Captivating nature and architectural monuments of Umbria (Italy)

The Italian region, which has won the fame of the "green heart" of the country, is undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists. Having no direct access to the sea and deprived of large cities, it is not as well known as Tuscany, Liguria or Sardinia.

The smallest region in Italy

The Umbria region lying in the center of the Apennine peninsula is one of the smallest. The capital of the region that divides into two provinces is Perugia - captivating the amazing beauty of the city in Italy.

Umbria is considered an ecologically clean area of the state, and this is due to the fact that there are almost no industrial enterprises and preserved areas of virgin nature. A lot of picturesque lakes, green mountains, dense forests, rounded hills delight the first time in an isolated region of travelers.

Umbria (Italy ): a short digression into the history

The territory of a little-known to a wide range of people of the region was inhabited in the Neolithic Age. In the first millennium BC tribes of umber appeared, which gave the name of the area. New inhabitants are the Etruscans, who founded most of the cities of the region.

A few centuries later, the area was captured by Roman soldiers who built roads through it, which had never existed before.

In 1860, Umbria was first annexed to the Sardinian Kingdom, and then it became part of Italy.

Part of the gate of Marcia

The centuries-old history has left its mark on the architectural monuments that the ancient region is proud of. The Gate of Marcia appeared in the 3rd century BC, and it is one of the sights, preserved from the mysterious predecessors of the Romans - the Etruscans. Now all the guests of Umbria can see part of the building, included in the fortress walls of Perugia as a decorative element.

The Etruscan Well

The picturesque Umbria (Italy), every inch of its territory is imbued with the spirit of history, is famous for its monuments of ancient architecture. In the capital of the region is another important landmark, left after the Etruscan civilization. Built in the IV century BC, a powerful structure supplied drinking water to the whole city, until the aqueduct appeared.

Now it is an operating museum located four meters below the ground. Guests of the city willingly visit it, incidentally noticing that in an interesting but uncomfortable place oozes water and unpleasant smells like a swamp.

St. Bernardine Chapel

One of the main monuments of the Renaissance is also located in the capital of the region. The facade of St. Bernardin's chapel admires the special skill of the sculptor, who created bas-reliefs with scenes from the life of a medieval preacher. The composition of marble, limestone, clay, surprising with unusual color combinations, is the main feature of the structure.

Inside the chapel there is a banner on which is depicted the face of the Madonna of Mercy, according to the legends helping to get rid of the plague, and a copy of Raphael's great masterpiece "The Descent from the Cross." Tourists are also interested in the early Christian sarcophagus, which preserves the relics of Blessed Egidius.

The communal palace

A small region of Umbria (Italy) is also famous for the fact that it is the most striking example of medieval architecture. Gothic Palazzo Comunale, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, will appeal to tourists interested in ancient history. They note the special atmosphere of this place in Perugia, filled with bright images. Statues of the gods, sculpture of the lion and griffin at the entrance, colorful stained-glass windows that preserved the ancient decor of the hall, the Roman mosaic found on the excavations, the fresco paintings influence the imagination of the guests of the region, carried over several centuries ago.

Wine Region

Speaking about the sights of the region, we can not fail to mention the vineyards occupying an area of more than 16 hectares. The traditions of making an alcoholic beverage are rooted in antiquity, but only relatively recently, after local craftsmen re-equipped their companies, the products produced became known far beyond the borders of the country.

The wine region of Umbria (Italy) has never rushed after quantity, focusing on quality, for example, Montefalco Sagrantino ripens 30 months in an oak barrel. But the most popular and received world fame is the wine Orvieto, whose secret was discovered by the Etruscans.

Powerful earthquake

Unfortunately, at the end of August this year, Italy turned out to be on the front pages of newspapers. Lazio, Umbria and the Marche region were badly affected by the earthquake, which killed about 200 people. As stated in Rosturizm, these regions, lying on the seismic fault line, are not popular among our tourists, so there is not a single deceased Russian.

Italians themselves say that tremors are common, and such a strong earthquake with a capacity of 6.2 points is, rather, an exception than the rule.

Travelers who have visited the region admit that the hospitable Umbria (Italy) is filled with wonderful landscapes and is rich in unique architectural monuments that you can not pass by.