ORVIETO — This Etruscan/Medieval town sits on its regal throne
of tawny volcanic tufa surveying the Tiber Valley. The fabulous Cathedral features
Luca Signorelli’s End of the World Renaissance frescoes.
Duomo of Orvieto
This grand church employs ploychromatic marble and incorporates sculptures and mosaics
in its facade. Luca Signorelli's, series of frescoes, Last Judgement, are also located
within.
Emilio Greco Museum This museum is home to a collection of 32 bronze
statues and graphic art donated by the museums namesake and artist Emilio Greco.
This same artist designed the doors of the city's Duomo. Address:
Piazza Duomo Orvieto TR Italy 05018
LAKE TRASIMENO — this is 5 miles south of Cortona, Italy’s
fourth largest lake. Go to Passignano, little village for a stroll along the lake,
take the ferry to Maggiore Island, or just shop. Castiglione del lago is another
lovely village on the lake, visit the Palazzo Ducale to see the frescoed rooms and
medieval fortress studied by Da Vinci.
PERUGIA — this is the most cosmopolitan town in Umbria. DON’T
MISS THIS TOWN! It is difficult to park but once you are there there are great shops,
a 13th century gothic fountain, 2 Etruscan gates and many chic cafés.
Corso Vannucci
Corso Vannucci is where Perugia's populace spends a majority of their time and money,
in the upscale shops and great restaurants that line the streets. This considered
the city's main street.
Priori Palace (Palazzo dei Priori)
Construction on this magnificant palace in the centre of the city began in 1298,
and continued until 1353, during the height of the medieval age. From the entrance,
on IV November Place, a large staircase raises up to the Sala dei Notari, a grand
hall featuring colourful frescoes by Pietro Cavallini that once served as a gathering
place for the city's influencial. Today, the building also hosts the National Gallery
of Umbria.
Address: Corso Vannucci, 25 - Piazza IV Novembre Perugia PG Italy
Medieval Botanical Garden
This Medieval garden displays hundres of plants and flowers.
Address: Via Borgo XX Giugno, 74 Perugia PG Italy 06122
Capitolare Museum (Museo Capitolare)
Located in the S. Lorenzo Cathedral, this museum includes a collection of art ranging
from paintings, sculpture and more, reflecting Perugia's thriving art scene dating
back to the 1300s.
Address: IV Piazza Novembre Perugia PG Italy
GUBBIO is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval
towns in Italy. It was built from the local stone and is one of the most famous
images of medieval Umbria as it sits high on a hill overlooking the Umbrian countryside
below. The gothic Palazzo dei Consoli is a must see with a museum and art gallery
inside. There are also remains of the Roman city in the flat land below, complete
with a Roman theater which once accommodated 6000 spectators.
Another interesting village to discover is Panicale. This
is a very cute town in Umbria, with an interesting church and one of the smallest
theaters or opera houses. It is known for its hand embroidered tulle, another craft
that is being kept alive. In the little church of San Sebastiano, you will find
Perugino’s Martyrdom of St. Sebastian.
ASSISI — Pink stone medieval town, made famous as the birthplace
of St. Francis. The Basilica houses the best pre-Renaissance frescoes there
are by Giotto. There is also the façade of a Roman temple in the main square.
CITTA’ DELLA PIEVE — This little brick town is a delightful
surprise fairly unknown to all. Houses several works by the famous Umbrian
artist Perugino.
CIVITA’ DI BAGNOREGIO — This surrealistic town is perched
on a tufa butte and is accessible only foot-bridge! The narrow streets are
alive with Italian life and the amazing views of the Calanchi (crater-like natural
sculptures in the valley) are worth visiting this off-the-beaten track gem.
TODI — Another lovely Etruscan-medieval town sitting on a
hill facing the Tiber River, this town has been voted one of the best places to
live in the world! Antique shops abound.
ATTRACTIONS IN TUSCANY
MONTEPULCIANO — Wine town famous for it production of Vino
Nobile. Browse around the shops and duomo. Several famous labels have historic
cellars right in town that receive walk-ins. The main drag here is Corso del Gracciano.
There is a Renaissance temple outside of town, “San Biagio”, completely
in travertine.
PIENZA — This is an easy town to walk around and shop. The
smells of the pecorino sheep cheese will overwhelm you. A town created specifically
as the perfect Renaissance example.
BAGNO VIGNONI — Tiny village after Pienza with uncovered
remains of the roman thermal bath. In the middle of town a huge Thermal pool built
by the Medici.
MONTALCINO — Home of the famous wine, Brunello of Montalcino.
You can go into town and wander the many wine bars to have a bite to eat and drink.
The best thing lies 10 km south of the town, “Abbazia Sant’Antimo”
founded by Charlemagne.
AREZZO — This is a real Italian town, not many tourists,
great shops. Lots of gold. There is a huge antique market the first weekend of every
month. Arezzo is a rather small city, but sophisticated and pleasantly not touristy.
Go see famous frescoe cycle “The true legend of the Cross” by Piero
della Francesca, by reservation only, located in the Basilica of St. Francis.
CORTONA — This is the town made famous by Francis Mayes’
book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Easy to walk around this
Etruscan-Roman town. Good shopping and cute café’s for a sandwich or bruschetta.
Outside the town is a MUST see; 13TH century convent, “Le Celle”
SIENA — Larger then the other Tuscan villages, smaller then
Florence, Siena is a beautifully preserved gothic town. The Duomo is not to miss.
Very unusual, carved pavement. Pay the few euro to get into the Pinturicchio library,
it is fabulous, has 10 never restored Renaissance frescoes depicting the life of
Silvio Piccolomoni, one of Siena’s famous sons. The main square is famous
for it’s triangle shape with beautiful city hall.
Branda Fountain (Fonte Branda)
This amazingly old fountain (12th century) was of extreme importance during Siena’s
turbulent Middle Ages. Aqueducts brought water into the fortified city, which was
key to citizens’ survival during times of war.
Address: Via di Fontebranda Siena SI Italy 53100
SAN GIMIGNANO — This is a small completely Medieval village
famous for its towers. Pay the few euro to get into the Collegiata, the cathredral.
It is worth it, old and new testament frescoes line the walls. Great renaissance
frescoes in the St. Fina chapel. There is a very well documented torture museum.
Before reaching San Gimignano, about 8 miles after Siena, heading west, you will
see a round fortress town to your left. This is Monteriggioni, it was a military
fortress built in the 1200’s. It was mentioned in Dante’s inferno.
Continuing west from San Gimignano is an unbelievable drive to Volterra.
This is one of the few towns in Tuscany that does not produce wine. They abound
in alabaster. It is an Etruscan town.
CHIANTI — This is the region south of Florence and north
of Siena. Winding roads, woods and vineyards. Casteles abound, Brolio and
Verrazzano are amoung the most famous.