Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, enchants with its gentle hills, medieval hilltop villages, and rich artistic heritage. Experience the charm of Perugia and the mysticism of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis. Discover the breathtaking Marmore Waterfalls, lush forests, and majestic castles that define the landscape. This region invites you to explore its peaceful surroundings and offers a tranquil retreat from busy cities.
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Top Highlights of Umbria
Pilgrimage Site with Wow Factor
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Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Assisi
The Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, perched on a hill with stunning views over Umbria, is one of the world's most important pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Construction began in 1228, just two days after the canonization of Francis of Assisi, and the basilica was consecrated in 1253. It consists of two main levels:
A Masterpiece inspires Michelangelo
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Orvieto Cathedral
Orvieto
The Gothic façade of the cathedral, designed by Lorenzo Maitani, is a medieval masterpiece, instantly captivating visitors with its stunning golden mosaics and intricate bas-reliefs. At its center, a grand rose window depicts Christ the Redeemer, framed by the symbols of the four Evangelists. Inside, the San Brizio Chapel houses Luca Signorelli's dramatic frescoes, which vividly portray apocalyptic scenes and the Last Judgment—art that even inspired Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel.
The Cradle of the Franciscan Order
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Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi
Assisi
Closely tied to the legacy of St. Francis, the basilica is located near Assisi's train station. Built between 1569 and 1679, it surrounds the Porziuncola, a tiny 9th-century chapel where Francis founded the Franciscan Order in 1208. It was here that the young Francis understood his calling, renouncing worldly life to embrace poverty and live among the poor. Inside the chapel, frescoes by Overbeck depict the Mystical Forgiveness of Assisi. This basilica is not just an architectural gem but also a major Franciscan pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of believers each year, especially for the Pardon of Assisi in early August.
Breathtaking Natural Spectacle
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Cascata delle Marmore
Terni
If you’re near Terni, don't miss the magnificent waterfalls. At 165 meters high, they are the tallest artificial waterfalls in the world! It’s astonishing, but this marvel is a testament to Roman engineering, created in 271 BC to drain the Velino plain. The three majestic tiers cascade thunderously, making for a breathtaking sight. A perfect day trip, especially in the summer heat, with a chance to cool off depending on the path you take. Viewpoint No. 2, for instance, might get you wet.
Final resting place of Saint Clare
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Basilica di Santa Chiara
Assisi
With its striking facade of pink and white Subasio stone, the Basilica of Santa Chiara (1257–1265) stands as a quiet monument to the devotion of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares and close companion of Francis of Assisi. At the heart of this Gothic church lies the crypt, where her remains rest—a pilgrimage site for centuries.
Renaissance Engineering
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Saint Patrick well
Orvieto
The Pozzo di San Patrizio is a remarkable example of Renaissance engineering, tucked within the charming old town of Orvieto. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger for Pope Clement VII, the well was built to ensure the city's water supply during sieges.
Where Francis received the Vision
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San Damiano
Assisi
San Damiano, one of Assisi's most significant spiritual sites, lies tucked away about 1.5 km southeast of the town, offering a serene retreat in nature. It was here, in the quiet solitude of the old stone church, that Francis of Assisi received his famous vision in 1205 — a divine call to restore the church that changed both his life and the world. Later, Clare of Assisi and her community of Poor Clares also made it their home.
Saint of Impossible Causes
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Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia
Cascia
Perched high above the charming town of Cascia, the Basilica of Santa Rita welcomes visitors with its striking white travertine facade and twin towers. Built between 1937 and 1947, this impressive sanctuary draws both pilgrims, who come to venerate the relics of Santa Rita, the Saint of Impossible Causes, preserved in a glass coffin, and lovers of architecture.
Origin of Forgiveness in Assisi
Portiuncula
Assisi
The Portiuncula in Assisi is far more than just a small chapel—it’s the birthplace of the Franciscan movement and the site where Francis of Assisi founded his order and received the "Pardon of Assisi." This unique plenary indulgence, granted by Pope Honorius III in 1216, allows believers to obtain full forgiveness of sins after confession and a visit to the chapel. A famous fresco by Friedrich Overbeck above the entrance depicts this moment. Highlights include also the Chapel of the Transitus, the room where Francis passed away.
Italy's fourth-largest Lake
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Trasimeno Lake Park
Castiglione del Lago
Lake Trasimeno, nestled among Umbria’s rolling hills and close to the Tuscan border, offers a tranquil escape into nature. Despite being Italy's fourth-largest lake, the area remains relatively uncrowded. The nature park protects the surrounding wetlands and forests, and you can also visit charming towns like Passignano sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago. The lake is located about 30 km northwest of Perugia and can be reached by car in 40 minutes.
Spring in Umbria brings mild temperatures and a lot of blooming nature. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
Temperatures: 10°C - 20°C
Activities: Hiking, cycling, city tours like Assisi and Perugia, flower festivals
Summer (June - August)
The summer months in Umbria are warm to hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C. This is the high season for tourists, especially due to the many festivals.
Temperatures: 25°C - 35°C
Activities: Summer festivals, vineyard visits, swimming, sightseeing in the early morning or afternoon
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn offers mild weather, and the landscape is bathed in golden and red hues. This is also the time for grape harvesting and olive picking, offering many culinary experiences.
Temperatures: 12°C - 25°C
Activities: Wine tours, participating in the olive harvest, truffle hunting, hiking in the colorful forests
Winter (December - February)
Winter is cold, especially in the higher altitudes, but there are fewer tourists. The region has a calm and peaceful atmosphere during winter.
Temperatures: 2°C - 10°C
Activities: City trips, Christmas markets, culinary experiences
Getting There
The fastest way to get to Umbria is usually via the airports of Rome or Florence, followed by a train or car ride. Alternatively, the train offers a good option for reaching Umbria.
By Plane
The main airport in Umbria is San Francesco d'Assisi Airport near Perugia, located just a few kilometers from the cities of Perugia and Assisi. However, there are no direct flights to Perugia from many international airports (e.g., from Germany). Alternatively, you can fly to Rome-Fiumicino, Florence, or Pisa, and then travel by train or car to Umbria. These airports are between 1.5 to 2.5 hours away.
By Train
Umbria is well-connected to the Italian railway network. The region's major cities, such as Perugia and Terni, can be easily reached by train. Connections are available from Rome and Florence. There are also regional trains connecting smaller towns, for example, on the Terni – Perugia – Sansepolcro route.
By Car
By car, Umbria is accessible via several highways. If traveling from the north, take the A1 (Autostrada del Sole) through Bologna and Florence. From the south, you can reach Umbria via the A14 towards Bologna. The roads within Umbria are well-maintained, and having a car allows for greater flexibility, enabling you to explore remote locations and scenic routes at your own pace.
