Things to do in Umbria
Birthplace of Saint Francis in the 12th century and home to the incredible Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi is one of Italy's most celebrated attractions and the main draw for visitors to Umbria. It's a place with a palpably holy atmosphere, with the countless art treasures in the Basilica alone enough to justify an Umbrian holiday. The medieval fortress town of Orvieto is another very popular destination in Umbria, as is the picturesque ancient town of Spoleto, which was established by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
By contrast, the capital city of Perugia is not that well known among travellers despite being an ancient Etruscan settlement, and reputed in Italy as a centre for art and culture. Visitors to Perugia will find it a charming destination of coloured houses, vast greenery and spring breezes, as well as enchanting gothic architecture and Renaissance frescoes. The city of Terni, in southern Umbria, also has much to offer, as there are a number of archaeological sites to explore. Terni is best known to travellers for the magnificent Cascata delle Marmore, an artificial waterfall created by the Romans that remains one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world. The Umbrian city of Gubbio draws visitors with its incredible street art and delightful medieval town center, which has several scenic terraces that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Umbria is not as packed with tourists as some other regions of Italy, which allows visitors to sightsee in relative peace and enjoy the rustic, laid-back charms of the area without the crowds that can prove so frustrating in the big Italian cities. The best time to visit Umbria is in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (April to May and September to October).
Orvieto
The medieval fortress town of Orvieto is dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Umbrian countryside. It's thought to have been an important centre for Etruscan civilisat…
Assisi
The picturesque hill town of Assisi is famous as the birthplace of St Francis, a 12th-century monk who founded the Franciscan order, which is devoted to practices of asceticism, fr…
Spoleto
The beautiful town of Spoleto was established by the Romans in the 3rd Century BC, and many Roman buildings, ruins and artefacts remain, including the Coliseum and the Church of Sa…
Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi)
Located just 50 miles (80km) from the region of Umbria, the city of Genga's Frasassi Caves are considered to be some of the most wondrous in Italy. A remarkable cave system compris…
