Umbria travel guide

Orvieto

The medieval fortress town of Orvieto is dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Umbrian countryside. It's thought to have been an important centre for Etruscan civilization and many impressive artefacts can be viewed in its archaeological museum. The town remains almost unchanged since medieval times, and even in summer is not too packed with tourists. The 13th-century Duomo of Orvieto, with its magnificent facade and frescoes, dominates the skyline. Visitors should also take time to wander around the town's backstreets to find hidden gems and enjoy amazing views over the city walls and battlements. The best restaurants are tucked away in the side streets off the main square.

Assisi

The picturesque hill town of Assisi is famous as the birthplace of St Francis, a 12th-century monk who founded the Franciscan order, devoted to practices of asceticism, frugality and chastity. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the bustling town for inspiration and worship, and a multitude of annual conferences, festivals and other religious activities. Assisi is a visual spectacle of shimmering white marble buildings perched halfway up Mount Subasio. The town is set against the backdrop of the towering 14th-century hill fortress of the Rocca Maggiore, a landmark with which to orientate oneself from inside the city's medieval ramparts.

One of the most loved and visited churches in Italy is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, containing frescoes by Giotto commemorating the life of St Francis. Other notable works include paintings by Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini's frescoes based on the life of St Martin. St Francis's tomb rests below the lower church, while other popular sights include the 13th-century Basilica di Santa Chiara, the 12th-century Romanesque Duomo di San Rufino and the Eremo delle Carceri, a monastery situated in the woodland outside Assisi.

Assisi is a beautiful city with winding streets, Roman ruins and magnificent churches, feeling like it has changed little since medieval times. The greatest gems are the small medieval treasures and glorious views to be found all over the small city.

Spoleto

The beautiful town of Spoleto was established by the Romans in the 3rd Century BC, and many Roman buildings, ruins and artefacts remain, including the Coliseum and the Church of San Salvatore, dating from the 4th Century, making it one of the oldest churches in the world. The medieval castle and the cathedral dominate the well-preserved Upper Town: the Duomo di Spoleto has a lovely facade with eight rose windows, while inside there are beautiful frescos by Filippo Lippi. Another popular attraction in Spoleto is the impressive Tower's Bridge, which was built in 1350 AD and is still traversable today. The church of San Pietro can be found in the wooded hills a short trip out of town. This church served as the cathedral of Spoleto until 1067, and sports some of the best Romanesque carvings in Italy.

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi)

Located just 50 miles (80km) from the region of Umbria, the city of Genga's Frasassi Caves are considered to be some of the most wondrous in Italy. A remarkable cave system comprised of limestone dissolved over millennia, it's fitted with safe, comfortable walkways and theatrical lighting to bring the otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites into greater relief. Experience a genuine thrill while travelling down as the temperature drops and breath begins to mist. The overwhelming silence is broken only by the resonance of dripping water. One of Italy's most talked-about tourist attractions in recent years, tourists stopping off in Umbria should be sure to make the short trip to the Frasassi Caves.