A Corner of Umbria on Rome’s Doorstep

Famous for inspiring C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Narni - known in Roman times as Narnia - is an Umbrian town with a history spanning more than two millennia. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Giovenale, the Palazzo Eroli Museum, the imposing Rocca Albornoziana and the remarkable complex of Narni Sotterranea, which reveals hidden layers of the town’s past beneath its streets.

The surrounding landscape is equally distinctive. The Nera Gorges are crossed by a cycling and walking route created along the former railway line, offering views over the emerald-green waters of the Nera River as it winds through the valley below. Together, history, archaeology and nature make Narni one of the most characteristic destinations in southern Umbria.

The capital of the province of the same name and widely known as the “City of Love” thanks to its patron saint, Saint Valentine, Terni offers a distinctive combination of cultural heritage and natural attractions.

Among its most important landmarks are the Basilica of Saint Valentine, which houses the saint’s relics, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the remains of ancient Roman Terni, including the impressive Roman Amphitheatre. The city’s Archaeological Museum further explores this long history, preserving artefacts that trace the development of one of Umbria’s oldest urban centres.

Together, these sites reveal the many layers of Terni’s past, from its Roman origins to its role as a modern city at the heart of southern Umbria.

Created by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, the Cascata delle Marmore is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe, with a total drop of 165 metres.

Open to visitors throughout the year, it remains one of Umbria’s most iconic attractions. Set within a protected natural area, the waterfall combines the ingenuity of ancient Roman engineering with the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where forests, walking trails and panoramic viewpoints offer different perspectives of the cascade.

Whether viewed from its scenic terraces or explored through the network of paths that cross the park, the Cascata delle Marmore provides a memorable experience where nature, history and outdoor adventure come together in a unique setting.

The capital of Umbria, Perugia is a city with a history that stretches back to the Etruscans and a cultural heritage that continues to shape its identity today.

Its historic centre preserves many of the landmarks that have defined the city over the centuries, including the imposing Rocca Paolina, the elegant Corso Vannucci, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the National Gallery of Umbria and the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria. Together, these sites offer an insight into the artistic, political and cultural development of one of central Italy’s most important historic cities.

Perugia is also renowned for its vibrant cultural calendar. Internationally recognised events such as Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate attract visitors from around the world, adding a contemporary dimension to a city where history, art and tradition remain deeply intertwined.

The birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is one of Italy’s most important centres of spirituality and one of the most visited destinations in Umbria.

Its most renowned landmark is the Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the saint’s tomb and an extraordinary cycle of frescoes attributed to Giotto and other leading artists of the medieval period. The basilica remains a major destination for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Beyond its religious significance, Assisi preserves a remarkably intact medieval character. Stone streets, historic squares, churches and ancient buildings unfold along the slopes of Mount Subasio, creating a townscape that reflects centuries of history, art and faith.

Together, its spiritual heritage, artistic treasures and historic atmosphere make Assisi one of the most distinctive and meaningful places to visit in central Italy.