Umbria - Amordivino

Umbria

Population: 831.714
Surface (Kmq): 8456
Density (Inhabitants/Kmq.): 98
Main city: Perugia (PG)
Other towns: Terni (TR).

Umbria is situated exactly in the centre of the Italian peninsula and it has always represented a crossroads for people, ideas and cultures. Being a place of transit has also moulded the character of its people, who are generous and welcoming. As well its environmental riches the region has a major artistic and architectural heritage. Etruscans, Romans and then, over the centuries, refined lords and scholarly abbots have enriched this land with true architectural masterpieces: the cathedrals of Orvieto and Spoleto, the Palazzo Pubblico in Perugia, Todi and Gubbio, the Franciscan basilica of Assisi and mountain monasteries, villages perched on rocky spurs and castles standing on hills and rises represent the heights of a love of beauty that distinguishes the whole region. Umbria is also a mystical, spiritual and contemplative land and not even the thousands of visitors to Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Todi and Spello have undermined the original sentiment that inspired saints and hermits, such as Francesco d’Assisi.

Assisi
Little is known of the ancient settlement. In the 2nd century BC, Assisi was governed by local magistrates but later became a Roman Municipium. Ringed by walls, the town has a famous holy area including the Temple of Minerva, and a significant archeological collection. Right and below, the church of San Francesco - St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226, patron saint of animals).

Gubbio
This town was founded by the ancient Umbri people and became a crucial political and religious centre. Attractions include an archeological collection at Palazzo Consoli, the vallum wall, the theatre and the mausoleum of Pomponio Grecino.

Spello
This ancient settlement became one of the busiest Roman towns in Umbria, as testified by the amphitheatre, the remains of a temple and two Augustan walls.