Menu
Menu
Situated between Tuscany and Lazio, Umbria provides a lesser known alternative to the more recognized regions that surround it.
Described as the green heart of Italy, the region provides a much-needed escape for both Italians and tourists alike, tired of vying for space with the rest of Europe.
Its capital Perugia, a city steeped in history, replete with medieval palaces and squares, has now been complimented by a more vibrant University atmosphere along with a renown jazz festival every summer. This duality provides Perugia with a welcomed boost in its status among Italy’s tourist regions and a shelter for Romans or Florentines seeking a getaway.
Within its verdant greenery, Umbria has become renowned for its viniculture. The communes of Orvieto and Montefalco, have become standout producers within the region, creating acclaimed varieties of white and red wines.
The town of Amelia, famous for its figs, has given the region one of its most iconic dishes, Fichi Girotti, figs that are toasted and in turn filled with almonds and candied fruits. This sweet dish acts as a popular candy among the Umbrians.
Aside from its strong emphasis on wine culture, Umbria is also seen as the truffle capital of Italy. Hunting for truffles has provided a livelihood for generations of Umbrian families within the region and has become an integral part of its culture. Certain towns within Umbria can lay claim to having truffle hunters in their family for over a century. Taverna Del Lupo, set in the medieval town of Gubbio, specializes in dishes involving the prized mushrooms and provides a diverse array of dishes which incorporate black truffles.
Flagship Food Appellations
Assisi, one of Umbria’s many medieval towns, provides a more spiritual retreat for travelers looking for a less wine centered experience. Home to the birthplace of Saint Francis, the town, centered around the Basilica of San Francesco, plays host to the Franciscan Path of Peace, a spiritual pilgrimage from Assisi to Gubbio.
A visit to Orvieto, a historic city perched atop the regions many hills, acts as a great day trip for those looking to see its ancient Gothic Cathedral as well as the now vacant papal residence.
Outside of its medieval towns, Umbria provides a green wilderness seldom seen throughout the rest of Italy. Those visiting the region will be struck by the incredible interplay of rolling hills crisscrossed by flower covered meadows and Roman ruins overlooked by medieval castles. Nowhere is this more apparent than through Umbria’s contrasting architectural styles, with its Gothic cathedral in Orvieto to the Etruscan tombs spread across its green hills.
Umbria’s old love for entertainment has transformed the region into a fascinating stage for musical, theatrical and film events, festivals, competitions and exhibitions.
Internationally prestigious events include the Festival de Spoleto, Umbria Jazz in Perugia, Terni and Orvieto, the “Sagra Musicale Umbra” in Perugia, the Chamber Music Festival of Nations in Città di Castello, alongside other events at the highest level like the Festival “TodiArte”, Gubbio festival and the season of classical plays at the Roman theater of Gubbio, baroque traces of Foligno, and others
© 2024 The Wineandtravelitaly.com Team All rights reserved.
When was the last time you had dinner in an Italian restaurant in Canada and you thought you were dining in Italy? That’s exactly how “Ospitalità Italiana Certified”restaurants want you to feel when you visit their fine dining establishments.
Ospitalità Italiana is an official certification from Unioncamere, Italy’s federation of local Chambers of Commerce and Industry, that tells you that the food you are enjoying is unquestionably Italian: products are authentic, ingredients genuine and recipes true to the thousand year history of Italian cuisine.
Canada is home to some leading Italian Chefs. Passionate and innovative, many have refined their skills and advanced their knowledge directly in Italy. In addition, Montréal boasts a fabulous cooking school ITHQ where young aspiring chefs learn Italian technic and Italian traditional recipes from the masters.
So the next time you make reservations for an Italian dinner in a Montreal restaurant, ask if they’ve received the Ospitalità Italiana seal of approval. You will enjoy the true Italian taste.