Umbria is a mainly agricultural region in Central Italy, just east of Tuscany and west of the Apennine Mountains. Sometimes called "the green heart of Italy," Umbria is hilly, green, and picturesque. Visitors to this area experience rural Italy at its best and leave talking about the wines, cuisine, and hospitality they enjoyed during their visit.

 

 

History

As its name suggests, the region of Umbria was inhabited originally by the Umbri tribe, which was a rival of the nearby Etruscans. They were integrated into the Roman state along with the rest of Italy and later become part of Napoleon's empire. Now part of Italy once again, Umbria is a distinctly Italian area with traces of the other cultures that have occupied the area throughout the ages.

 

Arts & Museums

Umbria has a rich artistic history and thus many museums for visitors to enjoy. Among the best known are the National Archaeological Museum of Spoleto, which houses many antiquities, and the Museum of the Work of the Cathedral of Orvieto, which is home to frescoes, statues, and other Umbrian works of art. Throughout the area are historical buildings that are sure to delight lovers of architecture.

 

Nightlife

Larger cities such as Perugia have a variety of nightlife including traditional discoes and dance clubs. In the smaller towns, visitors can enjoy quieter evening activities such as sampling local wines in small bars. The Crazy Bull Cafe in Perugia is shamelessly American, with American music, food, and of course beer for the homesick.

 

How to get there

From the south or the northwest, visitors can reach Umbria by car taking the A1 autostrada. The A45 autostrada enters the area from the northeast. Visitors flying into Umbria can land in the Perugia airport. Italy has an efficient train system that allows visitors to travel to Umbria via rail from Rome, Assisi, Florence, and almost every other major city in the country.