Art cities of Umbria

Art Cities of Umbria

Art and architecture of Umbria

Here we provide an introduction to the cities of Umbria most famous for the works of art housed in their art museums, churches and palaces, and cities especially noteworthy for their architecture. Please note that be making this selection, we don't mean to imply that the other cities, towns and villages of Umbria are lacking in works of art and beautiful buildings. The small town of Panicale houses some wonderful art including the ‘Martyrdom of San Sebastiano’ by Perugino, which is located in the Church of San Sebastiano.

Assisi, Umbria

Assisi is most famous as pilgrimage destination linked to its native son, Saint Francis. The gentle saint who founded the Franciscan order shares honours with Saint Catherine of Sienna as the patron saint of Italy. He is remembered by many as a lover of Nature, his preaching to an audience of birds being one of the legends of his life. Assisi is also without doubt one of the major art centres of Umbria. The Lower Basilica of Saint Francis was decorated by the greatest painters of the 13 C and 14 C: Cimabue, Giotto, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini. The Upper Basilica is adorned by Giotto's frescoes illustrating the life of St. Francis. There are also works by Cimabue, Cavallini and Torriti in the Upper Basilica. There are numerous other churches of great architectural interest throughout the town and environs.

Not to be missed. More about Assisi.

Orvieto, Umbria

Orvieto is situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff, one of the most dramatic townscapes in Europe, rising above the vertical cliffs that are extended by defensive walls of the same stone. The facade of the Duomo of Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian gothic art, is equally spectacular, consisting of bands of black and white stone decorated with bronze dragons, gold mosaics and marble bas-reliefs by Lorenzo Maitani. Other sights in and near Orvieto are the deep spiral Well of St. Patrick (Pozzo di San Patrizio) and other caves and tunnels, some dating from Etruscan times. For a town of its size, Orvieto has some remarkably good restaurants. A must see for anyone visiting Umbria or southern Tuscany.

**Worth an extended visit. More about Orvieto.**

Perugia, Umbria

Perugia is the largest city and capital of Umbria, and home to two universities. It was one of the Etruscan Dodecapoli League and an important Mediaeval city after that. Perugia is well-endowed with fountains and lgardens. The Fontana Maggiore (great fountain) is a masterpiece of Italian mediaeval sculpture dating back to 1280 that dominates the centre of Piazza IV Novembre. The Fonte del Piscinello is even older. The National Museum contains a large number of beautiful art works representing the Umbrian Renaissance. During Summer, Perugia is host to a famous and very popular Jazz Festival.