Undiscovered Umbria
Tugged in between Rome and Florence rural Umbria tends to be overlooked. A great pity considering the beauty of the scenery; the many places of great cultural and historical interest; and the quiet, friendly atmosphere.
To top the attractions prices of rented villas in Umbria are considerably lower than in the neighbouring regions making it a perfect and affordable base for exploring the still beating green heart of Italy.
Gola dell’Infernaccio by Adriano Gasparri on Creative Commons
Hills and Hell’s gorge
Umbria has the fourth lowest population of all Italian regions, and the population density is half the national average which leaves plenty of space to roam the countryside and the extensive woodlands.
Hikers love the Sibillini mountains, following old pilgrim trails over hills and through meadows that are covered by a fragrant and colourful carpet of flowers every spring. If you are lucky you may spot rare species of orchids and lilacs, hunt truffles and mushrooms, or explore the crumbling castles, watchtowers and hermitages that crop up in the horizon.
One of the most popular hikes goes to Gola dell’Infernaccio or Hell’s Gorge along the river Tenna where mountains rise steeply on either side of a narrow gorge ending at a waterfall and the eremo di S. Leonardo. A small church built by a monk in the early 1970s, who lived there in perfect solitude.
Cascata delle Marmore by Tanzen80 on Creative Commons
A not quite natural beauty
Another great sight if not quite natural is the Cascata delle Marmore 7 kilometres from Terni. The spectacularly beautiful waterfalls were created by the Romans to redirect the Velino River and eliminate an unhealthy swamp of stagnant water. The diversion was created by creating a 165 fall over the Marmore cliff and into the Nera river below. Today the waterfall is used to drive a power plant, and therefore it can only be seen when it is ‘switched on’ during opening hours around noon and in the evening.
Lake Trasimeno by spettacolopuro on Creative Commons
Quiet waters
Apart from the rivers landlocked Umbria offers several nice lakes and Lake Trasimeno is big enough for swimming. The quiet waters feel cool and clean and the beaches I’ve visited were ideal for small children with their sandy shores and slow descent. There’s even 50 km biking and hiking path around the shores.
Orvieto, Gubbio, Perugia
Like stepping into a fairytale
In addition a visit to some of the 21 Umbrian cities or the small medieval towns dotted on the top of the hills sides is like stepping into a fairytale.
I have gawped at the bling-bling cathedral and the underground maze of Orvieto. Felt the urge to climb the city wall of Gubbio that looks so impenetrable from a distance with its back to the hill side. And enjoyed the international atmosphere of the virtually car free and busker friendly Perugia, where there are some great masterpieces to explore btw.
Everywhere you look there’s a story to be told. You just have to figure out where to begin.
More on undiscovered Umbria and other nearby places
Pilgrim trails: A brick for Assisi
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I was in Umbria last summer, but obviously missed a lot. But I did drive around most of Lago Trasimeno. So many pretty spots along that lake.
Looks so beautiful there. Perfect for spending a few days trekking around those hills! I want to be there, now. :)
Julia
This is gorgeous. I’m feeling like a quick trip to Umbria now.
Oh, I wish I were going! I had such a fun time at TBU. Love these photos!!
The car free Perugia sounds like a dream. It just made to my “must visit” list.
I’m really looking forward to visiting Umbria next week and hope I’ll have the chance to visit the Sibillini mountains and Hells Gorge. I didn’t realize the population density was so low either, which is a good thing in my books.
Ah great, some new things to see and do in Umbria when I’m next there to celebrate my wedding anniversary in Orvieto!
Oh goodness, those pictures are gorgeous! This is one of those parts of Italy I haven’t made it too, but now I’m craving to go back!
Will definitely have to check out Umbria now, especially after the way you presented it!
You won’t be disappointed. Umbria is so nice, tasty – and green.
Ohh we were there in 2010 – gorgeous.
Is this photo of the church you’re displaying have a black and white side?
I don’t remember anything about a black and white side to the church in Ovieto. But I may have been too dazzled by the gold to notice.