The traditional Umbria territory is made of green hills full of lively olive groves. The promotion of olive production is essential for this Italian region. Today, we take you with us to visit 5 wonderful towns in Umbria!

Assisi

It’s famous for being Saint Francis’ hometown, but maybe few people know that it was inhabited since Neolithic, it was conquered by Romans and then beleaguered by Frederick Barbarossa. It is full of interesting sites for art, such as the San Damiano Church, the “Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli” and the “Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi,” with Giotto and Cimabue frescos.

Interesting fact: the Olive Trees Path (“Sentiero degli Ulivi”) between Assisi and Spoleto, which extends for 6.142 hectares and in which about 1.240.000 olive trees are cultivated, is a candidate to be inserted in the National Catalogue of Historical Rural Landscapes.

Perugia

Perugia is an art heritage city of Etruscan origins, rich in history and monuments. It has preserved its Medieval appearance, with its large old town and with its 9 Km of perimeter defense walls which include several antique “doors” (arches). The “Fontana Maggiore” (Main Fountain), the “Rocca Paolina,” the “Giardini del Frontone” (Frontone Gardens) and the monumental “Palazzo dei Priori” (Priori Palace) are just a few of its interesting artistic sites. To say nothing of the “Collegio del Cambio,” with Perugino frescos. The whole town’s sitting on a hill territory which is perfect for olive trees plantation. It’s no coincidence that one of the town’s streets is called “Via Degli Ulivi” (Olive Trees Street), right for the several olive trees present in that street, among the other plants.

Orvieto

Orvieto history begins in Prehistory and goes through Etruscan, Roman, Middle Ages and Renaissance times. During World War 2, the town also becomes a strategic point. All of these historical influences obviously left artistic signs, such as the “Duomo di Orvieto” (Orvieto Dome), a clear example of the Italian gothic architecture, and the “Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo” (Captain of People’s Palace). Orvieto is linked to olive products too, just think of the great oil and the delicious olive spread, in fact tasting events take place often.

Città di Castello

Città di Castello, once the Episcopal seat of the namesake diocese, is in the Perugia province zone. The Renaissance still lives in its streets, thanks to the unique architectural structure and its buildings and churches. In the Town Gallery, there is the only Raffaello Sanzio work which remained in Città di Castello after the 1800 pillagings: the “Gonfalone della Santissima Trinità.” But contemporary art is present too, thanks to Alberto Burri, whose works are in “Palazzo Albizzini” (Albizzini Palace) and in the Ex Seccatoi Tabacchi. Food tip? Go to the town centre and eat “ciaccina fritta”. Obviously, stuff it with olive spread!

Norcia

The “crostini con polpa di olive” (croutons with olive pulp) are a typical starter from Umbria, in particular from Norcia. Unfortunately, this amazing Medieval town, in Perugia province too, suffered terrible earthquakes in 2016 which heavily ruined the “Basilica di San Benedetto.” But the town has reacted, and in June 2018 it will host “The Most Beautiful Medieval Villages in Italy National Assembly.”

The other buildings in San Benedetto Square held out: the “Palazzo Comunale” (Town Palace), the “Castellina” and San Benedetto statue, in the centre of the square.