Welcome To Umbria!

When we think of Umbria we think of the Italian word ombra. Shadow. One of Italy's smallest regions, Umbria lies in the shadow of its more illustrious neighbor, Tuscany. The many Umbrian hills and mountains cast long dark shadows over river valleys which are already darkened by lush chestnut groves and elm forests. This landlocked region's overwhelmingly medieval character harkens one back to the mysticism and mysteries of the Dark Ages. In so many ways, Umbria has lain in the shadows for centuries. The very identity of its original inhabitants, the Umbrians, is so clouded that we still have no clear understanding of the meaning of their name.

Perhaps self-imposed modesty is an inbred trait here. That would explain the relative obscurity of this beautiful region, a land whose rolling hills are dotted with castles, fortresses and watchtowers, whose well-preserved hill towns produce world-renowned handmade ceramics, whose many monasteries were founded by a host of local saints, whose valleys are laced with countless gleaming rivers and host Italy's largest lake. In Umbria, halfway up the slopes of Monte Fumaiolo, a trickle seeps out of the ground and wanders southward, gaining breadth and notoriety to become Rome's mighty Tiber. Any traveler who goes from Florence to Rome by land passes through the Tiber Valley, whose Umbrian locales include such towns as Assisi, Spoleto and Orvieto.

Carsulae

Ah, now you know where Umbria is! Just east of Tuscany, north of Rome and west of the Marches, right in the middle of what would be the national calf muscle if Italy really were a leg encased in an Italian leather boot. In Italy Online would like to introduce you to its many enchanting medieval towns in the hopes you will plan to stop a few days on your way from Rome to Florence. You will find it well worth your while, for it is as interesting as Tuscany but far less crowded.

• From illustrious Assisi to the little-known Roman ruins at Carsulae, almost every inch of this region is beautiful. Come with us on a leisurely drive to the many places to see in Umbria.

• If you'd like to experience this beautiful region and will be staying in Rome, consider a private day trip with one of our guides.

• "Italy is full of surprises," says Rosemary Torigian. Join her as she finds out what's at the end of an Umbrian country road.

• One thing everyone remembers about Umbria is its wonderful little hill towns. Montefalco, also known as the Balcony of Umbria, is a perfect example.

• One of Italy's most renowned restaurants is in a little town in Umbria, which also features a wine museum and an celebrated winery. There's even a lovely country inn where you can spend the night.

• Located only an hour's train ride from Rome, the exquisite little town of Orvieto is home to one of the great masterpieces of Italian art, the Duomo di Orvieto. Join us on a virtual tour.

• An Old Friend Returns to Umbria.

• If you're trying to find the location, zip code, area code, province or region of a specific town, Click here.

• Looking for an Umbria flag? Click here to find one, along with hundreds of other flags from Italy and around the world.

• Useful WWW links.

• A year-round calendar of the colorful festivals and pageants held throughout the region of Umbria.

• Ceramics, kitchen utensils, hand-made linens, antique bric-a-brac: what better place to find souvenirs for your friends and yourself than a flea market, set in the shadow of a 16th-century cathedral, perchance? Keep this calendar of outdoor markets in Umbria for your files.

• The basic facts about Umbria.