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Anewly discovered manuscript of Il Milione, Marco Polo’s famous account of his travels, has been found in the Biblioteca Diocesana Ludovico Jacobilli in Foligno, a historic town in the Umbria region of central Italy. The discovery is significant also due to its timing, as it coincides with the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death (1254–1324), an...

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Every year on October 4th, Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure known for his profound connection to nature, dedication to humility and a steadfast commitment to serving the poor. For Italian Americans, the day holds special significance, as St. Francis is not only the patron saint of animals and th...

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Moving to Umbria may be a dream for many, but dreams, as they say, son desideri, and no one says they can’t come true! This beautiful region, often called the “Green Heart of Italy,” is a peaceful, picturesque region renowned for its rolling hills, medieval towns, and vibrant cultural life. Known for its proximity to major cities like Florence and...

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When visiting Italy, you might expect romance, history, art, and food, and a tour through this beautiful country serves up many exciting feelings that tourists crave, from wine lovers visiting Tuscany to fashion enthusiasts exploring Milan. Chocolate fanatics and art admirers may want to make a stop in the beautiful city of Perugia, home to stunnin...

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The instructions are clear. We must leave the car in a remote area near the river, about ten kilometres from Parrano, Umbria. We’re in one of Italy’s largest forested areas, a 3,000-hectare natural reserve recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site. After navigating through a series of bumps in a Jeep, we arrive at Eremito, Europe’s first luxury re...

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Assisi, known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, is one of central Italy’s most picturesque medieval hill towns. While you can visit Assisi on a day trip from other parts of Umbria, Assisi is a great place to spend a couple of nights (or more). This allows you to enjoy the atmosphere in the evening and following morning without so many tourists. D...

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Italy will launch two new express rail services linking Rome with Assisi in the central Umbria region and Alba in the northern Piemonte as part of a tourist train initiative this autumn. The new routes, the latest of the FS Treni Turistici Italiani services, are described as "two unmissable journeys on completely restyled carriages through the Piem...

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A picturesque town in Italy's lush Umbria region is often likened to a "mini Rome" due to its stunning Roman ruins and medieval architecture but without the throngs of tourists. Recognised as one of Italy's largest and best-preserved medieval towns, Gubbio transports visitors back in time with its rich history dating back to 1000 AD. Despite being...

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Venice has trialled an entry fee, Florence has banned new Airbnbs and Rome’s public transport is unbearably crowded. Overtourism is hitting Italy’s cities hard and the result is a stressful experience for those who holiday there. The good news is, for masterful artworks, excellent food and a dynamic cultural scene, you don’t have to stick to the ci...

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I’ve spent many months in Italy over the years, absorbing its history and beauty. I have even written guidebooks about the Amalfi Coast and Rome. My husband and I decided to return to Italy’s quiet "green heart," the region of Umbria, a couple of hours drive from Rome. We hoped to recharge and do what Italians are known for: "dolce far niente' – th...

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