Umbria

The Land of Poets & Saints

"I fell in love with Umbria. But then I fall in love with places readily. I have been in love with so many places that, like old lovers, I can no longer remember all their names. “ - from A Valley in Umbria: The Many Seasons of a Villa in Umbria by Lisa St Aubin de Teran

Umbria is often called “Tuscany’s Little Sister” and although, historically, the paths of these two sisters seldom crossed, they bear more than a casual family resemblance. The timeless, transcendent landscapes, medieval hill towns, beautiful frescoes, good wine and olive oil are all as much a part of Umbria as Tuscany, though often in a simpler, less polished form. Long ruled by Papal indifference, Umbria was never as wealthy as Tuscany and its contributions to Western civilization were spiritual rather than intellectual. It is known as “the green heart of Italy”, a region of steep, austere hills, deep valleys and fast flowing rivers. Umbria in its miniature time warp tends to be conservative and complacent, but also kind, sweet-tempered and hospitable. Far more than Tuscany, Umbria is a place to be, rather than to do.