Umbria is a treasure hidden in plain sight— but it’s there, waiting. Bordering Tuscany, Lazio and Le Marche, this part of Italy rewards travelers with space to breathe and plenty of enticements. While many people encounter Umbria on the train from Rome to Florence, there is much to discover when traveling off the main lines.
Called “The Green Heart of Italy,” the region is a wanderluster’s dream. With a mild climate and plenty of water, generations of families have produced crops such as wine grapes, olives and cereals. The view, as seen from the vantage point of gently rolling landscapes or stony hill towns, is a mix of cultivated farmland and lush natural vegetation.
Photography by Tom Arena Heaven for History Buffs
There is a copious amount of history in Central Italy, so it may seem near impossible to list all the treasures that await in Umbria. But many travelers get hooked while visiting Orvieto and its stunning Duomo, or cathedral. While the old hilltop town perched on volcanic stone is beautiful, there are hidden historical treasures beneath the city. A complicated network of underground caves reveals Etruscan life, with antiquities that demonstrate their ancient existence.
Umbria is also home to some of the most treasured devotional sites of the Christian world. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a UNESCO Heritage Site dating back to 1228, features two hillside churches, priceless frescoes and a crypt where the remains of the saint are interred. The charming town of
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
