Umbria

Umbria is a landlocked region of central Italy. Its capital is Perugia, and it is bordered by Tuscany to the west, Marche to the east, and Lazio to the south. The region is characterized by the Apennine mountain range, wooded hills, and fertile valleys, with Lake Trasimeno as its largest lake. The Tiber River runs through parts of the region, influencing agriculture and settlement patterns.

Historically, the area was inhabited by the Umbri before joining the Roman state. During the Middle Ages it developed as a center of religious and political life. Umbria is renowned for its medieval towns, including Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Gubbio, and Norcia, and for religious heritage centered on Saint Francis of Assisi. The region hosts cultural events such as Umbria Jazz in Perugia and the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto.

Economically, Umbria relies on agriculture, light manufacturing, and services, with tourism accounting for a significant share. Typical products include olive oil, wine (notably Sagrantino di Montefalco), and lentils from Castelluccio. The population is around 900,000, concentrated in Perugia, Terni, and smaller historic towns. The transport network links Perugia and surrounding towns to Rome and the Adriatic coast by road and rail.

Key sites in Umbria include religious and historic locations centered on Saint Francis, notably the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, and other hill towns such as Orvieto, Spoleto, Gubbio, and Norcia.