| The original characteristics of the Umbrian Valley are a reflection of a series of historical conditions of both autonomy and dependence, which do not contradict the area's polycentric fabric rich in relationships and exchanges. The territory includes the beautiful plains of the Umbrian Valley, the rolling hills and the buttress formed by the Apennine mountain ridge. For centuries the illustrious Via Flaminia road was the epicentre of human, economic, cultural and interethnic exchanges in this area. The agricultural centres gradually became towns with their own administrative and economic systems, or cities of art that have been famous for centuries. Foligno, located in the centre of the valley, is a place of exchange and the meeting point of the major communication routes, as well as a city of historic and artistic interest. The area's trove of natural resources is just as rich, particularly its river ways, the springs of mineral water and the underground waters, some of which have yet to be used. Cities, castles, villages, town walls, fortresses, towers, churches, monasteries and cloisters, palaces and noble courtyards and cottages nestled into the countryside rimmed with wheat and sunflowers are just a few of the territory's significant features. This is a place where saints and poets, writers and distinguished painters have left their mark. The territory is the result of a centuries-old succession of civilizations: Umbrian, Roman and Germanic peoples who have left their traces, some more conspicuous than others, up to the rebirth of the city, around the year 1000, which opened a long sequence of urban-architectural structures that were changed according to the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical inflexions. As written by the French journalist Laurence Botta-Delannoy, it would be impossible to describe all of the wonders that are hidden here, since every mountain fold and every riverbed reveal treasures deserving to be seen. The circle of towns perched above in the mountain areas and green hilltops overlook the olive groves and grapevines that reign supreme and crown the fertile plain. A sight that led Bragazzi to define the area in the last century as the "Rose of Umbria" for its charm and fragrant air. And then there's Montefalco, the balcony of Umbria, D'Annunzio's city of silence. And Bevagna, the dark Mevania of the Roman poet Propertius and cradle of traditional handicrafts. And Trevi, which rises up beautifully on top of a hill overlooking the Clitunno Valley. Spello, the Most splendid Julia Colony. Nocera Umbra, famous for its hot springs and mineral waters. Gualdo Cattaneo with its fortresses and picturesque medieval castles. Valtopina, known for its Roman ruins and ancient castle walls. And Sellano, located in the enchanting Vigi Valley. At the centre of it all is Foligno, home of the Trinci family and the great Saint Angela, which prides itself on having produced the first printed edition of Dante's "Divine Comedy". Overlooking Foligno is Sassovivo, the thousand-year-old Benedictine abbey with its rose marble cloister adorned with mosaic friezes. This is one of those rare places where it is possible to "listen" to silence. The territory, with its nine municipalities, brings together its rich historical and artistic heritage with the unique beauty of its unspoiled natural setting and traditions deriving from agriculture, handicrafts and gastronomy. The area's religious tradition is kept alive in rituals and festivities celebrated throughout the year.
Source: Official Valle Umbra website |
|
