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.

Assisi (Umbria): 424 m above sea level. pop. 25,000 -  Assisi, in Umbria,  is one of Italy's top sights. Assisi  is  the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy, symbol of peace around the world and the Italy's major religious pilgrimage destination. In Assisi you will meet Giotto and Cimabue face to face. Assisi preserves many remains of roman age and many ancient buildings, monuments and churches, of course.

Sights to see in Assisi:

St. Francis Basilica:   The church was built in 1228 and it is a very imposing building. Built in gothic style, has the transept decorated with a fresco cycle of the "Crucifixion" by Cimabue. Notable is the famous fresco cycle of 28 events of St. Francis' life by Giotto.      

Piazza del Comune  /  The Fortress /   The Basilica of Santa Chiara /  Assisi's Duomo  / The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli  

Museums in Assisi:
Porziuncola Museum in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Treasure and Collection F. M. Perkins Museum Assisi (Perugia) - Basilica di S. Francesco.
Municipal Art Gallery Assisi (Perugia) - Palazzo Vallemani, via San Francesco
Roman Forum and Archaeological Collection Assisi

Events and Festivals in Assisi:
Procession of the dead of Christ (Holy week)
Antique fair and market (Apr - May)
Calendimaggio (first Thursday of May) : Historic commemoration of medieval and renaissance lifestyle in period costumes. spectacles, concerts, songs, dances, parades, exhibitions of bowmen, crossbowmen and flagwavers take place Festival del Voto: (June )
Festival of St. Rufino ans S. Chiara . (August)
Festival of St. Francis (Oct 3 - 4 )