Assisi
Assisi is the city of Saints, St. Francis and St. Clare, and it symbolizes a message of peace that can be felt with every step along its beautiful streets. Assisi is an Umbrian gem in the province of Perugia, gently resting on the slopes of Mount Subasio. In 2000, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On your visit, you can’t miss starting at the Papal Basilica of St. Francis and the Sacred Convent. The next stop is the Basilica of St. Clare. Then, head to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Rocca Maggiore.
As Giosuè Carducci described it, “Assisi is a truly beautiful thing, a town, a city, and a sanctuary.”
Discover more on monuments and events on Visit Assisi website
Perugia
A city of Etruscan origins, Perugia is now famous for being one of the most important university hubs in Italy, as well as hosting many major events like Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate.
It is home to the second oldest academy in Italy (the Academy of Fine Arts) and one of the first public libraries, the Augusta. The National Gallery of Umbria, the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Priori, and the Church of San Pietro are just a few of the art and history gems that deserve more than a simple visit. The views and glimpses of the acropolis will captivate you.
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Spello
Nestled on a spur of Mount Subasio, Spello is a charming village, with its ancient sandstone houses, narrow and winding medieval streets, sudden panoramic views of the surrounding hills, and, more than any other place in the region, well-preserved traces of Roman presence.
Notable sights include the city walls, the Augustan gates and the Villa of Mosaics. Also worth visiting are the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with the Baglioni Chapel, beautifully frescoed by Pinturicchio, the 13th-century Church of San Andrea, and the Collegiata of San Lorenzo.
Spello is also famous for its late-june Infiorate, flower petal carpets created by true artists to celebrate Corpus Christi. At the table, the typical olive oil is always present.
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Foligno
Foligno is famous for the Giostra della Quintana, a medieval jousting tournament held twice a year, in June and September. The event involves the 10 city districts and is inspired by a 1613 knightly competition, preceded by a procession of over 600 participants in 17th-century costumes.
There are many places of historical and artistic interest. The Cathedral, dating back to 1201, the Palazzo delle Canoniche, home to the Diocesan Capitular Museum, which includes the crypt of St. Felician. Palazzo Trinci, a symbol of Foligno’s 15th-century power, houses a magnificent cycle of frescoes painted in 1411 by Gentile da Fabriano. The palace also serves as the Museum of the City, with collections ranging from archaeology to art and history. The Oratorio della Nunziatella features works by Perugino inside.
The numerous events held throughout the year make Foligno one of the most lively, dynamic, and visited urban areas in the region.
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Gubbio
Gubbio is one of the oldest cities in Umbria, wonderfully preserved over the centuries and rich in monuments that testify to its glorious past.
Architecturally, it represents the masterpiece of medieval civilization and the 12th-13th century society, structured within the guilds of arts and crafts. Evidence of its origins can be found in the Eugubine Tables and the Roman theater located just outside the city walls. The Palazzo dei Priori with its museum and the Church of San Francesco are worth a visit, as is the Sanctuary of Sant'Ubaldo, where the Ceri, symbols of the Umbria region, are kept.
The famous Festa dei Ceri takes place every May 15th and involves the entire city along with thousands of tourists who flock to it. It is considered one of the oldest folkloric events in Italy and is now known worldwide.
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