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Martina

Complete Guide to the Best Small Towns of Umbria

Updated: Sep 4



A view of golden Orvieto


Assisi and Perugia are among the most beautiful destinations in central Italy and, if in Umbria, there is no way you can ever exclude them from your trip.


However, the region is rich in art and architectural mastery and the historical towns scattered all around offer infinite surprises to the lovers of medieval and Renaissance style.


When in Umbria to visit its major city, Perugia, or the Gothic gem and pilgrimage center Assisi, do not miss the opportunity to create a full itinerary through the treasures of the area - this is the right place to find some inspiration!


 

In this article:


Best Historical Towns of Umbria: Overview
The North and the Trasimeno Lake
Central Umbria and the Perugia Area
Narni and the South

 


OVERVIEW AND MAP


Umbria is a small region in central Italy that thanks to its proximity to Rome and Tuscany had strategic importance since Roman times and was a passageway for artists and notable figures heading to the main arteries of power in the Peninsula.


This role the region had resulted in the foundation and prosperity of dozens of small and less small towns in medieval and early Modern times, and in the commission of artistic and architectural masterpieces that once stunned diplomats, pilgrims and merchants and today never cease to amaze visitors!


Umbria is all up and down the hills so visiting it may come easiest if done by car, and while driving more than half an hour without encountering at least one beauty on your way is hard, here is a map that presents all stops we are going to check in this post:




You can choose your best itinerary according to preferences, distances and tastes, but here is how I made it:


  • Yellow (for reference): the two main destinations, Perugia and Assisi

  • Purple: the North and the Trasimeno Lake Area

  • Blue: Central Umbria and the Perugia Area

  • Orange: Narni and the South



 


The North and the Trasimeno Lake Area



1. GUBBIO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 52km / 32mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: 2 days

Foundation: before 700 BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: Piazza Grande, Palazzo dei Consoli, historical city center

Art to check: Duomo's chapels, paintings in Sant'Agostino Church, frescoes in San Francesco Church

Food to try: Crescia, Strangozzi, Friccò, Ganascioni, Ciaramicola

Festivals/Fairs: Festival del Medioevo (Middle Ages Festival), Christmas Fair and Market


The history of Gubbio dates back to thousands of years ago, but medieval times were the centuries when this uphill town really shone. Be prepared (I wasn't) for one of the most incredible views of Middle Ages civic and religious architecture and to spend at least a couple of days exploring the intricate streets of the city center. Also, if you are into medieval art, do not miss the Duomo and the minor churches scattered all around the city (such as Sant'Ubaldo). Gubbio is all ups and downs but reaching the elevated Piazza Grande at sunset will be worth it - from there you can have a view of Umbria. Considering its upper position, on the northern side of Umbria, Gubbio shows the signs of being this close to Tuscany and its architecture is much more similar to this region than in other parts of Umbria (like, for example, Narni) where the influence of the nearby Rome is more evident.


Gubbio is not really enjoyable in less than a day and I would suggest using the town as a base for the exploration of upper Umbria - you cannot leave without seeing the sun going down from Piazza Grande!



2. CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 47km / 29mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day to 1 day

Foundation: 10th century CE (as a fortified town)

Historical Period: Early Modern Era (16th/17th century)

Best 3 to see: Rocca del Leone, Palazzo della Corgna, Lakeside

Art to check: Pomarancio's frescoes at Palazzo della Corgna

Food to try: Tegamaccio, lake fish recipes

Festivals/Fairs: Festa del Tulipano (Tulips Festival)


Originally, Castiglione (literally: fortified castle) del Lago was an Etruscan-turned-Roman center but, as for several other towns in the area, it rose to more power during the Middle Ages and the early Modern Era, when this portion of Italy was of vital importance for both the Papal territories and for the local lords and dukes governing here. Today, Rocca del Leone and Palazzo della Corgna (or Ducal Palace) are the two tangible symbols of the defensive role Castiglione had and two unmissable spots for all fans of late-medieval and Modern architecture. Also, visitors can enjoy a nice stroll along the lakeside, flanking the olive trees, and a lake cruise to explore the area.


Castiglione del Lago is best visited in early or late summer and in spring, when nature is at its peak and the olive trees are blossoming. If Lake Trasimeno is what really interests you, opt for a full day to spend in the area.




3. PANICALE




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 35km / 22mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: likely before Roman Era

Historical Period: Middle Ages, Renaissance

Best 2 to see: Historical city center, San Sebastiano Church

Art to check: Perugino's Martirio di San Sebastiano (1505) and Raffaello's Madonna in Gloria (1502) in San Sebastiano Church

Food to try: Bruschetta, Torta al Testo, Brustengoli, Ciaramicola


You may have heard of the name Panicale before, perhaps when in Florence - in fact, this little uphill town was the birthplace of one of the earliest and most innovative Renaissance masters, Masolino da Panicale: his style a bridge between the late Middle Ages and modernity, he is best known for the breathtaking frescoes of the Cappella Brancacci in Florence. Unfortunately, not much of Masolino is conserved in Panicale today, and yet the town is home to two masterpieces (by Perugino and Raffaello) that you can admire in the Church of San Sebastiano. Moreover, you can stroll around the nice medieval city center and its cobbled streets, looking for the best view of the Umbrian hills.


Panicale is a minute town and visiting it will take you a few hours. This is the best place to be if you have been to a bigger center already and are looking for a more relaxing option to end your day.




 



Central Umbria and the Perugia Area



1. NOCERA UMBRA




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 55km / 34mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: ca. 8th century BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: Campanaccio, San Francesco (ex-)Church, Umbrian hills

Art to check: Nicolò Alunno's and Matteo da Gualdo's paintings in San Francesco (late-medieval/early Modern style)

Food to try: Biscio, Maccheroni Dolci, Rocciata, Crescia


Nocera Umbra is located on the eastern side of the region, almost flanking the nearby Marche, and it is so renowned for its freshwater as to be sometimes called Città delle Acque (City of the Waters). Its position means a slight change of geographical and natural conditions, and therefore Nocera faces miles of alternating hills and countryside, making it a perfect destination for those interested in both history and nature: San Francesco and the cobweb streets will make up for the former and the bright green of the fields for the latter.


Nocera is a small town that can be visited in a couple of hours, but linger here a bit more if you plan to go trekking in the afternoon, perhaps after enjoying a hearty meal in one of the typical trattorie.




2. BETTONA



Location: Google Maps

Distances: 23km / 14mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: ca. 7th century BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: Etruscan/medieval walls, Museo della Città, Villa del Boccaglione

Art to check: Perugino's Madonna della Misericordia (ca. 1520) and Sant'Antonio di Padova (1513) at Museo della Città

Food to try: Zuccherini, Crostini, Torta al Testo

Festivals/Fairs: Sagra dell'Oca (Goose Festival)


We are getting closer to Perugia and to reach Bettona we need to climb a hill and be ready to enjoy the view of the olive trees and fields from above. Bettona is a nice little medieval town which well-curated and flowery cobbled streets will fascinate you and tasty cuisine will have your heart. And if the town blossomed during the Middle Ages, it has a far more ancient origin as its partially-Etruscan walls are still here to testify - do not leave without checking them! Perugino awaits you in the Pinacoteca (Museo della Città).


Bettona is nice but can be easily visited if day-tripping around Perugia. Prefer the warm days of spring and early summer for the perfect experience.




3. SPELLO



Location: Google Maps

Distances: 32km / 20mi from Perugia, 15,5km / 10mi from Assisi

Time to spend here: half a day to 1 day

Foundation: ca. 3rd century BCE

Historical Period: Roman Era, Middle Ages, Renaissance

Best 3 to see: Torri di Properzio, Santa Maria Maggiore, Sant'Andrea

Art to check: Pinturicchio's Madonna in Trono tra Santi (1506-1508) in Sant'Andrea (Battistero Chapel) and Cappella Baglioni in Santa Maria Maggiore

Food to try: Torta al Testo, Impastolata, Bruschetta all'Olio, Ciaramicola

Festivals/Fairs: Infiorata di Spello (Flower Festival)


Spello is relatively small like many other centers mentioned here, but has much to offer. Its proximity to Assisi and strategic position made it a point of interest during the late medieval centuries and the Renaissance era, attracting artists such as Pinturicchio, whose artworks are still widely visible in town. But Spello also benefitted from several privileges during Roman times and was gifted with some architectural masterworks that can still be admired today - if in town, don't miss the Torri di Properzio, Villa dei Mosaici and Arco Romano.


Spello can be visited in half a day, although I would suggest keeping one full day for it. It is the starting point for several trekking routes and from here you can make the most of the Umbrian countryside!





4. BEVAGNA





Location: Google Maps

Distances: 36km / 22mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: before 295 BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: Piazza Silvestri, San Michele Church, San Silvestro Church

Art to check: Binello's Romanesque-style San Silvestro Church

Food to try: Roccio, Baccalà con le Pacche, Lumache al Tegame, Biscotti di San Nicolò

Festivals/Fairs: Mercato delle Gaite (Medieval Festival)


Bevagna can easily become your favorite medieval destination - the town is small, but Piazza Silvestri has everything you need: a majestic Romanesque creation - San Silvestro Church -, Palazzo dei Consoli and San Michele Church. Together they form an ensemble that is definitely worth a visit to the town and that represents the quintessential core of the civic and religious life of a medieval city. Explore the surroundings of this incredible square to discover cobbled streets and little shops. The medieval experience then continues with the Mercato delle Gaite, a popular medieval-themed festival, and with the gaite themselves, the ancient neighbourhoods of the town.


Bevagna can be visited in half a day - spend a full morning here and you will be sure not to miss anything! Do not leave without exploring all the streets and go down until you reach the Lavatoio and San Francesco Church.




5. MONTEFALCO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 55 gm / 34mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: ca. 11th century CE

Historical Period: Middle Ages, Renaissance

Best 3 to see: San Francesco, historical city center, Umbrian hills

Art to check: Benozzo Gozzoli's Life of St. Francis (1452), Perugino's Nativity in San Francesco Church

Food to try: Gnocchi/Risotto al Sagrantino, Strangozzi, Pizza di Pasqua

Festivals/Fairs: Festa della Vendemmia (Harvesting Festival)


One thing you will soon learn if traveling through Umbria is that this region loves its food tasty and rich in flavour, and that oil and wine are two of the most popular delicacies of the area. In this sense, Montefalco is a perfect choice if you are into art and good food - the city is not only renowned for the superb works of Benozzo Gozzoli and other artists in San Francesco Church but also for its wine (especially the Sagrantino), which is commonly used as a main ingredient in many local specialities.


Montefalco's artistic treasures can be enjoyed in half a day (including the city center and the small and medium-sized churches all around it), but save an entire day for this town if you wish to pay a visit to one of the nearby wineries and explore the hills surrounding it!




6. TREVI




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 50km / 31mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: before 2nd century BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages, Early Modern Era

Best 3 to see: Piazza Mazzini, Complesso di San Francesco, Villa Fabri

Art to check: Pinturicchio's Madonna con il Bambino Benedicente and the most ancient (ca. 1500) organ of Umbria in San Francesco, Perugino's Adorazione dei Magi (1521) at Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime

Food to try: Sedano Nero Ripieno, Baccalà Stufato, Rocciata


An uphill town surrounded by olive trees and fields of green, flowery cobbled streets in the tones of beige and yellow, good food and a medieval atmosphere: by now we know that this is what Umbria looks like - and this is indeed what you are going to see in Trevi!

Pinturicchio and Perugino have left their mark here too, and by visiting the interesting Complesso di San Francesco you will admire an early work of the first, along with several other notable pieces and some well-preserved medieval frescoes and wooden works.


Trevi is another very good option for a day-trip around Perugia, as it can be visited for its art and used as a base for some further exploration of the nature surrounding its hill.




7. CAMPELLO SUL CLITUNNO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 55km / 34mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: 921 CE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 2 to see: Tempietto del Clitunno, Fonti del Clitunno

Art to check: Early-medieval/Longobard architecture at Tempietto del Clitunno

Food to try: Attorta, Brustengolo, Crescionda, Local olive oil

Festivals/Fairs: Festa dei Frantoi (Festival of the Olive Oil Mills)


We are now moving south, away from Perugia and closer to Lazio and to Rome. On our way is Campello sul Clitunno, a tiny town that however hides one of the greatest treasures of the region: the Tempietto del Clitunno. This tempietto (literally: small temple) has been standing here for thousands of years to venerate the gods of the river Clitunno first and as a Christian church later, but it took its present form during the early centuries of the Middle Ages, in the Longobard era. Since the vast majority of works from that period is now gone, the Tempietto is a veritable rarity and holds immense value - try not to miss it! And Campello is much more than its Tempietto: the town stands close to the Clitunno River and the Fonti (Springs) are a perfect spot for some relaxing, nature-immersed moment. Also, Campello is famous for its high-quality olive oil, which can be purchased or tried in the many local shops or tasted in one of the restaurants.


Spend at least half a day in the area to make sure not to overlook the Tempietto, which popularity during Renaissance and extraordinary fate represent a one-of-a-kind experience! If you have some time to spare, go visit the nearby Spoleto (better if you have at least half a day).



8. NORCIA AND CASTELLUCCIO DI NORCIA




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 100km / 62mi from Perugia

Time to spend here: half a day to 1 day (with Castelluccio and its plateaus)

Foundation: ca. 5th century BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: San Benedetto Basilica, historical city center, plateaus

Food to try: Lenticchie di Castelluccio, Pasta alla Norcina, Strangozzi al Tartufo

Festivals/Fairs: Nero Norcia (Truffles fair)


At the borders between central and south Umbria and at a step distance from the Marche region stand Norcia and Castelluccio di Norcia with its plateaus, possibly one of the most breathtaking stops in this itinerary. Norcia's history is incredibly long and rich and the town is even famous for having been the birthplace of St. Benedict, one of the protagonists of Christianity. However, at the same time, Norcia's destiny has always been troubled and, standing in a highly-seismic zone, it was repeatedly destroyed over the centuries and one last earthquake in 2016 has brought down much of its stunning architectural and artistic patrimony. Reconstructions have done a lot and the town is nicely enjoyable again, however, with every seismic episode Norcia loses another piece and today I would suggest visiting it together with its smaller fraction, Castelluccio.

➜ To reach the Plans of Castelluccio is best to have a car, but be ready for an all-turns-and-bends road. Once there, the view is unique and a rarity for Italy. If you go there in early to late spring you will enjoy it at its fullest and catch the blossoming season, but summer is still fine (no flowers but a majestic scenery nevertheless).




 



Narni and the South



1. TODI




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 47km / 29mi from Perugia, 48km / 30mi from Narni

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: ca. 7th century BCE

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 3 to see: Piazza del Popolo, Duomo dell'Annunziata, Santa Maria della Consolazione Church

Art to check: Contemporary artworks at Beverly Pepper Park

Food to try: Pasticcio di Jacopone, Maccheroni Dolci, Pinoccate

Festivals/Fairs: Todi Festival (arts and performative arts festival)


The southern we descend, the more the landscape changes: its tones touch the fades of grey and brown, the Tiber (the river that notably crosses Rome) gets closer and the hills look slightly more arid. Nonetheless, the south shares with the rest of Umbria a passion for good food, quality wines and oils and the omnipresent medieval atmosphere - Todi is no exception, so be prepared for the perfect Umbrian experience! More than that, Todi is also known among Italian students and former students for being the birthplace of Jacopone da Todi (ca. 1230-1306), a Franciscan friar and one of the most significant medieval poets. Today, he is still being studied at school and inspires some of the local specialities (e.g. the Pasticcio di Jacopone).

Todi can be enjoyed in half a day but, to make sure not to miss any of its many faces, take your time to explore the medieval city center, visit the peculiar Duomo with its incomplete façade and stroll in the contemporary art park "Beverly Pepper"!




2. ORVIETO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 79km / 49mi from Perugia, 65km / 40mi from Narni

Time to spend here: at least 1 day

Foundation: pre-Etruscan origins, re-founded in the early centuries CE

Historical Period: Middle Ages, Renaissance

Best 4 to see: Duomo, San Giovenale Church, San Domenico Church, historical city center

Art to check: Luca Signorelli's frescoes in Cappella di San Brizio (1499-1502) in Duomo, Arnolfo di Cambio's Cardinal Guillaume De Braye's Mausoleum (1282) in San Domenico

Food to try: Lumachelle all'Orvietana, Umbrichelli, Tardomatto, Orvietan (liquor)

Festivals/Fairs: Festival della Piana del Cavaliere (classical music)


Orvieto is one of the gems of Umbria and its Duomo is enlisted among the national monuments of Italy for the quality of its architecture - the perfect example of Italian-style Gothic - and of the artworks it holds. When in Orvieto, leave at least 2 hours for your visit to the Duomo and the Cappella di San Brizio, it will be 100% worth it. Spend the rest of your time wandering around the beautiful city center and bring yourself as far as possible from the main streets: the view from the golden city walls will be breathtaking. Stop at the various churches you will encounter for some immersion in medieval and Renaissance art. Rest with a good taste of the local hearty cuisine.


Orvieto could be visited in half a day but this is something I would definitely not recommend: as soon as you get there, you will immediately notice that this town is much bigger than most of the others mentioned here and therefore requires more time. Also, the quality of the art and architecture masterpieces here is excellent and surely deserves some attention.



3. SPOLETO




Location: Google Maps

Distances: 65km / 40mi from Perugia, 45km / 28mi from Narni

Time to spend here: 1 day

Foundation: 241 BCE (foundation of the Roman colony)

Historical Period: Roman Era, Middle Ages, Renaissance

Best 3 to see: Duomo, Rocca Albornoziana, Roman Domus (house)

Art to check: Filippo Lippi's Storie della Vergine (1466-1469) and Pinturicchio's frescoes of Cappella Eroli (1497) in Duomo, Spoleto 1962's contemporary sculptures scattered around the city

Food to try: Strangozzi alla Spoletina, Pilotto, Crescionda, Attorta

Festivals/Fairs: Festival dei Due Mondi (performative arts)


The middle-sized town of Spoleto today has many faces, as a result of the infinite vicissitudes that unfolded on its lands: an important pre-Roman settlement, it played a crucial role in defending Rome against Hannibal (217 BCE), then became the capital of the Duchy of Spoleto during the Longobard domination of Italy. After the fall of the Germanic people, Spoleto still kept much influence due to its proximity to Rome and the Papal territories, as shown by its magnificent Duomo and the precious artworks it contains.

When in Spoleto, you can choose to visit everything you can or focus on a specific historical period: opt for the Teatro Romano, Arco di Druso and Roman Domus if a fan of ancient times, go for the Duomo, Sant'Eufemia Church and the several other religious buildings around the city if into medieval and Modern times, or stroll around the city center in search of contemporary sculptures - they were created site-specifically and installed in 1962 during a massive exhibition and some of them remained, among them Arnaldo Pomodoro's, Beverly Pepper's and Alexander Calder's works.


Unless you plan to skip many of the historical and artistic sites of the city, be prepared to spend one full day in Spoleto. If in the area and with some spare time, go check Campello su Clitunno and Vallo di Nera, both nearby.




4. VALLO DI NERA





Location: Google Maps

Distances: 74km / 46mi from Perugia, 61km / 38mi from Narni

Time to spend here: half a day

Foundation: before 1177 CE (when is mentioned in documents)

Historical Period: Middle Ages

Best 2 to see: Historical city center, Santa Maria Church

Art to check: Cola di Pietro's La Processione dei Bianchi (1401) and the other frescoes in Santa Maria

Food to try: Fojata, Gnocchi al Castrato, local truffles

Festivals/Fairs: Fiori di Cacio (Local cheese festival)