A delicate blue rain curtain unfolds gently in front of a masterpiece, momentarily shielding it from view. This allows visitors at the exhibition a moment of isolation from the rest of the room, focusing solely on the perfection of the image before them. And there it is, Perugino’s Baptism of Christ. Eyes sparkle with surprise, much like unwrapping...
READ MOREChristmas markets in Umbria evoke historical and religious places and are set up in medieval villages and towns of great architectural interest, such as castles, fortresses and abbeys. They provide a pleasant break that combines entertainment with a unique cultural experience. If you want to experience a magical atmosphere that immediately brings y...
READ MORESister-city friendships come with economic, artistic and cross-cultural benefits, but even more than that, they offer meaningful personal relationships and ongoing friendships. The idea of creating global understanding person-to-person was a driving force behind President Dwight Eisenhower’s creation of the national sister cities program in 1956. F...
READ MOREEurochocolate of Perugia is one of the sweetest and most loved festivals in Italy. Every year, thousands of chocolate lovers arrive in the Umbrian capital to celebrate this delight in all its forms and declinations. This annual event celebrates chocolate culture by offering visitors an unforgettable multisensory experience. When is the Eurochocolat...
READ MOREWith its Etruscan walls, a gorgeous Medieval center, Perugia is not only a city for the gluttonous (re: chocolate), but for artists and art lovers alike. This splendid capital of the Region of Umbria is also a culture capital par excellence, and the seat of two important universites: Università degli Studi, founded in 1308, and the University for...
READ MOREThe energetic yet soft chirps of swallows fill the air as they dart, in frenetic back and forths, across the rooftop of the Teatro Cucinelli. The olive trees contribute a slight rustle as a gentle breeze blows over the hilltop, and the sound of a Vespa grumbling floats up from the road in the Umbrian valley below. The light chatter of two friends,...
READ MOREIt would be easier to list what Italy doesn’t have (Domino’s and afternoon cappucinos) than to list everything this iconic country has to offer. Some visitors come for the spectacular food and wine; others for the history, the romance, or the breathtaking coastlines. It’s no surprise that travelers today are flocking to Italy at 70% higher rates t...
READ MOREUmbria is a region both timeless and beautiful: with its rolling hills and ancient towns filled with art and history, it is a well-known and beloved holiday destination for Italians and non-Italians alike. Yet, beneath the surface of its medieval charm lies an unexpected surprise – a vibrant, thriving pulse of music, and not just any music, but jaz...
READ MOREDuring a trip to Italy with two other couples, we rented a VRBO villa in Tuscany for the first week of our stay. Our house, Cappella Di Pancole, was located in the hill town of Castelnuovo Berardenga, about 50 miles from Florence and 10 miles from Siena. After touring both anchoring cities and exploring the bucolic towns and villages around Casteln...
READ MOREWhat Claude Nobbs did for the Montreaux Jazz Festival has certainly been matched by the efforts and hard work of Pagnotta in Umbria. This year Pagnotta will be 90 and shows no signs of slowing down. He purchased his first jazz record in 1949 and in 1955 Pagnotta co-founded the Hot Club of Perugia bringing Louis Armstrong and Chet Baker to the club....
READ MORE