Umbria - Known as the "Green Heart" of Italy, Umbria is right in the center of Italy. The landscape is characterized by forested hills, and fertile valleys, rivers and lakes. Umbria is the ideal place for visitors seeking the beauties of unspoilt nature and the splendors of medieval Renaissance art, or wishing to follow itineraries of historical and religious interest in the countryside that gave birth to many Saints. The villages and the towns are rich in historic monuments, churches,  and museums.  Stroll through Umbria’s ancient cobblestone streets, explore stunning cathedrals and ancient fortresses, and indulge in some of the finest food and wine in the world. Umbrian olive oil is considered by many to be Italy’s best, and the wines of Orvieto are legendary. Outside of Piemonte, Umbria is the only region where truffles are found in abundance.
 
The most important centers of cultural, artistic interest are: Perugia, Orvieto, Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Todi , Norcia, Amelia, Narni and Spello, ancient cities where the secrets of the past continue to live on in the present.

Orvieto: This city is 70 miles north of Rome.  Orvieto is one of many hilltop cities that date back to the times of the Etruscans.  Orvieto sits on a large outcrop of Tufa stone that rises from the plains and dominates the valley.      
    
The Cathedral, is a sight worth the drive to the top of the hill city and in the same piazza is an Etruscan museum and the Palace of the Popes which is now a museum with a collection of sculpture, relics, and church vestments.    
                     
The facade of the Cathedral  of Orvieto is Gothic; therefore, every inch of the facade is covered with some sort of bas-relief, statuary, mosaics or texturing.   The areas between the doors are filled with carvings of  scenes of the last judgement. 

Must see sights: Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo / St. Patrick well / Albornoz Fortress / Pozzo della Cava / Maurizio's clock tower / Archeological Museum / Emilio Greco modern art Museum / Etruscan Necropolis / Roman Temple of Belvedere / Palace of Popes /  Torre del Moro / Orvieto Undeground  / Opere del Duomo Museum / Underground cellars / The Theater / The Funicular/ The Church of St. Domenico / Church of St. Andrea / Church of St. Giovenale  

These and many more Orvieto attractions could keep visitors busy for days but enjoying the atmosphere of the town is in some ways even more important.  Orvieto, is a town  where the character and customs of its people and their art, traditions and cuisine reflect centuries of interaction between nature and history. In Orvieto there are many small artisan studios shops, including ceramic and wood carving artists.  This lovely little hill town of Orvieto is also famous the good food and its crisp white wine