subject: Hill Towns of Italy's Ancient Umbria [print this page] Hill Towns of Italy's Ancient Umbria Hill Towns of Italy's Ancient Umbria
You will imagine yourself in a painting of a master painter while traveling the tiny back roads along sparkling streams and enjoy the chestnut trees and flourishing elms along the hillsides. Umbria remained intact because the nearby and very popular Tuscany attracted most of the tourists. Umbria's Orvieto and Assisi always attracted many people.
Jazz In Perugia
On top of the little town Perugia you will immediately recognize Rocca Paolina, Italy's largest fortress form the 16th century. Perugia houses the University for Foreigners and is beautiful and very sparkling at the same time. Famous is the July Jazz Festival when thousands of people, speaking many different languages, crowd the tiny streets and picturesque squares to enjoy the free concerts until late in the night.
Inspiring Assisi
Assisi is famous for the Basilica of St. Francis and attracts many pilgrims. The village was completely reconstructed after the devastating earthquake in 1997. St. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181 and inspired by the magnificent Tiber Valley. You can still experience the inspiring look out across the valley from the mysterious castle of Rocco Maggiore.
Spello and tiny Bevagna
You can explore the most beautiful treasures everywhere in Umbria. The historical town Spello is very peaceful and free of traffic. It's famous for the ancient walls which are over 2,000 years old. Visit the church from the 13th century and admire the amazing Pinturicchio's frescoes. Bevagna is a tiny town and surprisingly not a hill town. Here you will find Roman remains, picturesque churches and a wonderful theatre back from the 19th century.
Orvieto
When you drive from Todi to Orvieto you will see the silhouette of the famous Duomo of Orvieto from miles away and pass the scenic Lake Corbara. The ancient heart of Orvieto is free of traffic and accessible by the funicular railway. The ambitious walkers take the stairs which were hewn into the soft stone cliff. Discover the labyrinth of underground roads beneath the wonderful Piazza del Duomo.
Highlights Along The Road
Visit ancient Todi and the artist's paradise Civita, built on a pinnacle and connected with the world by a small bridge. Collevalenza has an ancient sanctuary from 1965 and just outside Assasi you will find the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. In this church is another tiny Franciscan church. The Tempio Belvedere in Orvieto is the last Etruscan temple above the ground in Italy.
Practical Information
Discover the hill towns of Umbria by car from March to May and September to November. Avoid the high summers when the area is crowded. Spend at least a week in Umbria, but if you have time take three to four weeks.
About The Author
Abby Agier has been an editor for the travel industry for over 20 years. Next to publishing about the most beautiful places in the world she is also a editor for music and sound systems and writes about floor standing speakers to advice about the popular tower speakers.
