Italian Regional Guide: Umbria

Umbria is known as the ‘green heart of Italy’, thanks to the fact that more than 30 per cent of the region is made up of woodland…

Umbria,Assisi©iStock

This is a tranquil and historically rich region, landlocked on all sides by Tuscany, Lazio and Le Marche and situated right in the middle of Italy, although the coast and the Mediterranean is around 90 minutes drive away for those who just can’t keep away from the seaside. It is pleasantly uncrowded – Umbria’s population density stands at half the national average. It may have a low permanent population, but visitor numbers here are high – tourists flock to Umbria each year – but magically, seem to be easily absorbed without creating the hustle and bustle found in other regions.

The region remains a peaceful, spiritual place, and plays host to a wealth of fine historic buildings, among them Assisi’s basilica and Orvieto’s cathedral. The region’s peace is further enhanced by the fact that Umbria is not criss-crossed by major roads, although the A1 motorway glides past its western edge. Rail and bus links are good, but a car is essential if you want to get off the beaten track. Umbria is also well served by airports – in both nearby regions as well as flights to Umbria’s capital, Perugia. Politically, Umbria is divided into two main provinces: Perugia in the north and Terni in the south, and geographically by the valley of the River Tiber and the Valle Umbria. Geologically, Europe’s main fault line runs through Umbria, as evidenced in the earthquake of 1997, which destroyed frescoes in Assisi and affected other towns in the region.

UmbriaMarmoreFalls©iStockPERUGIA Umbria’s capital, Perugia, has a significant historical heritage as well as being a vibrant university city with two academic establishments. It’s an attractive medieval hill-town, with a 3,000-year history that has witnessed occupations by the Etruscans and the Romans, among others. Perugia also boasts some of Europe’s best-maintained medieval streets, with a host of superb palaces and piazzas too. A stylish and vibrant city, Perugia is the venue for a variety of lively festivals, especially during the summer – you won’t want to miss the famous chocolate festival! It is the ‘gateway’ to Umbria for most UK visitors arriving by air since the advent of budget Ryanair flights to its airport a few years ago. While properties here can be on the pricy side, holiday rental returns can be great, and bountiful with students and businessmen eager for lodgings on a regular basis.

ASSISI Just half an hour’s drive from Perugia and visible for miles around is the pink and cream hilltop town of Assisi – an iconic vision known throughout the world. It’s another medieval jewel and a designated World Heritage Site, where you will find the Basilica of Saint Francis and other Franciscan sites. It’s a beautiful, must-visit destination with year-round rental potential and it offers a fantastic range of property, although its prices reflect its desirability. It attracts streams of pilgrims in search of religious ‘experiences’, but there’s so much more to see in this cultural haven.

LAKE TRESIMENO Head west and you’ll find the Umbrian ‘Riviera’, Lake Trasimeno, with its mild microclimate, delightful islands and imperious castles. It’s the fourth largest lake in Italy and a magnet for watersports enthusiasts, fishermen and cyclists. The views are serene and this is a popular spot for a second home and a great location for getting welcome holiday rental returns.

Umbria,Todi©iStockORVIETO & TODI The tiny medieval town of Orvieto is south of Perugia, high on the remains of an ancient volcano. The Etruscans were the original settlers, but it is the medieval architecture that defines the town. Todi is halfway between Perugia and Terni – another small but beautiful ancient town, which is famous for its historic heritage, architecture, good food and wine. The surrounding area is dotted with interesting places to visit and lovely countryside. Both Todi and Orvieto are – understandably – among the region’s pricier towns for properties.

TERNI & THE SOUTH The area to the south and southeast of the region around the town of Terni is the least populated part of quiet Umbria. Terni itself is the area’s major city, but is largely industrial, as the majority of its medieval architecture was destroyed during the bombings of World War II. It has two interesting claims to fame – as the geographical centre of Italy there was a plan in 1867 to make Terni the country’s capital, which, as history shows, was unsuccessful. Also, the city’s first bishop was the martyred St Valentine who became the patron saint of lovers worldwide. The surrounding area is largely mountainous offering up unspoilt valleys, rivers and meadows, and this area is a prime location for truffle hunters, a much-loved ingredient of the local cuisine. A must-visit nearby town in the area is Narni, another hill-town with a very ancient history. It is famed for its Roman bridge – the largest ever built – standing some 30m high as it carries the Via Flaminia over the Nar River.