To the visitor, Assisi still appears from within the ancient medieval walls, dominated by the fortress, Rocca Maggiore, which still seems determined to protect the town. A place of pilgrimage for the Christian world, dominated by the figures of Saint Francis and Santa Chiara, the town is also an extremely important artistic and cultural, as well as religious, landmark. A walk through the town takes in the streets and houses made from the white and pink rock of mount Subasio, one after the other following the hilly composition of the town. The Basilica of Saint Francis, joined by the Piazza Inferiore of Saint Francis, a grand and evocative square surrounded by low arcades dating from the 15th century, initiated in 1228, two years after the death of the Saint, and completed in 1230 (the year in which the body was placed there), is numbered among the most celebrated holy places in Christendom. The Basilica consists of the superimposition of two churches:the Inferior and the Superior, near to which rises a large Roman bell.The Basilica project is considered to be the work of Father Elia, who assumed the position of deputy general of the Franciscan Order following the death of Saint Francis. Leaving behind the beautiful gothic façade of the Basilica Superiore, characterised by a large rose window and twin portal, we move into the medieval town, following via San Francesco to the piazza del comune, three meters below which it is possible to pass through the Roman Forum and the neighbouring crypt of S.Nicolo and the civic museum.
Bevagna is a medieval town with a fervent craftsmanship tradiction, 35 km far away from Perugia and 148 from Rome. You can reach It choosing an alternative and enchanting journey which get throught Bettona and Montefalco's area. The city walls are full of towers, bastions, medieval gates and recentpassages to achieve the storic centre. There are many workshop across the characteristic streets and also the wonderfuland articulated square where the main religious and civil buildings lie, as the Mercato delle Gaite. Freizes and roman columns enrich the town. The built up area of the ancient Mevania coincides, almost totally, with the medieval and modern city, as testimony of It there are: the reticular arrangement of the streets in "corso Amendola" and the semicircular shape of the area where the theatre used to be. The Roman part of Bevagna was once located outside the city walls.
Absolutely to visit: - Convento dell'Annunziata
- Porta Cannara (Cannara Gate) - Porta Foligno (Foligno Gate)
- Porta Guelfa (Guelfa Gate) - Porta S. Agostino (S.Agostino Gate)
- Santuario di Madonna delle Grazie - borgo fortificato di Gaglioli
- Santuario della Madonna della Valle - Torre del Colle
Cascia is placed in the most mountainous area of Umbria, from probable Umbrian origins it was inhabited by the Romans. Ancient Roman municipality “Carsula”, destroyed by an earthquake, it was rebuild with the actual name and in 553 it was besieged and conquered by the Byzantine Narsete. Included in the Longobardic Dukedom of Spoleto, in the Xth century, it became an independent Republic which coined its own currency. From Ghibelline tendency, it was favourable to the emperor, and for this compelled to long wars with Spoleto and the Church. Religious touring centre, Cascia is tied to the name of S. Rita (Roccaporena 1381,Cascia 1447)
Absolutely to visit:
- The Francesco Church (XIVth century) - The Centre of Roccaporena
- The Centre of Maltignano - The Agostino Church (1380)
- The ruins of the S. Giorgio Castle - The S. Rita Basilica
- The Villa S. Silvestro - The Monastery of S. Rita
- The Hermitage of Madonna della Stella
The small town of Cerreto di Spoleto is situated at 557 meters above sea level. It owes its name to the forests which are to be found in its vicinity.The very first storical records referring to the town go back to the beginning of the 13th century. It was during the Middle Ages that the town experienced its greatest moment of splendour. However, this was a period in which had to defend itself against constant assaults by the cities of Norcia and Spoleto. Present-day Cerreto di Spoleto is known above all for the harvest of the black truffle. Artistically, Cerreto is able to offer an impressive experience, due to its public and religious buildings dating back to the period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Cerreto's most famous monument is without doubt the church of St. Giacomo (14th-15th centuries). The inside walls are covered by a series of paintings on two levels which, for the most part, date back to the 15th century. In particular, the stories of the lives of St. John and St. Catherine, the splendid pictures of the Madonna with Child and of the Crucifixion, are noteworthy. The church of St. Mary De Libera, also dating back to the Renaissance period, contains precious frescoes of the Umbrian and Marche schools in its lateral chapels. Borgo Cerreto is an attractive village in the immediate vicinity of Cerreto di Spoleto. It was traditionally under the dominion of the most powerful village of Cerreto, and was rendered a real defensive fort, as one can still see from the ruins of the walls and the towers. Finally, in the vicinity, near the village of Ruscio, you should not miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Star, which used to be a 17th century Augustine Hermitage.
Absolutely to visit:
- il monastery of San Giacomo, XIV-XV secolo. Rich of frescos as Saint Giovanni's and Saint Caterina's story, and others precius picture as Madonna con Bambino and Crocifissione.
- The Church of S. Mary De Libera, also dating back to the Renaissance period, contains precious frescoes of the Umbrian and Marche schools.
The origins of Gubbio are very ancient: as , it was an important town of the ancient Umbrian people in pre-Roman times known as Ikuvium. The city has always had an important political and economic role in the area, as attested by its Roman theater,the second-largest in the world, and the huge number of the houses of rich merchants dating to the 14th and 15th centuries .Particularly relevant for the history of Gubbio was the dominance of Dukes of Urbino, who granted the city a long period of peace and set the basis for a strong artistic and civil development.Gubbio is a concentrate of Italian art history, from Roman Empire through Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Absolutely to visit:
-The Roman Theatre -The Roman Mausoleum
-Palazzo dei Consoli -The Palazzo and Torre Gabrielli
-The Duomo (Cathedral) -The Palazzo Ducale, built from 1470
-The Church of S. Francesco -The Church of Santa Maria Nuova,
-The Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo.
Because of the stupendous panoramic position, dominant ever the Topino and Clitunno plains, Montefalco is called “Balcony of Umbria”. From probable roman origins, rose on the place of a roman village (pagus). Already a commune of important meaning at roman times for its dominant position over the big valley between Spoleto and Perugia, in the Middle ages it had the strange name of “Coccorone”.Free commune in the XIIth century, trough Federico Barbarossa, it was subjected to Foligno in 1177 and again in 1184. Involved in the wars between the neighbouring towns, 1209, with Ottone IV th, passed to the direct dependency of the emperor. Destroyed by Federico IInd, it was rebuild with the actual name. Passed to the church through Giovanni, was chosen as seat of the papal regents of the Dukedom of Spoleto, a fortress and new fencing walls (masonty) as well as numerous civil and religious buildings, realized and painted in fresco byfamous artists. In 1393 Montefalco was granted in vicariate to the Trinci from Foligno, which kept it until 1439. Returns then under direct dominion of the Church and in 1527 it was sacked by the Black Bands. Homeland of eight Saints and for this called, “piece of heaven fallen on earth”. From undoubted historical-artistical interest, the city Montefalco is one of the richest and fascinate centres of Umbria, thanks to manifoldly expressions of sacred art which it contains. Some example of great interest: the frescoes of the artist Benozzo Gozzoli who from 1450 to 1452 painted for the central apse scenes of San Francesco’s life basing himself on the “Major Legend”, a fresco of Perugino (first decenniums of the 500’s).
Absolutely to visit:
- The Museum
- The Church of S. Francesco and Picture Gallery
- The Sant’Agostino Gate
- The Fortress Gate
- The Federico IInd or S. Bartolomeo Gate
- The Palaces: Moriconi-Calvi, de Cuppis, Tempestivi, Langelli and the Town-Hall
- The S. Bartolomeo, S. Maria Maddalena, Santa Chiara, Santa Illuminata and San Leonardo Churches
- The San Fortunato Convent
- The little Church of S. Maria Turrita
- The Madonna della Stella Sanctuary
Monteleone is the site of one of the most outstanding archaeological finds in the area. Early this century at Colle del Capitano, just a short distance from the town, a finely wrought bronze chariot dating from Etruscan times was found by pure chance. The original is now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York, but a copy can be seen in Monteleone. Research has confirmed the antiquity and the importance of the site. However, Monteleone owes its present appearance to the Middle Ages, when this castle on the hillside stood as a last bastion at the head of the Corno valley where the Papal State bordered the Kingdom of Naples. Now "the Lion of the Appenines", as it was known in days of old, has earned new renown as a health resort and as a source of excellent truffles and spelt grain. worth seeing ....
Absolutely to visit:
- The Clock Tower
- The Town Walls and the Main Gateway
- The Colle del Capitano chariot
- St. Francis' Church
- The Barnabò Palace
- The church of San Nicola
Founded by the Sabini, the historical centre was completely fenced with walls.The territory of Norcia was inhabitated since Neolithic times, but first testimony of continuous settlements, go back to the VIIIth century b.C. It develops until the end of the Vth century b.C. and its name derives from the Etruscan Nursia (fortune). Ancient Nursia was celebrated by Livio, Plutarco and Virgilio. This last, mentioned in Aeneid besides Turno in the fight against Aeneas, Ufente, leader of the Nursinis.Hostility to the attempt of reformation of the Gracchi, it sides with Antonio and so it was defeated by Ottaviano. Converted to Christianity in the 250’s by San Feliciano, bishop of Foligno. It was diocese see in the VIth century. Ravaged by the Goths and then by the Longobardics which subjected it to the Dukedom of Spoleto. In the IXth century it was devastated by the Saracen later on, in high medieval times, it passes through a period of dejection caused bi emigration and a high deathrate. Definitively subjected to the Church of Cardinal Albornoz. For requirements of defence and to have greater politico-administrative authority, in 1554, the Castellina fortress was build by Giulio IIIrd, in the centre of the city. Under the pontificate of Gregorio XIIIth in 1569, it was constituted in prefecture with jurisdiction over Cascia, Monteleone, Cerreto and Visso, and successively also over the Marchigian slope of Sibyllines. Famous in the world to be the birthplace of San Benedetto.
Absolutely to visit
-The Central Square, birthplace of the holy twins Scolastica and Benedetto
-The Town-Hall Palace
- The Castle
- The San Benedetto Basilica (XIIIth cent.)
- The Santa Maria Argentea Cathedral
- The Little Temple (1354)
- The Sant’Agostino, San Francesco (XIVth century), San Giovanni and Madonna della Neve Churches
The ancient city (urbs vetus in Latin, whence "Orvieto"), populated since Etruscan times, has usually been associated with Etruscan Velzna.Orvieto was certainly a major centre of Etruscan civilization.Orvieto was annexed by Rome in the third century BC. After the collapse of the Roman Empire its defensible site gained new importance.Orvieto, sitting on its impregnable rock controlling the road between Florence and Rome where it crossed the Chiana, was a large town:its population numbered about 30,000 at the end of the 13th century.The territory of Orvieto was under papal control long before it was officially added to the Papal States (various dates are quoted); it remained a papal possession until 1860, when in was annexed to newly unified Italy.The city of Orvieto has long kept the secret of its labyrinth of caves and tunnels that lie beneath the surface. Dug deep into the tuff, a volcanic rock,these hidden and secret tunnels are only now open to view through guided tours. Their spectacular nature has also yielded many historical and archeological finds.
Absolutely to visit:
-the church of S. Andrea
-the Duomo
-the famous Well ( Pozzo di San Patrizio)
- the popes's palace
In the beginning Preci was a little rural village built on the left of the Campiano torrent nearby a Benedictine oratory, which probably gave the village its name. In the XIII century Castrum Precum was built to protect Preci, but in 1328 it was destroyed by a violent earthquake. Preci passed under the dominion of Spoleto and then of Norcia. The castle rebelled, in 1528 it was destroyed and the rebels were confined in Castel Precino, the actual Castelluccio, at the foot of the Vettore mountain. When pope Paul III allowed the reconstruction of Preci, the castle took on an elegant aspect thanks to its celebrated surgeons who, having become very rich, ordered beautiful palaces to Lombard workers. The Sant'Eutizio's Abbey had a very luxuriant life like eutizian congregation from the IXth to the XIIIth century The surgical school which successively, especially in the XVlth century makes it famous in all of Europe "Pulchra Sabina Preces Prisca Chirurgis patria".
Absolutely to visit:
- the Sant'Eutizio Abbey where the monastic vocation of San Benedetto took root
is a very small town with less than 1000 habitants situated in the valley of the Nera river. Its history is very similar to that of other towns in the Valnerina region. An important historical event was the longest siege which this small town had to endure: under Picozzo Brancaleoni in 1522. It was however, not successful because of the castle and the mighty towers which at the time completely surrounded the town. Nowadays the town can boast a truly unique contryside because of the particular beauty of the Nera valley in this area. Scheggino is delighted by the colours and smells of Nature, which offers traffles of refined quality and river trout of genuine taste.
Absolutely to visit:
- The church of St. Nicholas, dates back to the 13th century, but has been entirely restored during the course of the 16th century. In the inside there are valuable frescoes attributed to the painter Spagna, who was very active in this region during a large part of his life.
- The church of St. Felicita, dating back to the Romanic period. Because of its primitive style it had erroneously been attributed to the longobard period.
- The valcasana's springs
Todi was founded in about 2700 b.C. by the Umbrians on the homonym hill. Its ancient name “Tudere” meant border and stands to indicate the border with the Etruscans, whom it underwent a remarkable influence. Centre of the Umbrians, Todi underwent the influences and then Etruscan dominio, became one of the centres of great interest between the Vth and IVth century b.C. Conquered by Rome about the 340’s b.C., it took part with its contingent at the Ticino battle against Hannibal an 89 b.C.
The city consecrated to god Mars was denominated “Marzia”, then the Romans transformed it in their colony with the name “Romana Tuder”, with the authority to make own coins. It was in great part saved from the invasions, in the XIIth century it constituted itself in a free commune.
Absolutely to visit:
- The peoples square with the priority palace, the trapezoidal tower from the 300’s,
- the peoples palace in Longobardic – Gothic style
- The Captain’s palace and the cathedral build in the area of an ancient roman palace
- The gothic San Fortunato church
- The IVth November square with ruins of a fortress
- The Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione
- The little roman Sant’Ilario church
- The Fountains of Scarnabecco from Bologna, Todi’s authority
- The roman work of Nicchioni
- The cathedral (XIIth-XVIth century)
- The Roman - Etruscan museum
- The picture - gallery.
The medieval town of Trevi rises upon an hill dominating the plain where the river Clitunno flows, between Foligno and Spoleto.Latin writer Plinio remembers Trevi (Trebiae) as the most ancient town of Umbria. In Roman age as Municipium of Trebiae, making part of the Augustea Region, had to enjoy a period of great prosperity as testified from its powerful walls (the sec. a.C.) in part still visible.It was center also of a municipal senate and with the fall of the Roman Empire was occupied from the Longobardi and was part of the Ducato di Spoleto.During the XII sec. as a Common was in charge of an immense territory. In 1860 it was annexed to the Reign of Italy.
Absolutely to visit:
- The church of St. Emiliano of the 12th century, with three apses decorated with pilaster strips and small arches supported by wall-brackets.
- the church of St. Francis built in the Gothic style and dating back to the 13th century, which contains frescoes of the 14th and 15th centuries.
- the Pinoteca lodged in the Town Hall (15th century), where you can admire a Madonna by Pinturicchio and a Coronation of Mary by Spagna.
- the Madonna of the Tears (1487) with a beautiful fresco by Perugino.
- the Romanic church of St. Peter at Bovara.
Umbertide was founded in the 8th or 10th century, its original name was Fratta, and it received its present name in 1863 in honor of then Crown Prince Umberto.The Town and the surrounding area was inhabited in pre-Roman and Roman times,although there are remains of the medieval walls, a few medieval houses, and part of the Rocca or citadel, many of Umbertide's best monuments are of later periods.
Absolutely to visit:
-the castle of Civitella Ranieri, 5 km (3 mi) NE, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Umbria.
-the abbey of S. Salvatore di Montecorona 4 km (2.5 mi) S, which has a beautiful eleventh-century crypt with early Romanesque capitals and naïve 18th century painted ceilings.
-the medieval castle of Polgeto
-the abbey church of S. Bartolomeo de' Fossi ,strikingly sited on a sharp ridge with distant views on either side
-the walled medieval village of Borgo Santa Giuliana
Vallo di Nera is situated in a particularly fascinating part of the Valnerina valley, because here a narrowing of the valley has created small plains and valleys furrowed by the crystaline waters of the Nera river and of its tributary, the Vigi.
In the past, the town was nearly always under the rule of Cerreto of Spoleto and followed the fate of the that village. In part, the town still preserves Romanic religious and municipal buildings dating back to the beginning of the Middle Ages.
Absolutely to visit:
- The church of Santissima Annunziata dell'Eremita is perhaps the most noteworthy example: the upper church is built in the shape of a Latin cross, while the crypt follows the form of a Greek cross.
- The small village of Paterno (To the north of the town), situated at 605 meters above sea-level, where you can visit the well-preserved Parrocchial church with its beautiful baptism fount inside.