As one drives along the routes of SS3 and SS75 in Umbria, the villages along the way appear like strands of pearls on a necklace.
From a distance they seem to glow with a radiance of light as the sun shines upon them. They are contrasted with the magnificent golden hills; a lovely site to see. Small mysteries just waiting to be discovered, it is best to explore these majestic hillside villages on foot, allowing them to be identified by their own unique medieval characteristics.
A map of the city center is extremely helpful from a way finding perspective, and it will assist in pointing out historical sites along your journey. The villages all have piazzas that usually include a cathedral and multiple restaurants, where you can satisfy any culinary desire. Just pause and smell the blends of aromas in the air. Garlic, oregano and other seasonings are just a few of the taste bud teasers you’ll come across as you explore. You may be fortunate to stumble on a cello soloist playing classical music. It is moments like this that you wish time could stand still, to savor the entire experience.
As you walk past the many architectural splendors, along the narrow streets, always remember to look up. Some of the most unusual details are not at street level. Tops of buildings, arches, and doorways seem to always exhibit small marvels when you least expect to see them. A cherub perhaps, with a grin that seems to have been placed there just for you at that moment in time. This is when you realize how alive these villages seem to be. The energy they emit is evident from the hundreds of years they have been in existence.
Allow your intuition to be heard.
Your senses will capture everything to be experienced as you continue through these medieval streets.
Something to keep in mind when you plan your visits to these villages is the time of day you arrive. The best times to fully witness the buzz of the villages is in the morning before noon, or after five o’clock in the afternoon. Most of the shop owners close any where between noon and five for their mid day rest. The Italians know how to slow down in life. This may seem like an inconvenience to a tourist, but if you plan to experience the many wonders such as museums, cathedrals and other exhibits during the mid day hours, you can witness the quiet and the busy times.
La Dolce Vita!
Italians take great pride in everything they do. You will notice this along the sidewalks where it is clear that they have carefully placed the most vibrant colored flowers in perfect locations. The potted flowers are an art form in themselves. You will notice this in restaurants. Everything they prepare, they want you to be pleased with the food they have created for you.
Assisi
This village is a charm. It has everything you could ever imagine; the beautiful cathedrals, wonderful restaurants, and shops where local artisans display their original pieces. It still has a peaceful serene quality to it, where you sense the presence of St. Francis and St. Clare. The Basilica di San Francesco is perched on a hill; a focal point of the village. The interior is awesome, with an upper and a lower church. The view of the exterior can best be appreciated by standing at the top of the hill, looking back at its façade. It stands in the foreground of the beautiful Umbrian countryside. What a site to see. Plan to spend at the least an entire day in this special village. You will definitely want to return.
Spoleto
La Rocca is a must to see. From this elevation of the village, you will experience vistas of the Umbrian hillsides that are just breath taking.
A village outside of Spoleto called Silvignano, has a delightful place to stay called, Le Logge di Silvignano. It is a perfect location to retreat to at the end of the day, after exploring the lovely villages in its close proximity. This location allows you easy access to SS3 to head North or South. It is quiet and well appointed, and has sunsets that you must experience to appreciate. The owners make you feel like family.
Orvieto
This village is located off of A1. Although it is not on the SS3 route, if you have time, it is well worth the visit. The exterior entrance façade of the Duomo is something to behold. It is a classic example of Italian Gothic. The church is surrounded by a piazza that is the center point of the village. Take time to have lunch at one of the many lovely restaurants that allow you a front row seat of this gem. There are artisan shops throughout this village that you will want to visit. From weavers to ceramics, you can find that perfect gift or item to bring home. Before leaving this village, take the time to visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio. The depth of this well is 203 feet. Well worth the experience, to appreciate this engineering marvel where the stairways go in two different directions, intentionally so donkeys carrying water up and down would never meet.
Between Assisi and Orvieto, there are many other medieval villages that can be explored, depending on the length of your stay. Each village has it’s own identity, with special unique qualities. Plan your place to stay so that your day trips will only be an hour or so in length. This will allow you plenty of time for day trips, to discover these gems. If you are inclined to travel further North, Gubbio is a village not to be missed. Traveling on S3 North, you will experience the mountains of the Marche region that are spectacular. Well worth the journey. This is one of the best known representations of medieval Umbria.
Umbria; Bella Italia truly at it’s best!
Return Home