At the Roman Theatre of Gubbio, surviving architectural elements tell the story of its former two-tiered arcade: the lower tier is still intact, while a few arches remain from the upper gallery. The site itself also holds remarkable details. The cavea is divided into four wedge-shaped sections; the orchestra, paved with limestone slabs, was used to collect rainwater in a large cistern beneath the pulpitum. Architecture and water engineering meet here in a single building.
Art and history across the ages
Assisi brings together medieval art and a religious significance that remains alive today. The World Heritage Site of Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan sites is known for masterpieces associated with Saint Francis and the Franciscan Order. At the same time, Assisi continues to be a spiritual centre of the Order and an important Christian pilgrimage destination. Those interested in the history of the Franciscan movement can therefore encounter both its artistic heritage and its enduring spiritual role here.
The National Archaeological Museum of Spoleto spans a different stretch of time: its evidence ranges from the Neolithic and Bronze Age through the Umbrian settlement phase to the Romanisation of the city. Monumental inscriptions, fragments of large honorary statues, decorated plaster and mosaic fragments also illustrate Spoleto’s civic and imperial development. The Lex luci spoletina offers another perspective on antiquity: two cippi document the colony’s territorial organisation. Their archaic Latin text deals with penalties for the possible desecration of a sacred grove dedicated to Jupiter.
Lakes, river valleys and a man-made waterfall
Umbria is a landscape of wooded peaks, valleys with rivers, lakes and waterfalls, and hills dotted with villages and castles. Historic trails run through this landscape. At Lake Trasimeno, the regional park covers just over 13,000 hectares. Its territory includes the islands of Maggiore, Polvese and Minore; the park protects both natural and historical-artistic heritage.
The Nera River Park extends along the middle and lower reaches of the river, from Terria to the Cascata delle Marmore. Olive groves cover the mountain slopes, deciduous forests add to the landscape, and the area provides habitats for trout, birds of prey, wildcats, martens and bats. The Cascata delle Marmore is more than just a waterfall: it was artificially created in 271 BC by diverting the waters of the Velino into the Nera. It has a drop of 165 metres.
Trails, caves and experiences by the water
For a longer circular route, consider the Via del Trasimeno. It is about 160 kilometres long and passes through the villages in the area; the surrounding hills offer views of the lake. Boat trips to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese are available on the water. At the La Valle nature oasis, birdwatching and observing bird ringing are the main activities.
Activities in the Nera River Park range from the water to the caves: they include rafting, canoeing and kayaking, trekking on trails of varying difficulty, and caving in the Grotta della Cascata delle Marmore. The cave exploration at Grotta del Monte Cucco takes two to three hours in total. This includes the return journey from Pian di Monte at an altitude of 1,197 metres and the cave visit: the route passes through the 27-metre-deep Pozzo Miliani to the Cattedrale, Sala Margherita and Sala del Becco chambers. Booking and access conditions may vary.
Monte Subasio has an extensive network of routes for hiking and trekking. Mule tracks and gravel roads are suitable for mountain biking and horse riding; the Via di Francesco also runs through the area. These varied options let you discover Umbria from different perspectives: on trails, at historic sites and with views across the landscape.
Local experiences and choosing accommodation
Culinary experiences include a walk through olive groves combined with a guided tour of an olive oil mill. The production stages and machinery are explained before a sensory tasting. Another experience combines a visit to a wine cellar and an old vineyard with a wine tasting accompanied by products from the farm. Booking conditions for these experiences may change.
If you would like to combine several interests, the topics above can help you choose the right focus for your trip. Umbria also has integrated tourist bus and train services linking historic centres, landscape attractions and airports; bus routes are coordinated with train connections at nearby stations. The Bus&Bici Umbria service allows bicycles on intercity buses, including route E401 between Norcia and Spoleto. Check connections and conditions before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Perugia, Terni, Liguria, Apulia, Campania, Calabria, Molise, Basilicata.
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