An Umbria Trail

Todi, needs little introduction, one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria, and an exquisite mixture of Renaissance and medieval architecture. Nothing prepares you for the stunning ‘Giudizio universale’ fresco in the Duomo cathedral, or the light playing on the steps down from the church of San Fortunato, or the panorama or the surrounding countryside from the viewpoint at Piazza Garibaldi, a wonderful medieval square contrasting with the lovely Renaissance ‘Basilica della Consolazione’. Leaving Todi, a detour across the verdant hills leads to Dunarobba, known as the Fossil forest. A unique location, originally a clay quarry featuring many fossil examples and there are interesting guided tours available. Continue to Acquasparta a maze of earthen rooftops particularly enchanting when approached from above from the Via Flaminia, and housing famous palazzo Cesi . A little further south , close to San Gemini is the Archeological park of Carsulae with wonderfully preserved ruins of the town, including the amphitheatre, ancient spa, Basilicata church and perhaps even more interesting an original part of the via Flaminia Roman road with still visible cart wheel tracks indented into the stone. San Gemini itself is a wonderful sleepy walled town, with beautiful architecture, ancient churches and stunning views. A little further afield is Narnia with its beautiful 13th Century cathedral, and the Basilica di San Pietro a Roma. Not to mention the Piazza dei Priori and it is surrounding medieval tower buildings. You can even discover hidden underground Narni. In the summer there are guided tours through the vaulted underground streets complete with ancient Roman wells and cisterns. This itinerary is just a taste of the delights the region of Umbria and Italy itself has to offer, watch this space for insiders tips of where to go and what to see.