Looking for a holiday rental in Umbria? Use the bar below to search for suitable holiday accommodation in Umbria. This section provides information about the South Eastern part of Umbria. In detail: Spoleto pictures and information Spoleto (pdf document made by the Umbrian regional government) Terni (pdf document made by the Umbrian regional government) Giano dell'Umbria Massa Martana Gualdo Cattaneo Acquasparta Montecastrilli Arrone Montefranco Ferentillo San Gemini Narni HOLIDAY RENTALS  IN THIS AREA OF UMBRIA: Agri Massa Borgo Spoleto Countryhouse Chianina Il Mulino Spoleto Villa Villa Carsulae Most of the information below comes from the Region of Umbria. Some of the pictures (mostly those with a black border) are from Silvio Sorcini and others from the Regione dell'Umbria.   GIANO DELL'UMBRIA Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) Located approximately 70 km from Perugia in the direction of Todi, Giano dell'Umbria sits on a hilltop amidst expanses of olive groves. An ancient Roman settlement and a castle contested between Todi and Spoleto in the Middle Ages, this lovely town - from its altitude of 546 metres - offers a spectacular view over the Clitunno river valley and Monte Martano. WHAT TO SEE The castle, though quite small, has a complex structure based on the union of two fortified elements grafted onto which are the Palazzo Pubblico and the 13th-century parish church of S. Michele. Just outside Giano is the abbey of S. Felice (12th c.), a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The church is a typical example of Umbrian Romanesque architecture with Lombard influences and shows affinities with numerous churches of the same period in the Spoleto area. In the surrounding countryside, worthy of visiting are a number of oil pressing facilities, some centuries-old, witness to the economic importance of olive oil production. WHAT TO TASTE The superior quality olive oil with its centuries-old tradition. In the vicinity of Giano is the abbey of S. Felice where the monks in the 12th century selected a particular quality of olive that since then has gone by the name San Felice, characterised by a sweeter taste than the more robust moraiolo olive.   EVENTS Le Vie dell'Olio, in December, the olive oil festival that features an extraordinary itinerary for discovering the local gastronomic specialties. Festa della Frasca, in December. The festival owes its name to the olive branch, in Umbrian dialect called "la frasca", on which gifts were hung on the occasion of the "buonfinita", the end of the harvest.   MASSA MARTANA Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) Massa Martana is situated at the foot of the Monti Martani, one of the major attractions of the area. The territory has a wealth of testimonies of the Roman and paleochristian epochs and is characterised by the presence of ancient churches that constitute a rich and interesting architectural heritage. WHAT TO SEE Ponte Fonnaia, an imposing bridge built by the Romans around the year 1000. Christian Catacombs, the only one of its type discovered in Umbria (3rd-4th c.). Church of Santa Maria in Pantano (7th-8th c.), one of the oldest and most interesting in Umbria. Abbey of San Faustino (11th c.), built on the ruins of a Roman villa and dedicated to the saint who was the disciple and companion of San Felice, Bishop of the Civitas Martana. Abbey of Saints Fidenzio and Terenzio (9th-10th c.), founded by a community of Benedictine monks. The façade in red and white rows of squared stone has a single portal with round arch. EVENTS Giornate Massetane, the first ten days of August, with a succession of theatrical and musical events, photography and art exhibits. Presepi d'Italia, December-January, the National Crèche Exhibition with more than one hundred artistic crèches from every region of Italy made with all types of materials. WHAT TO TASTE Nociata: the typical Christmas sweet made with walnuts, honey, egg whites, orange peel and then wrapped in bay leaves; extra-virgin olive oil, excellent for bruschetta or to accompany a sumptuous meat dish cooked on the spit, roasted, or poached. GUALDO CATTANEO Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) The small village of Gualdo Cattaneo is an ancient stronghold perched on a hilltop at 447 metres and enclosed by medieval walls. WHAT TO SEE Parish church of S. Andrea (13th c.). Following its complete renovation in 1804, the church conserves the crypt and a number of sculptures on the façade in the original Romanesque style. Inside, a painting of the Last Supper by Ascensidonio Spacca. Church of S. Agostino, from 1136, with frescoes of the Foligno school.  WHAT TO TASTE Gnocchi with goose sauce, porcona, lamb Sagrantino, rocciata (a fruit and nut roll), cheese pizza. Olive oil, legumes, and tozzetti (almond biscuits) with Sagrantino. EVENTS Agosto Settembre gauldese. Food and wine stands, music, performances, including an impressive re-enactment of the attacks on the Castle of Gualdo Cattaneo in the 15th-16th centuries.   ACQUASPARTA Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) Located 70 km from Perugia (E45). Known from Roman times as a hot springs resort, Acquasparta is situated 350 metres above sea level on a hill overlooking the valley of the Naia, a tributary of the Tiber. The town preserves remains of the medieval walls with interesting cylindrical towers. WHAT TO SEE Church of Santa Cecilia (12th c.), with the tomb of Prince Federico Cesi who ordered the construction of the Accademia dei Lincei in Acquasparta in 1603. Church of S. Francesco (1294), a typical expression of "poor" Franciscan architecture, which houses a copy of the famous painting by Margheritone di Arezzo at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, depicting St. Francis of Assisi and the episodes of his life. Church of the Madonna del Giglio (1600), opposite the old gate, where you can admire numerous frescoes. Church of the Sacramento, erected in 1684, which houses a fine mosaic set into the floor. WHAT TO TASTE Dolcimpasto, a pork sausage flavoured with honey, raisins, pine nuts, and small cubes of bacon fat, accompanied by a savoury plate of wilted chickory with garlic and chili peppers. Cicotto, cooked pig's trotter with aromatic spices. Not to be missed: the local honey, ricotta, olive oil, and wines. EVENTS Re-enactment of the wedding of Federico Cesi, in September, including a procession with participants in elegant period costumes in homage to Federico il Linceo.   MONTECASTRILLI Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) The enchanting town of Montecastrilli is considered the "bread basket" of the province. From its altitude of 392 metres it overlooks an agricultural landscape dotted with farmhouses and has a first class gastronomic tradition. The town also produces fine handicrafts in leather, wrought iron, and wood. The municipal territory comprises five villages originating from old fortifications of artistic interest (Casteltodino, Castel dell'Aquila, Quadrelli, Farnetta, Collesecco). WHAT TO SEE Parish Church of San Nicolò (18th c.). Monastery of Santa Chiara, founded in 1649. Romanesque Church of S. Lorenzo in Niflis (11th c.). WHAT TO TASTE Ciriole with truffles or mushrooms, the traditional pizza "cooked under the fire". Cheeses. Top quality wines and olive oil. EVENTS Agricollina, at the end of April, an important fair of agricultural machinery for hilly terrain and barnyard animals.   ARRONE Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) About 110 km from Perugia (E45, SS 3ter and SS N. 209 Valnerina) and 12 km from Terni. The small town of Arrone stands on a rocky hilltop along the left bank of the Nera river, within the Regional River Park. Picturesque particularly in the part called "La Terra", which retains the original urban structure with medieval walls. WHAT TO SEE Church of S. Giovanni Battista (13th c.), with polygonal apse above which the bell tower rises. The church holds numerous 15th-century frescoes from the Umbrian school. Church of Santa Maria Assunta (15th c.), with a fine 15th-century portal and important frescoes by Vincenzo Tamagni and Giovanni da Spoleto. The perimeter niches hold frescoes and terracotta sculptures of the 16th century and a triptych of 1487. Other sites worth a visit in the vicinity of Arrone: Church of S. Nicola, with fine 16th-century frescoes; Sanctuary of the Madonna dello Scoglio, on an imposing cliff affording a spectacular view onto the valley of the Nera river. Museo SottoSopra, in Polino. A museum dedicated to the science, history, and nature of the Umbrian mountains, designed for children but very interesting and engaging for adults as well. An occasion to get to know Polino, the smallest municipality in Umbria, situated at 836 metres elevation in the lovely valley of the Rosciano river. Also a winter destination for enthusiasts of cross-country and downhill skiing. WHAT TO TASTE Strengozzi (a long pasta made with flour and water) with truffles, which reach maturation in the period between November and March, the traditional dish of the Christmas festivities. EVENTS Feast of S. Giovanni, in June. Mass, procession, and fireworks in honour of the saint. Teatro e Natura, in the spring. An event-competition organised annually by the Experimental Theatre Centre for school children. The initiative takes place in the Nera river park in territories rich in traditions and evocative landscapes.   MONTEFRANCO Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) Ascending along the Nera river, you reach the town of Montefranco, situated at 414 metres elevation overlooking the Nera valley, nestled amidst olive groves and oak woods. WHAT TO SEE Church of S. Maria Assunta, of medieval origin. Archaeological site of Monte Moro, which yielded remains of the floors of a building dating to Roman times. WHAT TO TASTE Cheeses, mushrooms, woodland berries used for making exquisite jams and liqueurs, and black truffles, the most important product of the Valnerina. EVENTS Feast of the Patron Saint S. Bernardino, May. Commemoration of the passage of the saint through these lands.   FERENTILLO Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) After a few more km along the river you reach Ferentillo, a small town in the middle Valnerina situated in a gorge carved in the rock. It is the headquarters of one of the most well-known rock-climbing schools in Europe.   WHAT TO SEE Church of S. Stefano, with numerous mummies that have given notoriety to the town. The corpses wrapped in carta pecora (parchment) remained partially intact thanks to particular combinations of chemical elements and continuous ventilation. Worth a visit in the vicinity of Ferentillo: the Abbey of S. Pietro in Valle (8th c). Parish church of Santa Maria (13th c.). The façade has three fine 15th-century portals, and the interior has a number of frescoes from the Umbrian and Byzantine schools.   WHAT TO TASTE Black truffles, for flavouring first and second course dishes. Prized woodland products not to be missed: honey, chestnuts, mushrooms, and berries. EVENTS Festa de lu Ciuccittu, in April. An entertaining contest held in the streets of the town to celebrate the arrival of spring. Le Rocche Raccontano, in August. Festival of legends and folklore.                     SAN GEMINI Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) San Gemini is about 90 km from Perugia (E45 SS 3ter). An ancient Roman settlement and important castle stronghold during the Middle Ages, it is known throughout Italy for the production of mineral water (Sangemini and Fabia) and for its important hot springs. WHAT TO SEE The villa near the main square that conserves Roman remains. Church of S. Francesco (circa 1200), with a fresco of the Crucifixion from the 14th century. Oratorio Priorale di S. Carlo. On the back wall, beneath an aedicola of 1200, you can admire the Madonna fra Angeli, with Saints Caterina d'Alessandria and Lucia in the foreground (15th c.). The Duomo, dedicated to the patron saint S. Gemine. The oldest remains date to the 12th century. The church contains a number of 17th-century paintings: Il Martirio di S. Sebastiano, Madonna con Bambino e Santo Vescovo and S. Matteo Evangelista. Abbey of S. Nicolò (11th c.), which holds a Madonna con Bambino by Ruggero da Todi (1295). Palazzo Pretorio, 13th c., also known as Palazzo del Popolo or Palazzo Vecchio. Next to it rises the majestic Torre Esperia that still contains the "bell of the assemblies". Parco della Fonte Sangemini, outside the town. A green oasis with centuries-old trees, it houses a well-equipped spa centre that uses the prodigious curative waters coming from the Monti Martani. In the immediate vicinity of San Gemini, a must-see is the archaeological zone of Carsulae, with excavations of an ancient Roman city. WHAT TO TASTE Faraona alla leccarda (roast guinea fowl), famous throughout the area, which takes its name from the "leccarda", a traditional receptacle placed under the bird as it turns on the spit. To accompany with the excellent local DOC wines. EVENTS Giostra dell'Arme, in September-October, evocation of the communal "Statutes" of the 14th century reporting the Knightly Tournaments organised in honour of the patron saint.   NARNI Back to Information about Umbria page (with map of Umbria) From S. Gemini on the SS. 3ter, in the direction of Orte, after about 10 km you reach Narni, a typical Umbrian city with strong medieval connotations. The city overlooks the gorge of the Nera river. WHAT TO SEE Cathedral (12th Sec.), in Romanesque style, Gothic in the apse, conserves one of the oldest Umbrian sacred monuments: the Sepulchre of Saints Giovenale and Cassio, with a 7th-century sarcophagus and 9th-century mosaic. Church of S. Francesco (13th c.), built during the saint's sojourn in Narni. Church of S.Agostino (14th c.), which conserves a wealth of art treasures including Gloria di Sant'Agostino by Carlo Federico Benincasa. Palazzo dei Priori (1275), with assembly room and loggia attributed to Gattapone. Palazzo Comunale (1273-created from the union of three medieval residential towers) and Pinacoteca Civica (former Palazzo Vescovile. Soon to open at Palazzo Eroli). In these two sites, you can admire works of particular interest: Incoronazione della Vergine by Ghirlandaio (1456); S. Francesco stimmatizzato (1500) by Spagna, and Annunciazione (1451-1452) by Benozzo Gozzoli. Also worth a visit: Palazzo Scotti (1500) with frescoes by the Zuccaris, Palazzo Cardoli (15th c.), Palazzo Capocaccia (1545), and the birthplace of the famous condottiere known as Gattamelata. WHAT TO TASTE Mushrooms and truffles, used extensively in many local dishes, as well as sausages and meats. Excellent DOC wines of the Colli Amerini produced in the territory of Narni. EVENTS Black Festival di Musica Blues, in August-September. A point of reference and meeting for American music: black gospel, rhythm and blues, soul and jazz. Corsa all'anello, in April-May. Celebrations in honour of the patron saint Giovenale that date back to the first half of the 14th century. Exhibits, performances, and concerts. Car rental

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