Umbria
The green heart of Italy — hill towns, frescoes and truffles, with Tuscan beauty and far fewer crowds.
Umbria is the only Italian region touching neither the sea nor a foreign border — landlocked, green and inward-looking in the best sense. Often called the green heart of Italy, it offers much of Tuscany's beauty with a fraction of the visitors.
Its hill towns are its glory: Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis, with Giotto's frescoes; Orvieto, rising on volcanic rock with one of Italy's great cathedrals; and Spoleto, Gubbio and Todi. Norcia is famed for black truffles and charcuterie, Montefalco for its deep Sagrantino wine.
What to see and do
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi
- Explore Orvieto's cathedral and underground caves
- Taste black truffles and cured meats around Norcia
- Discover Sagrantino wine in Montefalco
- Wander quiet hill towns like Spoleto and Todi
When to go
Spring and autumn are best; autumn brings the truffle season. Umbria is peaceful year-round and especially rewarding outside the summer peak.