Christmas markets in Umbria evoke historical and religious places and are set up in medieval villages and towns of great architectural interest, such as castles, fortresses and abbeys. They provide a pleasant break that combines entertainment with a unique cultural experience. If you want to experience a magical atmosphere that immediately brings y...
READ MOREA couple of weeks ago, in Jessup, Pennsylvania—the small town next to mine when I was a boy—large crowds of people showed up to celebrate the annual “Race of the Saints,” called in Italian La Corsa dei Ceri, “the Race of the Candles,” because that is what the structures look like. You must imagine, each set and pegged upright on wide and sturdy pla...
READ MOREGubbio is a medieval town at the base of Mount Ingino, a small mountain in the Apennine range in central Italy. The town achieved international pop culture stardom as the setting for the Italian TV series Don Matteo. We have been binging on this 266-episode series. Having finished 6 of the 12 seasons, we’re hoping it will never end. One can’t reall...
READ MOREToo many cooks in the kitchen can be frustrating. But when it comes to making cappelletti, it's an all-hands-on-deck affair for the Hamiltons. Jim Hamilton and his sister Susan Hamilton Griffin live in Kansas, about an hour apart. Every Thanksgiving when they get together with the rest of the family, the focus turns from a traditional turkey meal t...
READ MOREWhat do two popes, the actor Terence Hill, and Doctors without Borders have in common? Each of them has had the honor of lighting the world’s largest Christmas tree, proudly displayed since 1981 in the small Umbrian town of Gubbio in Italy. Perhaps not exactly what you imagine a Christmas tree to look like, this one is a display of more than 700 li...
READ MORELying in the Apennines, Gubbio is one of the oldest cities in Umbria, a medieval pearl that still retains its ancient but fascinating aspect. But do you know that in this village you can get the "crazy driver's license"? Yes, the village of Gubbio is known throughout Italy and around the world for a particular rite that makes it take the nickname "...
READ MOREGubbio is one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria and a place with unique charm and personality. Blessed with a stunning position on the slopes of Mount Ingino, Gubbio has a delightful medieval town center and several scenic terraces with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The town has been in existence since ancient Roman times a...
READ MOREAlthough people often associate hill towns with Tuscany, the neighboring region of Umbria has its fair share of picturesque medieval towns perched on hills. Most of these hill towns still have medieval, or even Etruscan, walls surrounding the old town and stunning views of the countryside below and Etruscan or Roman remains. OrvietoOrvieto is one o...
READ MOREDuring the Easter period in Central Italy there are many rites that are celebrated according to ancient traditions and customs the same way it is done for Christmas. But that’s not all, in fact you must know that in central Italy during Easter it is common to prepare dishes of the local culinary tradition. Here you can find out which are the tastie...
READ MOREMany are the Italian cities where every year local traditions are carried on and events are held to celebrate the festivities. Here are some of Central Italy’s Christmas markets that come to life every year in the month of December. Here it is possible to find many gift ideas or local and traditional products. Furthermore, you will live the magic o...
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