5 curiosities about Umbria

Umbria is a region so small and yet so rich in fascinating (and unexpected) curiosities that only a few people know about. Are you curious to know more? Here are 5 of the most interesting curiosities about Umbria.

The Green Heart of Italy

They call it the green heart of Italy. Located where the Apennines lose their ferocity and turn into an expanse of soft hills, it is one of only five Italian regions (the only one in central Italy) not bathed by the sea. But here no one seems to suffer from the distance from the sea because the region offers truly enchanting naturalistic views. More than 70% of the territory is covered by hills while the remainder is covered by mountains. Umbria includes a large part of the Monti Sibillini National Park, as well as seven regional parks: the Park of Colfiorito, the Park of Monte Cucco, the Park of Monte Subasio, the Tiber River Park, the Park of Monte Peglia and Selva di Meana, the Park of Lake Trasimeno and the Nera River Park.

The legend of St Valentine, patron saint of lovers

Valentine’s Day, the feast of lovers celebrated every year on 14 February, has its origins in Umbria and in particular stems from the story of Valentine of Terni. Born in Interamna Nahars, today’s Terni, in 176 AD, he was a Roman bishop who was martyred. He is considered the patron saint of lovers because of various legends, the most touching of which is undoubtedly that of two young lovers, the pagan legionary Sabinus and the young Christian Serapia, whom Bishop Valentine united in marriage against all obstacles and difficulties. Every year, in the month of February, the city of Terni pays homage to the saint with a rich programme of initiatives, including the Feast of the Promise, a celebration dedicated to engaged couples who will say ‘yes’ at the altar within the year.

It is one of the main destinations for religious tourism in Italy

Umbria has always been known as a land of great spirituality, pervaded by deep mysticism and religious spirit. Shrines and churches scattered almost everywhere make it one of the main destinations for religious tourism in Italy. Saint Francis, Saint Valentine, Saint Rita and Saint Benedict are just some of the saints born in Umbria. Among the most famous places of worship in the area are: the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, embellished by Giotto’s valuable cycle of frescoes illustrating the life of the saint; the Cathedral of Orvieto, one of the most significant creations of Italian Gothic architecture; the Sanctuary of St. Rita of Cascia, considered in popular tradition to be the ‘saint of impossible miracles’; and the Basilica of St. Valentine in Terni, built on the burial place of the martyr.

Umbrian sciapo bread and the legendary Salt War

Umbrian sciapo bread is one of the gastronomic specialities of the area that is worth trying at least once in a lifetime. With its crispy, crumbly crust and soft interior, it is distinguished by the absence of salt in the dough. But why is it prepared this way in Umbria? According to some scholars, its origin is linked to the so-called ‘Salt War’ of 1540, which saw the city of Perugia rebel against the tax imposed on salt by the Papal State in order to recover the economic resources needed to oppose the advance of the ‘heretics’ from the east (Turks) and north (Lutherans). The Umbrian city was eventually defeated, but since then bread has been eaten without salt throughout Umbria.

The region of Don Matteo

The famous and much-loved Italian drama Don Matteo, starring (initially) Terence Hill (and later Raoul Bova) as the priest-detective who manages to sneak into difficult cases and solve them, was entirely filmed in the land of Umbria. The first eight seasons were set in Gubbio. In particular, we recall: the Church of San Giovanni and the Church of San Marziale, which respectively provide the exteriors and interiors of Don Matteo’s parish; Piazza Grande, where Marshal Cecchini’s barracks are located; and Palazzo Pretorio, which provides the interiors. Instead, from the ninth season, the backdrop for the priest’s exploits is the historic centre of Spoleto. There are many places in the drama that are recognisable if you take a walk through the city: from the monumental Piazza del Duomo, overlooked by Spoleto Cathedral (which houses the rectory, the Carabinieri barracks and the parlor) and Palazzo Bufalini (used for the outdoor filming of the Carabinieri barracks), to the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia (Don Matteo’s church).