Archive for 'Umbria'

Orvieto Cathedral is one of the most celebrated in Italy and attracts thousands of visitors to the town of Orvieto, Umbria each year. The present building is a revamped version of a pre-existing structure and was reconstructed in order to house a relic in the thirteenth century. The relic in question, the Corporal of Bolsena, is equally fascinating. Wandering through the narrow medieval streets of Orvieto, one stumbles upon the cathedral when the space suddenly opens in front of you and its stunning façade appears, raised and resplendent in its intricate detail. If you want to see this world class building and experience its beauty and history for yourself, find a villa with pool in Umbria and be sure to pay a visit.

Marmore Falls is a man-made waterfall in Umbria which was created by the ancient Romans in 271 BC. One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world, it was constructed in order to divert the stagnant waters of the Velino river away from Rieti because it fed a surrounding wetland and was causing illness.

Today we recognise that the illness in question was probably malaria. The river was diverted to a natural cliff at Marmore nearby and then fell over the edge into the river Nera below.

In 1218, we are told that St Francis of Assisi planted a rose and laurel near Montegiove in Umbria. From this spot, a fountain rose up and he built a hut made of “scarza” (a marsh plant) and founded a monastery on the miraculous site. In the 1400s a church and monastic buildings were built in order to celebrate the saint and this act. However, this was abandoned in the 18th century. The buildings and site fell into a state of disrepair and sections were lost until the Milanese architect, Tomaso Buzzi bought it in 1957. He restored the monastery and then went on to build his “ideal city”.

This fantastical city and landscape is bizarre and surreal but truly unique and fascinating.

The Marmore’s Falls or Cascate delle Marmore near Terni is a spectacular man-made waterfall which stands at a dizzying height of 165 metres in Umbria. Created by the ancient Romans, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in Italy and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world.

Stay at a beautiful holiday villa in Macerino which is located close to the Cascate delle Marmore and other lovely attractions in the area.

The Cascate delle Marmore is made up of three tiers and was created by directing a flow of water from the nearby River Velino, through Piediluco Lake before pouring down in a steep valley formed by the River Nera.

The Papal Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi in Umbria is an important landmark of Christianity in Italy. It's dedicated to the famous monk called St. Francis who was born here and went on to found the Franciscan Order. As a reward for its historic and cultural importance it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Stay in a beautiful vacation rental in Assisi to experience the best of what this area has to offer!

Construction of the Basilica of St. Francis began in 1228 and originally comprised of two adjacent churches and a stone chamber where the body of the saint was buried.