The Surroundings

Set in a unique landscape at the foot of Monteluco, Spoleto owes its popularity to its extraordinary architectural heritage spanning over 2,500 years. It was instead in the Renaissance period that the city took much of the character that distinguishes it today. The Duomo (cathedral), with frescoes by Filippo Lippi, conserves a handwritten letter by St. Francis of Assisi. On the slopes of Monteluco, a sacred forest since Roman times, stands the Church of St. Peter with its beautifully decorated façade, and on the mountain top, the Franciscan sanctuary.

The ancient Trebe (house), mentioned by Pliny, soon became a Roman municipality. In the early Middle Ages, the inhabitants had to withdraw behind the circle of Roman walls, and it was only in 1264 that he the new circle was built that still surrounds much of the city. The Cathedral of Sant’Emiliano (12th century) is worth visiting. It houses the altar of the Sacrament with the rich decoration of Rocco Tommaso (1522), while the Church of St. Francis, dated 1288, houses a Giotto-style crucifix on board dating from the early fourteenth century.

The Valnerina, a historic valley in Umbria running along the Nera River, has long been a crossroads of culture, faith, and ancient settlements. Inhabited since Roman times, it experienced significant growth during the Middle Ages with the founding of abbeys, castles, and fortified villages. Among these, the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, founded in the 8th century by the Lombards, stands out as an important monastic and cultural center. Over the centuries, the valley was contested by noble families and city-states, yet it always maintained a strong identity rooted in spirituality and the land.

An Umbrian town perched on a hill overlooking the Topino and Clitunno valleys, Montefalco is known as the “balcony of Umbria” for its breathtaking views. The historic center, enclosed by well-preserved medieval walls, holds a rich artistic and religious heritage. The heart of the town is the Church of San Francesco, built in 1335 and now converted into a museum. Inside, visitors can admire frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the life of Saint Francis. Also worth visiting is the Church of Sant’Agostino, dating back to the 13th century. Montefalco is also renowned for producing the prestigious Sagrantino wine.

Foligno was an important Roman station on the Via Flaminia, and is on the river Topino. The old town, which is still partly surrounded by medieval walls, holds important monuments. The Duomo, dedicated to San Feliciano, first martyr bishop, still bears the date of construction -1133- although its present outline is the result of works from 1700 to 1800 designed by local architect Giuseppe Piermarini. Places worth visiting are the thirteenth-century church of San Domenico, the Church of Santa Maria Infraportas, and Palazzo Trinci.

The Roman walls, which open onto the beautiful Consular Port (1st century B.C.), protect it at the base of the hill, then the medieval village climbs up to the Capuchin Church and what now remains of the fortress, which Cardinal Albornoz had fortified in the fourteenth century. The most sacred and significant building is the church of S. Maria Maggiore, dating from the 11th century. Within you can see the beautiful Baglioni chapel, with frescoes by Pinturicchio, who also painted the Madonna with Child in the Oratory of the Canons, adjacent to the main chapel.

On the slopes of Mount Subasio, on a hill that stretches out to glimpse the first light of day and the last rays of the setting sun, Assisi is a treasure-chest that carefully conserves his history. From whatever direction you arrive from, your gaze will catch the imposing building of the Basilica, built to house the remains of St. Francis; then it is cast around the other churches with their tall steeples, the houses coloured pink by their stone, enclosed by the 14th century walls. Assisi has always represented the “mystical core” of Umbria, attracting travellers who come to be moved by the figure of a man who preached peace and is now a national spiritual symbol.

Terni is found at the confluence of the River Nera with its tributary Serra and is best known for its metal and steel industries. Its history instead is ancient and eventful. The image of the city, however, connects to the spectacular Cascata delle Marmore waterfalls, created by the Romans almost three hundred years before Christ. The Church of St. Francis is worth the visited, with the Paradise Chapel frescoed in the 15th century with figures inspired by the Divine Comedy, and the Shrine of Saint Valentine, which preserves the remains of the patron saint of lovers.

Set on the edge of S. Scolastica plain in the heart of the national park of the Sibylline Mountains, Norcia is a secret stronghold of artistic and gastronomic treasures. The Church of St. Benedict, the town’s patron saint, retains its charming 14th century facade. The main square also features the portico of the Misure (1500), which shows nine local measurements used originally for cereals. The town hall and cathedral are beautiful, the latter dedicated to S. Maria Argentea, which withholds a fresco of the 16th century. In spring, do not miss the plain of Castelluccio in full bloom, with its splashes of colours and scents.

Looking up from the river Tiber valley below, you can see the town’s profile fully, including the wealth of its monuments. Then rising, and coasting the walls, you come upon the imposing yet entrancing Chiesa della Consolazione, a Renaissance architectural masterpiece. Walking through the quiet streets with its craft workshops, you come to the beautiful square with its cathedral dedicated to the Assumption, and the three medieval palaces: that of the Priors and the others of the People and the Captain.

Protected by its memories, Perugia straddles Trasimeno lake and the verdant plain that stretches as far as Spoleto. An important town in the Comunale period, it knew the magnificence of lordships, from that of Biordo Michelotti up the Baglioni families. It was later influenced by strong hand of the Papacy, with the great Paul III, who had the imposing Rocca built, taking in an entire neighborhood. Always a city of culture, it was the centre of the Umbrian painting academy, the with Pinturicchio, the young Raphael, and Perugino.

The ancient town known for majolica, Deruta has for centuries been linked to the production of ceramic arts. Its industrial district can be seen already from the highway, while the ancient town itself lies behind its walls. Through the three original doors of the ancient defensive system, you enter Piazza dei Consoli, the heart of the old town, dominated by the town’s Torri (towers). The former convent of San Francesco, annexed to the church of the same name, now houses the Regional Museum of Ceramics. After leaving Deruta, a worthwhile stop is at the sanctuary of the Madonna dei Bagni.

Located on the slopes of Monte Igino, Gubbio seems to have remained intact over time. The Basilica of St. Ubaldo seems to protect it from above, the unique seven bronze Iguvine Tablets, which tell of ancient acts and rites, and the Roman Theatre which is just outside the walls, are all witnesses of a glorious past, but it is the Middle Ages that has left the deepest imprint. The Palazzo dei Consoli has become the town’s symbol as a perfect work of the early 1300s and as host to the municipal museum.

Built on a volcanic tuff plateau, Orvieto has overlooked the valley since the fourth century. Above the houses, churches and palazzi stands visible from everywhere, its extraordinary, massive Duomo the foundation stone of which was laid in 1290 by Pope Nicholas IV and dedicated to celebrating the assumption of the Virgin. Many well-known artists came, such as Lorenzo Maitani and Andrea Pisano. In the chapel of San Brizio, after the first work by Fra Angelico, Luca Signorelli painted The Last Judgement, a high point of Renaissance painting.

Cortona is an important town that retains all the charm of an ancient village, with its typical alleys and traditional stone buildings. It stands on a hill that offers splendid views over the Val di Chiana. Of great interest is the sixteenth-century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio. Among the most notable monuments is the cathedral, Duomo di Giuliano da Sangallo, the Church of St. Francis (12th century), the Sanctuary of Santa Margherita, the Medici Fortress, the Church of San Domenico, and the Palazzo Comunale (13th century).