Voices from the past

The attraction that Umbria and its towns has for travellers springs from Medieval times, the historical period with which this area shares the most connotations. The most famous stories are linked to the great saints, Francis and Claire with regard to Assisi and Rita in relation to Cascia. But Umbria is not merely a land of mysticism. Its characteristics and identities are strongly linked with the historical and social events which have left their mark on the region. The area around Terni has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was later populated in turn by the Umbri, Sabines and Romans who made it a centre of great importance due to its position near the Via Flaminia. The town was almost totally reconstructed after the Second World War and is now a modern city renowned for its iron industry. Norcia had a different destiny. It too is of remote origins and faced hard trials due to several earthquakes, but still conserves a valuable historic centre which reflects the importance of the town during Medieval times.

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The most famous town in the region is undoubtedly Assisi, almost submerged in its testimony to the life of Saint Francis and dominated by the monumental complex dedicated to him, the Basilica di San Francesco. Spoleto is famous for its Duomo, with its Romanesque façade and its Renaissance portico, and for the piazza in front of the cathedral. In the northern part of the region lies Gubbio, still partially surrounded by its old walls. To the south-west are Orvieto and Todi, both strongly influenced by Etruscan culture. The jewel-like Duomo in Orvieto is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and is a truly astonishing work.
Terni offers several buildings of artistic interest including several churches, remarkable for the artistic treasures they conserve. Above all, there is the Cathedral with frescoes by Flemish painters whose works can also be found in the Palazzo Spada. In Norcia, the Gothic-style church of San Benedetto has been named the most beautiful in the town, whilst the Duomo, originally in Renaissance style, was altered by its restorers from the Baroque period. Other buildings of great artistic value in Norcia are the Renaissance Castellina and the various medieval churches of its historical centre, dedicated to Sant'Agostino, San Giovanni and San Francesco.

Events

An area so rich in historic centres offers unique settings for any artistic event. It is hardly surprising, therefore, to find many fixed events throughout the region. Definitely one not to miss is the Festival dei Due Mondi di Spoleto, held in June and July, which offers music, theatre and dance at various sites within the town. A similar festival - and equally prestigious - is the Todi Art Festival, held in Todi in July. Every year between February and March, Terni dedicates a whole month to celebrations in honour of its patron saint Saint Valentine, with various artistic and cultural events. The Sagra del tartufo nero or the festival of the black truffle, takes place in Norcia from the 21th to the 23rd February, and has enriched the gastronomic production of the Valnerina since the 1950s. Spring then brings with it Norcia's most heart-felt festival, that of San Benedetto, patron of the town and patron of Europe.