Umbertide, the village surrounded by greenery

Today we are going to discover a wonderful Italian village completely surrounded by greenery: Umbertide. Located in the province of Perugia, it rises in the territory of the Upper Tiber Valley, dominated by Monte Acuto, in a natural context of rare beauty. But what to see in this suggestive place?

What to see in Umbertide

We start from the assumption that Umbertide boasts very ancient origins, but that we must wait until the Middle Ages to ensure that this place experiences an important development.

Its historic center is perfect for pleasant walks in which to admire the shop windows and various buildings dating back to the 18th century, including the Town Hall in Piazza Matteotti and the Clock Tower.

Unmissable is certainly its Rocca, also known as Fortress of Fratta, which stands out in all its charm thanks to its high tower and the two bastions. But the most interesting thing is that today it is used as a Contemporary Art Exhibition Center, whose main focus is on the local ceramic artists of which the town boasts a long tradition. Occasionally guided tours are also organized to discover the interiors.

It is also worth a visit Church of Santa Maria della Reggia which is located in Piazza Mazzini. A fascinating religious building that was built in the second half of the 16th century with an external architecture that conquers the hearts of its visitors thanks to its octagonal shape and the large lantern located on its top.

The interiors, on the other hand, are circular in shape and protect the painting depicting the Blessed Virgin of the Palace, a fabulous tabernacle, a baptismal font in white marble, a statue of St. Joseph and the Transfiguration of Christ by Niccolò Circignani.

Also interesting is the Civic Museum of Santa Croce which is located inside the former homonymous church. It preserves some noteworthy works including the Deposition of the Cross by Luca Signorelli. Nearby, among other things, are there Church of San Francesco and the Church of San Bernardino: for this reason the square in which these structures stand is also defined as the “Three Churches”.

What to see around Umbertide

A few kilometers from the historic center of Umbertide not to be missed is theMontecorona Abbey. The exteriors of this building enchant for the octagonal-based bell tower, while the interiors retain the original medieval layout. Continuing uphill you reach the hermitage which turns out to be a perfect place to rediscover yourself and your spirituality.

Finally the Civitella Ranieri Castle, one of the most majestic and evocative places in Umbria that boasts an all-Renaissance charm. The wood it is surrounded by is also wonderful.

Finally, we recommend that you take a trip to the picturesque village of Preggio which is located 630 meters above sea level. Its territory is embraced by a rich vegetation, but the visitor is especially struck by its fortress, in a dominant position. But not only. In these parts it is worth stopping to also discover the church of the SSTrinità in San Francesco which preserves a reliquary which houses a “Sacra Spina” and the church of the Madonna delle Grazie which boasts a Renaissance-style altar and a fresco attributed to Pinturicchio.

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Umbertide, the village surrounded by greenery