che si susseguono e formano un insieme unico e vasto di particolare suggestione.

Per scoprire i paesagi d'acqua del ternano si può procedere in due direzioni: muovendosi a sud, verso la conca ternana dei fiumi Velino e Nera, o verso ovest, in direzione di Narni.

Seguendo lungo la prima direttrice, si innesta uno dei più affascinanti fenomeni naturali, la Cascata delle Marmore, con le sue spettacolari cadute d'acqua per un dislivello complessivo di 165 metri. Descritta già in età romana e celebrata dai viaggiatori del “Grand Tour”, fu realizzata dal Console Curio Dentato per la bonifica delle acque stagnanti del fiume Velino.

Proseguendo verso sud lungo il corso del fiume Velino, a circa 13 km di distanza, si incontrano il lago di Piediluco, il suggestivo borgo da cui prende il nome che si estende sulla riva del lago omonimo, ai piedi di un monte sulla cui sommità sorgono i ruderi di una rocca. Specialità del culinaria del luogo: i gamberi di fiume.

La seconda opzione porta verso Narni e le Gole del Nera, un suggestivo percorso ciclabile che segue il corso del fiume Nera lungo il tracciato della vecchia ferrovia. Un percorso consigliato a tutti, dallo sportivo che potrà approfittare dei 5 km di sentiero per fare attività, all'appassionato di storia che potrà visitare il cantiere navale di origine romana e il Ponte di Augusto, fino all'amante della natura, grazie al vivace ecosistema che si è sviluppato nei boschi lungo il corso del fiume.

Un breve itinerario nel ternano, dalla città di Terni ai paesaggi d'acqua della zona: le Cascate delle Marmore, il lago di Piediluco e le Gole del fiume Nera

Tired of the usual Sunday outings? Looking for a truly unique and surprising destination? Let us take you to discover the true heart of Umbria, where art, tradition and culture are all of course prominent, but where you will also find typical products and recipes that speak for the land.

We start our tour in Amelia, a town built atop a hill and surrounded by green expanses of holms and olive trees. The town, founded by the Etruscan king Amerroes centuries before Christ, has not lost any of its charm. Its great Mura Ciclopiche (Cyclopean Walls), dating from the 6^th century, still enclose the historic centre and protect the churches of San Pancrazio and San Francesco, as well as the Duomo.

Further enriching the itinerary we find the local culinary excellences. Let us start by suggesting a session of oil sampling: the terrain and mild climate make olive cultivation here very fruitful. A good bruschetta, made from toasted bread and garlic, is a perfect snack to try before getting back to path.

If instead you're thirsty, try tasting a DOC wine from the Amerini hills. Red, white, or rosé: you'll be left speechless by everything you try. Also amazing are the so-called Girotti figs, dried and then filled with chocolate, candy, almonds, and nuts.

We then move to Orvieto, also a culinary reference point. The local grapes are the ideal material for the creation of one of Italy's most representative wines.

As well as extra-virgin olive oil, chestnuts are worth tasting here,as main ingredients of many traditional recipes, including soup. Another mainstay around here are mushrooms and truffles, especially in the area of Selva di Meana and Monte Peglia.

Game is a traditional favourite, with hare, wild boar and wild pigeon featuring prominently, always prepared with flavoursome and full-bodied sauces.

We end our itinerary among the region's flavours with sweet maccheroni, popular especially during Christmas time, and with pastries such as lumachelle, cicale, and aniseed mini-donuts.

Info utili
La distanza tra Amelia e Orvieto è di 53 km, che si percorre in circa un’ora.

Percorsi trekking
Da Amelia, alla scoperta della gola del Rio Grande, sentiero ad anello, 7 km di distanza, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore; dal parco Rio Grande a Macchie, 14 km (andata e ritorno), tempo di percorrenza circa 5 ore.
Da Orvieto al borgo di Sugano, percorso ad anello, circa 10 km di distanza, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore.

Percorsi bike
Da Amelia, dal Parco Rio Grande verso Collicelli e ritorno, fra i boschi dell’Amerino, 30 km di distanza, tempo di percorrenza circa 4 ore.
Da Orvieto-Sferracavallo al Parco di Villalba, 26 km di distanza, tempo di percorrenza circa 3 ore.

An itinerary exploring Umbria's typical produce, artisanship and traditions: from Amelia to Orvieto, come taste all the goodness that this land has to offer.

The aphrodisiac power of some food has been known since antiquity; some of these foods were already being used in the Egyptian, Greek and Roman culture.
After all, the term “aphrodisiac” refers to Aphrodite, the Greek divinity of love, corresponding to Venus of Roman mythology.

Between myth and reality, here are some examples of Umbrian gastronomic excellence symbolizing love.

Chocolate is inextricably linked to Perugia and Luisa Spagnoli, creator of the famous “Bacio Perugina”.

According to legend, in the remote Americas, the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, the so-called “feathered serpent” or “bird-serpent”, arrived on Earth with a present for the mankind, stolen from Gods: a cocoa tree. He taught humans how to grow this precious plant, to collect its fruit, and to grind its seeds in order to create an aromatic drink that can be flavoured with herbs and spices, and has extraordinary energetic as well as aphrodisiac qualities: cacahualt or tchiocolatl.

The long and fascinating history of truffles is inevitably mixed up with myth. Umbria has been a land of truffles for centuries: the ancient Umbrians used to call “tartùfro” that “scented stone” and introduced its use and knowledge to the entire peninsula.

In 1868 Gioacchino Rossini, who lived in Paris, requested quality truffles from Umbria, with a letter sent to a trader from Spoleto. He signed himself “ex music composer”.

Those truffles were sent rapidly to the author of the “Barber of Seville” and of ""William Tell"". The letter is kept in the museum of the Experimental Lyrical Theatre of Spoleto.

Saffron: Greek myth narrates the history of Crocos, who was mortal and fell in love with the nymph Smilace, beautiful and eternally young. Crocos was transformed into the plant of saffron and she into the sasparilla (smilax aspera).

Their cultivation, a source of pride for the Region, accompanies the history of the territory, enhancing the peculiarities of the places that grow and painstakingly produce saffron.

Among myth and reality, the gastronomical excellence of Umbria as symbols of love.

Take a walk in the open air, enjoy a day out and visit the two main islands of the ""Umbrian sea"": Polvese and Maggiore. Do you prefer cycling? Take your bike with you: Lake Trasimeno ferries and buses have bike carriers!

Depart from Perugia, take the bus E017 to Passignano sul Trasimeno, a small town on the shores of the lake. From here the ferry leaves for Maggiore Island, the only inhabited one. The island was dear to St. Francis, who reached it in 1211 for Lent.

As soon as you land, after a short boat ride, you will find yourself in a delightful village, which preserves the appearance of a small fishing enclave, with houses of fourteenth- and fifteenth-century origin. There are two possible itineraries to visit the island: we recommend taking the road on the left and following Via Guglielmi, in order to start the excursion with a pleasant walk along the lake.

Climb along the Road of San Salvatore, you will come across the Romanesque church bearing the same name. Continuing along the path we recommend a stop at the Gothic church of Saint Michael the Archangel: inside you can admire frescoes dated between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries.

Now take the path that descends and crosses Viale Marchesa Isabella, until you reach the Chapel of Saint Francis. Inside there is the bed where the Saint is said to have rested. A little further on is the cliff where St. Francis stopped to pray as soon as he arrived on the island.

The visit can continue towards the Guglielmi Castle, located in the southernmost part of the island. In 1904, Elena Guglielmi created inside it a workshop of Irish point lace. Since then, this processing has become a typical handicraft of the area. Returning to the village, it is worth stopping at the Museum of Lace, where you can admire the beauty of these artistic artefacts.

The tour of Maggiore Island is completed. The name (""bigger"") is deceptive, because Trasimeno's largest island is Polvese, which is part of the Wildlife Oasis of the Trasimeno Lake. Take the ferry again and return to the mainland, taking the bus E112 (Red Line) or riding your bike in the direction of San Feliciano, a pretty lake-front village. From here, reach the marina and take the ferry for Isola, as the locals call it.

The ferry leaves you in front of Villa Biagiotti, a building built around the 1940s; take the path on the left and start the walk. After a few meters you'll be at the fifteenth-century Fortress, of which only the perimeter walls remain. The internal courtyard, recently renovated, is now a theatre hosting outdoor performances.

A few steps from the castle, if you continue along the path, you will find the small medieval church of San Giuliano, with a single nave and built, according to the historians, on the ruins of a Roman villa: in the terraced wall of the church you can indeed admire the remains of the opus reticulatum, a building and decorative technique typical of Roman buildings.

The path continues to the left of the castle: follow it and you will not be disappointed. It will lead you to the Garden of Aquatic Plants, designed in 1959 by Pietro Porcinai, one of the greatest Italian landscape architects. Here is a wide variety of aquatic plants, both native and from other places, all immersed in the pool dug into the rock and fed directly by the waters of Trasimeno.

Continue until you reach the Monastery of the Olivetan Monks and the Church of San Secondo, inhabited by the Olivetan monks from 1404 to 1624, of which today only the crypt and a part of the refectory remain.

If you pass the holm oak wood, on the right, you will reach the beach. If you have children along, this is the ideal place for a break. The area is equipped with a playground and volleyball courts. The tour of Polvese Island ends here. The ferry to return to the mainland starts from the marina a few meters away. Our tour of the islands of Trasimeno ends here as well: unfortunately, the third island of the Lake, Minore Island (also called Little Island), cannot be visited because it is private and today uninhabited.

It is worth taking a tour of San Feliciano and visit the fortress, the Fishing Museum and the Boat Museum. Don't leave Trasimeno without having tasted the delicious fish dishes of the lake, such as the tegamaccio, the Regina (carp) in porchetta or the fried perch.

In proximity to the entrance of the natural grotto, there is a cistern-well that is always filled with water that is considered beneficial.

The sanctuary was a destination for pilgrimages on Saint Michael's Day, with visits from the devoted who came to drink and bathe in the grotto's waters for therapeutic purposes. Although the practices of the devoted are still active, the sanctuary is closed during the year: you can visit it by contacting the Federici family in Sant'Eraclio di Foligno.
In the vicinity of Roviglieto, on the slopes of Mount Cologna, there is the therapeutic sanctuary of Sant'Angelo de Gructis, erected in the 11^th Century by the Counts of Uppello in a deep and immense natural grotto.

Between the 13^th and 14^th centuries it passed by inheritance to the Counts of Turri. In 1870 the sanctuary was acquired by the Federici di Scandolaro family who still possess it today. The place of worship was abandoned, in an unspecified period, by the same inhabitants of Roviglieto, who turned their attention to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace in Rasiglia to which the miracle of a baby's resurrection has been attributed.

In 1842, as you can see from the plaque affixed on the church's facade, the random discovery of the grotto, at the time inaccessible due to an obstruction at the entrance, was considered a prodigious find. The event created an immediate return of followers towards this place dedicated to Our Lady of the Grotto or Shelter, after the discovery of an image of Our Lady of Misericordia under the plaster.

The complex consists of a small church, restored in the 19^th century, which gives way to a large natural grotto that is accessed by going up a stairway carved into the rock. On the left wall of the cave, which takes on an ellipsoidal shape towards the back, there is an altar that decorates the fresco of Our Lady of Shelter flanked by a wood-carved statue of Saint Michael the Archangel, protected by a little tin roof held up with columns. In an offshoot of the grotto, a dwelling was found that belonged to the hermit who took care of the place after its discovery.

The therapeutic sanctuary of Our Lady of Shelter is set on the slopes of Mount Cologna; it was built in the 11^th Century in a natural grotto. You can only drink the miracle water on Ascension Day, St. Michael's Day and the Feast of the Nativity of Mary

Raffinati capolavori Rinascimentali tutti da ammirare; questo percorso artistico vi porterà a scoprire le Natività e a godere delle bellezze paesaggistiche dell’Umbria.

Il 2023, è l’anno del Perugino e l’Umbria si prepara a celebrarne vita e opere con eventi, itinerari e giornate di studio. Pietro Vannucci, il “Meglio Maestro d’Italia”, a 500 anni dalla sua morte riesce ancora ad emozionare con la sua arte.

Stages	San Giustino-Umbertide; Umbertide-Ponte San Giovanni;
Distance	Stage 1: 44,5 km \| Stage 2: 40,6 km
Difference in level	Stage 1: +80m; -150m \| Stage 2: +220; -270m
Difficulty	Stage 1: easy \| Stage 2: medium
Road surface	Stage 1: asphalt 13,20 km (29,7%); dirt road 31,3 km (60,3%) \| Stage 2: asphalt 19,80 km (48,8%); dirt road 20,8 km (51,2%)
Bike recommended	Stage 1: hybrid, mtb, \| Stage 2: hybrid, mtb
To visit in the area	San Giustino, Città di Castello, Trestina, Umbertide, San Salvatore di Montecorona Abbey, Ponte Pattoli, Perugia.

Start	Torgiano
Arrive	Torgiano
Distance	20,7 km
Height difference	70 m
Difficolty	easy, mainly flat route
Suitable for	suitable for everyone, even families with children
Recommeded Bike	city-bike, MTB, gravel, e-bike
Duration	1,53 min

Stages	Assisi-Spoleto; Spoleto-Sant’Anatolia di Narco; Sant’Anatolia di Narco-Marmore Waterfalls
Distance	Stage 1: 51 km \| Stage 2: 18 km \| Stage 3: 29 km
Difference in level	Stage 1: 100 metri \| Stage 2: 300 metri \| Stage 3: 250 metri
Difficulty	Stage 1: easy \| Stage 2: medium \| Stage 3: easy
Road surface	Stage 1: asphalt \| Stage 2: gravel road \| Stage 3: 70% gravel road e 30% asphalt
Bike recommended	Stage 1: hybrid, mtb, ebike, racing \| Stage 2: mtb, hybrid, gravel, ebike (with front lights) \| Stage 3: mtb, hybrid, gravel, ebike
To visit in the area	Assisi, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Rivotorto, Cannara, Bevagna, Torre di Montefalco, Casco dell’Acqua, San Giacomo, Spoleto, Caprareccia, Tassinare, Sant’Anatolia di Narco, Scheggino, Ceselli, Macenano, Ferentillo, Arrone, Castel di Lago, Marmore Waterfalls.

Starting point	Umbertide
Finishing point	Umbertide
Distance	26 km
Total ascent	450 meters
Grade	medium
Road surface	50% dirt, 50% sealed
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
Places to visit in the area	Umbertide, Montone, Fiume Tevere, Eremo di Montecorona, Rocca d'Aries.

Starting point	Montefalco
Finishing point	Montefalco
Distance	24,5 km
Total ascent	650 meters
Grade	medium
Road surface	60% dirt, 40% sealed
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
Places to visit in the area	Montefalco, Fabbri, Trevi, Bevagna, Giano dell’Umbria, Madonna della Stella.

Distance	29,9 km
Difference in level	+180m; -200m
Difficulty	easy
Road surface	asphalt19,2 km (66%); dirt 10,7 km (34%)
Reccomended bike	hybrid, mtb
To visit in the area	Perugia, Monte Sperello, Magione, San Savino.

Distance	57,2 km
Difference in level	+100m; -100m
Difficulty	medium
Road surface	asphalt 24,1 km (42%); dirt road 33,1 km(58%)
Bike recommended	hybrid, mtb
To visit in the area	Passignano sul Trasimeno, Monte del Lago, San Feliciano, Oasi la Valle, Sant'Arcangelo, Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Isole Polvese and Maggiore.

Start	Montefalco
Arrival	Montefalco
Distance	41 km
Total ascent	400 m
Difficulty	medium
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Montefalco, Campello sul Clitunno, Pissignano, Trevi, Fonti del Clitunno.

Start	Amelia
Arrival	Amelia
Distance	51,5 km
Total ascent	1000 m
Difficulty	medium
Surface	asphalt, gravel
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Amelia, Penna in Teverina, Giove, Porchiano.

Start	Borgo Trevi
Arrival	Borgo Trevi
Distance	28,5 km
Total ascent	250 m
Difficulty	easy
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Trevi, Pissignano, Fonti del Clitunno, Campello sul Clitunno.

Start	Trestina
Arrival	Trestina
Distance	49,5 km
Total ascent	700 m
Difficulty	medium
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Lisciano Niccone, the Sanctuary at Canoscio, Reschio Castle.

Start	Alviano Scalo
Arrival	Alviano Scalo
Distance	26 km
Total ascent	300 m
Difficulty	easy
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Alviano, Lake Alviano WWF Oasis, Attigliano, Guardea, Giove.

Start	Narni
Arrival	Narni
Distance	43 km
Total ascent	800 m
Difficulty	medium
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Narni, Otricoli, Calvi, Poggio, Narni Castle.

Start	Spoleto
Arrival	Spoleto
Distance	83,5 km
Total ascent	1200 m
Difficulty	hard
Surface	asphalt
Recommened bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Spoleto, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria, Montecchio, Monti Martani hills, Massa Martana, Acquasparta.

Start	Orvieto
Arrival	Orvieto
Distance	87 km
Total ascent	2000 m
Difficulty	hard
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road, hybrid
Places to visit in the area	Orvieto, Todi, Civitella del Lago, Baschi, Lago di Corbara.

Start	Montone
Arrival	Montone
Distance	82 km
Total ascent	1550 m
Difficulty	hard
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road
Places to visit in the area	Montone, Città di Castello, Pietralunga.

Start	Marsciano
Arrival	Marsciano
Distance	94 km
Total ascent	1600 m
Difficulty	hard
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road
Places to visit in the area	Marsciano, Compignano, Montegabbione, Montegiove, Monte Peglia, Pornello, San Venanzo.

Start	Gubbio
Arrival	Gubbio
Distance	52 km
Total ascent	1070 m
Difficulty	medium
Surface	asphalt
Recommended bike	road
Places to visit in the area	Gubbio, the Bottaccione Gorge, Monte Cucco, Scheggia, Cantiano.

Start	Corciano
Arrival	Corciano
Distance	25 km
Total ascent	500 m
Difficulty	easy
Surface	asphalt, gravel
Recommended bike	hybrid, mtb
Places to visit in the area	Corciano, Pieve del Vescovo, Mantignana, Capocavallo, Villa del Colle del Cardinale.

Start	Bevagna
Arrival	Bevagna
Distance	26 km
Total ascent	200 m
Difficulty	easy
Surface	asphalt, gravel
Recommended bike	road, hybrid, mtb
Places to visit in the area	Bevagna, Cannara, Bettona, Torre del Colle, Collemancio.

Partenza	Torgiano
Arrivo	Torgiano
Distanza	12,6 km
Dislivello	180 m
Difficoltà	medio, percorso su superfici perlopiù asfaltate
A chi è adatto	adatto a ogni livello di abilità e allenamento
Bici consigliata	gravel, city-bike (adatto anche a: MTB, e-bike)
Durata	1:27 min (Bike)
da vedere lungo il percorso	Borgo di Torgiano, Borgo di Brufa, Parco delle sculture di Brufa, produzioni vitivincole.

Partenza	Gualdo Tadino
Arrivo	Gualdo Tadino
Distanza	6,4 Km
Dislivello	180 m
Difficoltà	facile, turistico
A chi è adatto	adatto a tutti
Punto di ritrovo	Piazza Martiri della Libertà
Luoghi da vedere	Borgo Gualdo Tadino,....

Distance	23,5 km
Difference in level	+400m; -440m
Difficulty	medium
Road surface	asphalt 12,3 km (52%); dirt road 11,2 km (48%)
Bike recommended	mtb
What to visit in the area	Spoleto, Piedipaterno, Vallo di Nera, Castel San Felice, Abbazia SS. Felice e Mauro, Sant’Anatolia di Narco.

Distance	28,2 km
Difference in level	+90m; -120m
Difficulty	easy
Road surface	asphalt 11,350 km (40%); gravel road 16,850 km (60%)
Bike recommended	hybrid, mtb
To visit in the area	Sant'Anatolia di Narco, Scheggino, San Pietro in Valle Abbey, Ferentillo, Arrone, Casteldilago, Marmore Falls

Starting point	Ramazzano le Pulci
Finishing point	Ramazzano le Pulci
Distance	29,5 km
Total ascent	700 meters
Grade	medium-hard
Road surface	65% dirt, 35% sealed
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
Places to visit in the area	Perugia, Civitella Benazzone, abbey di Montelabate, Mills of Galgata.

Località partenza:	Polino
Località arrivo:	Monte La Pelosa
Dislivello	831 metri
Lunghezza	12,0 km
Difficoltà	Media
Tempo andata	4,00 ore
Tempo ritorno	4,00 ore
Dove parcheggiare	Slargo Colle La Felciara, sulla strada verso Colle Bertone

Starting point	Monteluco of Spoleto
Finishing point	Monteluco of Spoleto
Distance	25 km
Total ascent	1.080 meters
Grade	hard
Road surface	70% dirt, 30% sealed
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
Places to visit in the area	Spoleto, Monteluco, Convent of St Francis, Bosco Sacro (sacred wood).

Start	Cascia
Arrival	Cascia
Distance	30 km
Height difference	800 metres
Difficulty	hard
Surface	65% dirt, 35% sealing
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
What to see	Cascia, Norcia, Roccaporena, Parco dei Monti Sibillini.

Start	Foligno
Arrival	Foligno
Distance	26 km
Height difference	700 m
Difficulty	hard
Surface	60% dirt, 40% sealing
Recommended bike	MTB, E-MTB
What to see	Assisi, Spello, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Basilica di Rivotorto, Eremo delle Carceri, Parco Regionale del Monte Subasio.

Partenza	Comune di Sant’Apollinare
Arrivo	Comune di Sant’Apollinare
Distanza	8 km (anello)
Dislivello	100 m
Difficoltà	FACILE (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	2 ore a piedi, 1 ora in bicicletta
Dove parcheggiare	Comune di Sant’Apollinare
Da vedere in zona	Borgo Sant'Apollinare

Partenza	Casalina
Arrivo	Casalina
Distanza	5 km (anello)
Dislivello	80 m
Difficoltà	FACILE (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	2 ore a piedi
Dove parcheggiare	A Casalina Edicola votiva Madonna del Ponte
Da vedere in zona	Casalina, Chiesa della Madonna dei Bagni

Partenza	Fratta Todina
Arrivo	Fratta Todina
Distanza	10,85 km (anello)
Dislivello	200 m
Difficoltà	media (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	3 ore a piedi, 1 ora in bicicletta
Dove parcheggiare	Fratta Todina parcheggio (Sala tartufo)
Da vedere in zona	Fratta Todina

Partenza	San Venanzo
Arrivo	San Venanzo
Distanza	4,20 km (anello)
Dislivello	150 m
Difficoltà	FACILE (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	2 ore a piedi
Dove parcheggiare	Comune di San Venanzo
Da vedere in zona	San Venanzo, Parco Vulcanologico

Partenza	San Vito in Monte
Arrivo	San Vito in Monte
Distanza	4,7 km (anello)
Dislivello	210 m
Difficoltà	FACILE (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	2 ore a piedi
Dove parcheggiare	Piazza Fernando Margaritelli (San Vito in Monte)
Da vedere in zona	San Vito in Monte

	TAPPA 1	TAPPA 2	TAPPA 3
Nome tappe	Da Deruta a Marsciano	Da Marsciano a Fratta Todina	Da Fratta Todina a Todi
Partenza	Deruta	Marsciano	Fratta Todina
Arrivo	Marsciano	Fratta Todina	Todi
Distanza	20,50 Km	6,80 Km	22 Km
Dislivello	40 m	40 m	450 m
Difficoltà	Media (escursionistico)	Facile (escursionistico)	Media (escursionistico)
Tempo Complessivo	5 ore a piedi, 2 ore in bicicletta	2 ore a piedi, 1 ora in bicicletta	6 ore a piedi, 2 ore in bicicletta
Dove parcheggiare	Deruta parcheggio davanti parrocchia di San Lorenzo	Marsciano centro storico	Fratta Todina centro storico
Da vedere in zona	Deruta	Marsciano	Fratta Todina, Todi