A weekend in Umbria

The word "green" takes on a new meaning when one travels into Umbria at this time of year. The vibrancy of the colour is extraordinary. So green and lush.

We left Roma about 3 pm on Friday and made our way toward Spoleto in Umbria. About a two hour drive

Spoleto is a town situated in the mountains which has a solid commercial base as well as being "una bella citta".

This is the Duomo is the centro. Like so many towns in Italia it is walled and positioned on a hill top. Most of the churches have antiquity and interesting features particularly the frescoes. This one was in very good condition dating back to the 15th century

The Town was pristine with no sign of graffitti (prevalent in Roma). It also appears to be wealthy when compared to other towns.

We stayed in a three star hotel, Hotel Caviliere, which was in the main corso. Some of the internal areas of the hotel were absolutely amazing

Here is a touristo in one

The town was great for walking but half the time you are walking up very steep pathways (the other half coming down very steep walkways).

Spoleto boasts a festival in June and July which is musically based and attracts visitors in large numbers.

The festival is held in various parts of the town including the ancient Roman ampitheatre below

Okay, I have to mention food. We were lucky for dinner. We found a traditional family run "slow food" restaurant. Antipasti, Zuppa di Vedura (vegetable soup) and Coniglio (rabbit) con vino rosso. Alan was in heaven. And the food and wine very reasonable priced

Of the other towns visited our favourite was Spello. A small hilltop town north of Spoletto, near Assissi. The sense of pride in the people of Spello was obvious with the ultra clean streets, floral displays and well presented houses. It also did not have too may tourists

Say no more. We loved the town

The two other towns were amass with tourists. Assissi and Orvieto

Assisi has strong Religious heritage through St Francis whilst Orvieto is one of the Etruscan areas.

Orvieto sits on, what appears to be, a large rock. The escarpment is vertical and a funiculare runs from its base up to the town. It had a grand duomo which was quite spectaular.

Assissi has four main churches. This is one of them.

The pink stone seen on this church is from the Assissi area

This is one of the Piazzas in Assissi

The other town visited was Todi which had a antique fair in the main Piazza. Smaller town

Well that's all for now

Ciao, cuiao a amici e famiglia

Baccio a Tutti

Carolyna e Alan