Discovering Umbria
Avignano (TR): The Dunarobba Fossil Forest is situated near the town; it is one of the oldest forests in the world and is unique because it has authentic specimens, real wooden trunks (not petrified) from two million years ago.
Castelluccio (PG): situated in the Mount Sibillini Park, a town with a splendid naturalistic setting. In June and July, when the lentil blooms, a blaze of joyful colors is visible which, depending on the lentil’s state of maturity, go from yellow, to red, ending with blue.
Montecastrilli (TR): it looks like an authentic fortress; the Parish Church of St. Nicholas and the two arches of Porta Amerina, called “of the belvedere”.
Narni (TR): perfectly preserved old medieval village. There is a second city underneath it which was recently discovered and is still under study. The Underground Cultural Association organizes guided tours.
Other villages: Attigliano, Amelia, Cascia, Città della Pieve, Gualdo Tadino, Montefalco, Norcia, Panicale, Pietralunga, Spello.
Tastes and flavors in Umbria
Guinea-fowl ‘alla leccarda’(dripping-pan): its particularity comes from the sauce made from chicken livers, herbs and white wine, which is used at the end of preparation to season the guinea-fowl.
Panpepato (literally peppered bread): a round cake where the flour and other basic ingredients are mixed with plenty of dried fruit, honey and spices, including (as the name suggests) a bit of pepper.
Scafata: simple but tasty broad bean soup where the “added flavor” is given by pieces of pork skin.
Strangozzi with black truffles: the dough for this typical Umbrian spaghetti is kneaded with spices and herbs. Often served with Umbrian black truffles. Wines: Assisi, Colli Altoibertini, Colli Amerini, Colli del Trasimeno, Colli Perugini, Montefalco.
Handicrafts in Umbria
Old weapons: manufactured in Assisi, Città della Pieve, Norcia and Villamagina.
Ceramics: especially in Deruta, with its very white enamel, the quick graphic curve of its yellow-gold decorations, the skilful design of the figures.
Linen: these fabrics are characterized by the original depictions of the Grifo, symbol of the city of Perugia and by the blue, yellow-gold and red renaissance geometric designs.
Embroidery: “Assisi stitch” or Franciscan stitch” embroidery is sought after for its originality.
Umbria: events & exhibitions
Assisi: first Thursday after May 1st - Calendimaggio. Singing contest in medieval costume between the “Nobilissima Parte di Sopra” (Most Noble Upper Part) [Guelph] and the “Magnifica Parte di Sotto” (Magnificent Lower Part) [Ghibelline] on the execution of songs and ditties in medieval style.
Norcia: February 21-23 – Black Truffle Festival. An agro-food exhibition that has promoted the gastronomical production of the Valnerina area since the 1950s.
Spoleto: July – Festival of the Two Worlds. Among the most fascinating and important festivals with music in Europe. Music, theatre and dance performances are held in various city locations.
Terni: between February and March – St. Valentine celebrations. Cultural meetings, performances and art itineraries are dedicated to the city’s patron saint.