Umbria

Umbria

Umbria is Central Italy’s beautiful landlocked sanctuary. A region defined by its exceptional quietness and deeply spiritual atmosphere. Lacking a coastline, its focus is entirely internal. Dedicated to the sublime beauty of its soft colored hills. You will find terracotta colored towns that command every horizon. The road moves along twisting scenic roads that guide you to these historical peaks. You must visit Assisi to experience the powerful spiritual anchor of Saint Francis. Nearby, the clifftop city of Orvieto has both spectacular Gothic art and hidden Etruscan roots. Driving here is an exploration of layers, linking the region’s strong Etruscan foundations to its later Roman and medieval glory. This is a road trip built on discovery, not speed. Umbrian cuisine is known especially for its truffles, rich pork and olive oil. The region also produces the deep red Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. Every experience here emphasizes quiet, authentic depth and historical purity.

Umbria highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
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History of Umbria

The history of Umbria traces back to the Umbrii, an Italic tribe. The region's early power actually came from the Etruscan civilization. Cities like Perugia and Orvieto sat upon powerful Etruscan foundations. The region became connected by vital roads like the Via Flaminia. The Middle Ages was fundamentally shaped by faith. The central event was the life of Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. His Franciscan movement spread spiritual renewal across Europe and made Assisi a permanent religious capital. The region’s wealth was poured into building spectacular cathedrals and fresco cycles. Defining its reputation as a sanctuary of Christian art. From the late medieval period onward, much of Umbria, due to its strategic position bordering Rome, fell under the direct or indirect control of the Papal States. Unlike coastal regions, Umbria maintained a focus on spiritual and rural life until Italian unification in the 1860s.
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