Umbria

The region of Umbria is one of the smallest in Italy and comprises two provinces, Perugia and Terni. The total area is about 20% of that of the Netherlands. Less than a million people live in Umbria. The population density in Umbria (<100 inhabitants per km²) is low compared to the Netherlands (400 inhabitants per km²).

You can sometimes drive through the hills for an hour without encountering an oncoming car. Large parts are "empty", the ideal habitat for game (including wild boar, porcupines, badgers, foxes).

The most characteristic of Umbria are the green, gently rolling hills with numerous olive groves and vineyards. Depending on the season there are also fields with sunflowers, wheat, tobacco, clover, poppies. Remarkable is the small scale of the fields and the large number of old castles, which are apparently randomly scattered on the hilltops.

The hillside walled medieval towns and villages with their steep and narrow streets breathe a rich cultural history. The connection with the past is celebrated annually throughout Umbria by means of medieval festivals. It is also the land of Francis of Assisi, who is commemorated everywhere with memorial stones, paintings and statues.
Umbria has no sea border, but has a few large lakes with beautiful beaches.

Due to the mild Mediterranean climate, the summers are dry and sunny and the winter wet and cold. Because of the many forests and overgrown fields Umbria owes its second name to: Umbria Verde (Green Umbria). At high altitude in the Apennines it can be fresh during the day and very cool at night. On the Piano Grande (= a plateau) in the east it is on average 10 degrees cooler than in the valley.

The hilly heart of Umbria is in the west surrounded by the valley of the Tiber with beautiful places like Perugia (= capital of part of Umbria) and Todi. In the east lies the valley of Umbria, where Hannibal and his army besieged the city of Spoleto. Against the hills of this valley borders a number of pearls of cities. The larger towns are Foligno, Assisi and Spoleto.

The beautiful square of Montefalco with its restaurants and wine bars (enoteca's)

Montefalco dominates the entire valley from Assisi to far beyond Spoleto. Bevagna is situated in the valley and used to be a stopping-, rest place for the Romans. And that everything you can still see today. It feels good visiting all these towns. Enjoy a delicious glass of Sagrantino or Montefalco Rosso on the beautiful square of Montefalco at an enoteca (wine tasting).

Or just sit on a terrace in Bevagna and enjoy daily life, taste the delicious ice creams at one of the many gelateria (ice cream parlours). You never have to wonder if there is a good restaurant where you can eat extensively and affordably. There's plenty to choose from.

Our house is on the west side of a slope in a small hamlet where life is "really Italian". The house radiates the atmosphere of security and tranquillity. Because of its central location in Italy, we are so near the beautiful places in the area. Also Rome, Siena and Florence are easy to reach as a day trip (by car and / or public transport). In about two hours you are in the center of these beautiful cities.