Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UMBRIA
Italy's green heart, Umbria is a land unto itself, the only Italian region that borders neither
the sea nor another country. Removed from outside influences, it has kept alive many of
Italy's old-world traditions. You'll see grandmothers in aprons making pasta by hand and
front doors that haven't been locked in a century.
Separated from Le Marche by the jagged spine of the Monti Sibillini, it contrasts wild,
in-your-face beauty with the gentle fall and rise of overlapping hills and wildflower-flecked
meadows. The Etruscans, Romans and medieval feuding families have left their indelible
imprint on its pretty hill towns, where history seems to creep up on you on every corner -
from the Gothic wonder of Orvieto to Assisi's saintly calling.
Foodies are in their element here, with the rich earthiness of the
tartufo
(truffle), fine
cured meats from Norcia and full-bodied local wines finding their way onto menus.
TOP FIVE UMBRIAN DELICACIES
Once something of a culinary backwater, much of the world is now playing catch up with Umbria's
Slow Food commitment in a region where three-hour dinners, organic and locavore dining have long
been part of daily life. Eat like an Umbrian by sampling these dishes on your travels:
Cinghiale
Richly gamey but tender, wild boar is often served over pasta or stewed in sauce.
Tartufi
Umbrian black truffles (preferably the stronger
nero
variety) give menus earthy edge, espe-
cially in the autumn harvest months.
Lenticchie
These small, thin lentils from Castelluccio are at their best in a thick soup topped with
bruschetta and virgin olive oil.
Piccione
Umbrians readily order pigeon, often from the highest-end restaurants. The delicate poultry
was a mainstay for townsfolk under siege in the Middle Ages.
Farro
Emmer wheat still graces tables today. Classic
zuppa di farro
is rich, nutty and distinctly Umbri-
an , perfect for a warm lunch on a cold, misty day in the hills.
History
Umbria is named in honour of its first inhabitants, the Umbri tribe who settled east of the
Tiber around 1000 BC, establishing the towns of Spoleto, Gubbio and Assisi. They jock-
eyed for regional supremacy with the Etruscans to the west of the river - the founders of
