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Umbria
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Explore Umbria in Italy for medieval hill towns, Assisi, Etruscan heritage, mountain landscapes, truffles, wine and memorable walking routes.

Umbria occupies the Italian peninsula east of Tuscany and north of Lazio, a landlocked region of wooded Apennine slopes, cultivated valleys and hill towns built in warm stone. Its landscape is quieter and more enclosed than neighbouring Tuscany, with olive groves, vineyards, oak forests and broad agricultural plains creating a strong sense of continuity between countryside and settlement. The Tiber crosses the region, while the Nera and Topino rivers shape valleys leading towards the Apennines.
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Perugia, the regional capital, is a substantial historic city crowned by an Etruscan and medieval centre, with steep streets, university life and important collections of Umbrian art. Assisi, set on the lower slopes of Mount Subasio, is internationally associated with Saint Francis and contains the Basilica of Saint Francis, whose frescoes are among Italy's most significant artistic legacies. Smaller towns offer a different rhythm: Gubbio preserves a remarkably coherent medieval character; Spello is known for Roman remains, stone lanes and flower-decorated streets; and Bevagna retains the compact form of a Roman and medieval settlement on the Umbrian plain.
The region's religious heritage is substantial but not limited to Assisi. Orvieto, dramatically positioned on a volcanic tufa plateau in southern Umbria, is dominated by its striped Gothic cathedral, while Todi, Narni and Spoleto combine Roman, medieval and Renaissance layers. In the east, Norcia and the Valnerina provide access to mountain scenery, strong culinary traditions and communities shaped by earthquakes and painstaking reconstruction. Lake Trasimeno, near the Tuscan frontier, brings a different landscape of water, low hills, villages and islands.
Food is closely tied to the terrain. Black truffles from the Norcia and Valnerina area, extra-virgin olive oil, lentils from Castelluccio, cured meats, pecorino, freshwater fish and regional wines such as Sagrantino di Montefalco appear in markets, country restaurants and family-run establishments. Walking, cycling, visiting wineries and exploring archaeological and artistic collections are natural ways to experience the region. Distances that look modest on a map can involve winding roads and hills, so an itinerary is best organised around clusters of towns rather than attempting to cross Umbria repeatedly in a single day.

When is the best time to visit Umbria?

Best: June–August · 25–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January770
February960
March1365
April1660
May2155
June (best)2550
July (best)2840
August (best)2750
September2360
October1870
November1280
December785

Getting to and around Umbria

How to get there

Umbria is reached mainly by rail and road from Rome, Florence and other Italian cities. The region's principal commercial airport is San Francesco d'Assisi Airport near Perugia, which has a limited and changeable selection of routes. Rome's airports, outside Umbria, provide the broadest international connections and can be combined with trains or a hire car; Florence Airport is another possible gateway for northern Umbria. Main railway lines connect Perugia, Assisi, Foligno, Spello, Spoleto and Terni, while Orvieto has a station on the Rome–Florence line, outside the historic centre.

Transportation

Rail is useful along the principal valleys and for towns on the routes through Perugia, Assisi, Foligno, Spoleto and Terni, while regional buses supplement the network. A car is valuable for hill towns, vineyards, rural accommodation and mountain areas, although drivers should expect narrow roads, switchbacks and restricted-traffic zones in historic centres. Perugia and some larger towns have urban buses and escalators or lifts serving elevated centres. Cycling and walking work particularly well on local trails and between nearby villages, but rural services can be infrequent, especially on Sundays and outside the main season.

Top city travel guides in Umbria

The cities of Umbria, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Umbria

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Umbria

Umbria's attractions range from internationally important religious art to archaeological remains, mountain landscapes and working food-producing countryside. Assisi is the major cultural centre, with the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Basilica of Saint Clare and the wider historic town set below Mount Subasio. Perugia combines museums, medieval streets and Etruscan traces, while Orvieto offers an exceptional cathedral and underground history within its volcanic plateau. Gubbio, Spello, Bevagna, Todi and Spoleto reward slower exploration through their Roman, medieval and Renaissance layers. The region's natural side is equally varied: Lake Trasimeno supports lakeside walks, boating and village visits; the Valnerina provides river scenery, gorges and mountain routes; and the Sibillini landscape around Castelluccio is known for high plains and seasonal wildflowers. Visitors can also follow olive-oil and wine traditions around Trevi, Montefalco and the central valleys, visit collections devoted to local art and archaeology, or explore family-oriented parks and outdoor activities near the region's lakes and wooded hills.

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Best landmarks in Umbria

The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi is Umbria's most recognisable landmark, both for its architectural scale and for the fresco cycles associated with major Italian painters. Nearby, the Basilica of Saint Clare and the Rocca Maggiore reinforce Assisi's religious and fortified identity. Orvieto Cathedral, with its richly decorated Gothic façade and striped stone, dominates the city's volcanic plateau and is one of central Italy's defining civic-religious monuments. Perugia's Etruscan and medieval walls, including the imposing Porta Marzia and Porta Augusta, show how the city grew from an ancient hill settlement into a communal centre. Gubbio's Palazzo dei Consoli and steep historic core preserve the visual character of a medieval commune, while Spoleto's Roman bridge, cathedral and fortress reflect its long strategic importance. In the south, the Marmore Falls, created by Roman engineering and later modified, is a major landscape landmark near Terni. Lake Trasimeno and the high plain of Castelluccio provide natural landmarks whose appearance changes markedly with season and weather.

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Explore Umbria on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Umbria

Umbrian cooking is grounded in forest, pasture, orchard and field rather than a single nationally famous dish. Menus commonly feature black truffle from the Apennine areas, Norcia's cured meats, lentils from Castelluccio, local pecorino, handmade pasta and dishes based on game or seasonal vegetables. Extra-virgin olive oil from the hills around Trevi and Spoleto is central to the table, while Sagrantino from Montefalco and Orvieto's wines provide strong regional identities. Town trattorie, rural agriturismi, historic inns and contemporary restaurants interpret these ingredients in different ways. Around Lake Trasimeno, freshwater fish appears alongside broader Umbrian cooking, while mountain communities retain hearty soups, legumes and preserved meats. Bakeries and cafés are useful for simple breakfasts and regional sweets, and food markets in larger towns offer an accessible introduction to produce, cheese and charcuterie. Menus change considerably with the seasons, especially during the truffle, olive-harvest and grape-harvest periods.

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Best bars in Umbria

Evening life in Umbria is concentrated in historic centres rather than organised around a large club scene. Perugia has the widest choice of bars, cafés, student-oriented venues and live-music spaces, reflecting its university population and cultural calendar. Terni, Foligno and Spoleto also offer a broader selection of restaurants and late-evening venues than smaller hill towns. In Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio, Todi and Montefalco, evenings generally centre on wine bars, cafés, gelaterie, restaurants and traditional pubs or enoteche, often with outdoor tables in warmer months. Rural areas favour agriturismo dining, local festivals and occasional live music over late-night clubs. Regional wineries and craft producers can provide more distinctive evening visits, but tastings usually require advance arrangements. Opening patterns vary by season, and smaller towns may become quiet after dinner, particularly outside weekends and summer.

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Best nightclubs in Umbria

Evening life in Umbria is concentrated in historic centres rather than organised around a large club scene. Perugia has the widest choice of bars, cafés, student-oriented venues and live-music spaces, reflecting its university population and cultural calendar. Terni, Foligno and Spoleto also offer a broader selection of restaurants and late-evening venues than smaller hill towns. In Assisi, Orvieto, Gubbio, Todi and Montefalco, evenings generally centre on wine bars, cafés, gelaterie, restaurants and traditional pubs or enoteche, often with outdoor tables in warmer months. Rural areas favour agriturismo dining, local festivals and occasional live music over late-night clubs. Regional wineries and craft producers can provide more distinctive evening visits, but tastings usually require advance arrangements. Opening patterns vary by season, and smaller towns may become quiet after dinner, particularly outside weekends and summer.

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Best shops in Umbria

Shopping in Umbria is strongest in historic market towns, where independent food shops, bakeries, ceramics stores, bookshops and craft galleries occupy medieval streets. Perugia offers the region's broadest urban choice, while Orvieto, Assisi, Spoleto, Todi, Gubbio and Montefalco are well suited to buying regional produce alongside art and design objects. Look for bottled extra-virgin olive oil, Sagrantino and Orvieto wines, truffle products, lentils from Castelluccio, cured meats, pecorino and traditional sweets, checking labelling and provenance for speciality claims. Ceramics, leather goods, woven textiles, woodwork and locally made religious or artistic items are common in visitor-oriented centres, though quality and origin vary. Weekly markets serve residents as well as visitors and are useful for produce and household goods; farmers' markets and direct sales at olive mills or wineries offer a closer connection to the region's agricultural economy. Retail hours can be less predictable in small towns, especially outside the main tourist season.

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Umbria essentials

Currency and Payment
Umbria uses the euro (EUR), as does the rest of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, established restaurants, museums and shops, although a little cash remains useful for small cafés, market stalls, rural businesses and occasional local transport purchases. Visitors should carry a payment card with a PIN and avoid assuming that every countryside establishment accepts contactless payment. Exchange rates are set by the card provider or exchange service rather than regionally.
Safety
Umbria is generally suitable for normal independent travel, but ordinary precautions are sensible in crowded stations, car parks and busy historic centres. Rural drivers should allow for narrow roads, agricultural vehicles and limited lighting after dark. In the Apennines and Valnerina, weather can change quickly and walking routes may be steep, rocky or poorly surfaced; use marked paths and check local conditions. Earthquake-related works may alter access to buildings or roads, so follow signs and instructions around affected heritage sites.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for the European emergency service in Italy; it can coordinate police, fire and ambulance assistance. Fire services can also be reached on 115 and medical emergency services on 118 where those direct numbers are supported. In mountain areas, ask accommodation providers or local authorities about the appropriate rescue arrangements before setting out, and give a precise trail location if calling for help. Keep identification, prescribed medicines and travel-insurance details accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches, particularly the basilicas and pilgrimage sites of Assisi, and follow photography restrictions where displayed. Do not drive into a historic centre marked as a zona a traffico limitato, as cameras and fines are common in Italian towns. Queue patiently at stations and museums, validate or digitally activate tickets when required, and ask before photographing people or religious ceremonies. In countryside and mountain areas, remain on marked routes, close gates and leave natural and archaeological sites undisturbed.
Local Tips
Plan sightseeing around the opening patterns of smaller museums and churches rather than assuming that every site is open throughout the day. Market days vary by town and are useful for finding seasonal produce, cheese and household goods. Autumn is an especially rewarding season for olive oil, wine and truffle-related food experiences, while summer brings heat in exposed hill towns and cooler conditions in the mountains. Regional trains are practical on the main corridor, but rural accommodation often requires a car or a pre-arranged transfer.
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Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeArrivederci[ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego[per fah-VOH-reh/PRAY-go]
Thank youGrazie[GRAHTS-yeh]
Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace[SKOO-zah/mee dee-SPYAH-cheh]
How are you?Come stai?[KOH-meh st-eye]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[BEH-neh. eh too?]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh]
I don't understandNon capisco[nohn kah-PEE-skoh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore[vor-RAY veh-DEH-reh eel meh-NOO, per fah-VOH-reh]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[nohn MAHN-joh KAR-neh]
Cheers!Salute![sah-LOO-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vor-RAY pah-GAH-reh, per fah-VOH-reh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-YOO-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vy VEE-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![KYAH-mah lah poh-LEE-tsee-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![KYAH-mah oon doht-TOH-reh]
I'm lostMi sono perso[mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh]
I'm illSono malato[SOH-noh mah-LAH-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vor-RAY kom-PRAH-reh]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[sto SOH-loh gwahr-DAHN-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[KWAN-toh KOH-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo costoso[eh TROH-poh koh-STOH-zoh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwoy ahb-BAH-sah-reh eel PRET-soh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[keh OH-reh SOH-noh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh LOO-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezza[DEE-eh-chee eh MEH-zzah]
MorningMattina[maht-TEE-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-REE-joh]
EveningSera[SEH-rah]
YesterdayIeri[YEH-ree]
TodayOggi[OH-gee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-MAH-nee]
1Uno[OO-noh]
2Due[DOO-eh]
3Tre[TREH]
4Quattro[KWAHT-troh]
5Cinque[CHEEN-kweh]
6Sei[SAY]
7Sette[SET-teh]
8Otto[OHT-toh]
9Nove[NOH-veh]
10Dieci[DEE-eh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove si trova un/il...?[DOH-veh see TROH-vah oon/eel]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[kwahl eh leen-dee-REET-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[pwoy mo-STRAR-mee (SOOL-lah MAHP-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quando parte il prossimo (autobus)?[KWAHN-doh PAR-teh eel PROS-see-mo (OW-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon bee-LYET-toh (per ....)]

History of Umbria

Etruscan Cities and Umbrian Peoples

Before Roman expansion, the region was inhabited by Umbrian communities and included important Etruscan centres, particularly in western Umbria. Perugia, Orvieto and other settlements developed on defensible hills, controlling agricultural land and routes across central Italy. Etruscan walls, underground chambers and surviving artefacts remain visible in several towns, although the region's cultural landscape was never exclusively Etruscan. These pre-Roman societies established the hilltop pattern, road corridors and urban foundations that later rulers adapted.

Roman Umbria

Rome absorbed the region during the third century BC and reorganised its roads, towns and agricultural territories. The Via Flaminia crossed Umbria towards the Adriatic, encouraging the growth of settlements such as Spoletium, Interamna Nahars, Iguvium and Hispellum, now represented by Spoleto, Terni, Gubbio and Spello. Roman bridges, theatres, gates, roads and mosaics survive across the region. Roman administration also connected local production and trade more closely with central Italian markets.

Medieval Communes and Monastic Power

Following the fragmentation of Roman authority, Umbria became a landscape of fortified hill communities, monasteries and competing political jurisdictions. Towns including Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Todi and Orvieto developed communal institutions, merchant networks and imposing civic buildings. Benedictine foundations and other religious communities shaped farming, education and manuscript culture. The medieval townscapes visible today, with walls, towers, narrow lanes and communal palaces, reflect centuries of competition as well as the need for protection in a politically divided central Italy.

Saint Francis and the Spiritual Landscape

Francis of Assisi, born in Assisi in the late twelfth century, founded the Franciscan movement and became one of the most influential religious figures in European history. His association with poverty, preaching and care for creation gave Assisi an international spiritual importance. The Basilica of Saint Francis, begun soon after his death, became a major centre of pilgrimage and artistic patronage. Franciscan sites, convents and routes across Umbria continue to shape the region's religious identity and visitor culture.

Renaissance Courts, Art and Papal Influence

From the fifteenth century, Umbrian cities and courts commissioned religious art, civic architecture and fortified residences while larger powers competed for influence. Painters including Perugino, who was born in the region, helped establish a distinctive Umbrian contribution to Renaissance art, characterised in part by clear light and expansive landscapes. Perugia, Orvieto, Spoleto and other centres were also drawn increasingly into the orbit of the Papal States. Their churches and museums preserve works reflecting both local patronage and wider Italian artistic exchange.

Unification, Industry and Modern Recovery

Umbria became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, after a period in which papal authority, local institutions and emerging national politics had overlapped. Industrial development was particularly important around Terni, where steel production transformed the Nera valley and created a major modern urban centre. Elsewhere, agriculture, olive growing, viticulture and small manufacturing remained central. In the twenty-first century, earthquakes have repeatedly affected areas including the Valnerina and Norcia, making conservation, reconstruction and community resilience important parts of the region's contemporary story.

Umbria in Photos

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