Montepulciano City Tour

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    Bevagna Medieval Crafts Circuit

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      Bevagna City Circuit

      Bevagna City Circuit

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        Museo di San Francesco Montefalco

        Museo di San Francesco Montefalco

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          Umbrian Christmas Recipes

          Christmas Flavor in Umbria: A Culinary Journey through Typical Recipes

           

          Christmas is a magical celebration, and what better way to celebrate it than immersing oneself in the culinary traditions of a region rich in history and authenticity? In Umbria, the Christmas table is a true spectacle of flavors, with dishes that reflect generosity and love for local traditions. In this article, we will explore some of the typical Christmas recipes in Umbria, offering a taste of the gastronomic heritage that makes this region unique.

          The typical family Christmas menu in Umbria.

          Appetizers:

          Chicken Liver Crostini
          A simple recipe, typical of the peasant tradition in this region, widely spread and appreciated throughout Central Italy. Chicken liver pâté crostini are always present on the table, especially during the holiday season. It is an appetizer with a very distinctive flavor, slightly tangy and quite savory. The pâté is made with chicken livers and is excellent when paired with Umbrian rustic bread – known for being low in salt – lightly toasted. The warm and fragrant crostini served with this flavorful sauce pairs well with a good glass of local red wine.

          Chicken Galantine
          An Umbrian dish considered a classic of Christmas lunch in the regional tradition. It seems that it was usually the housewives who cooked it in exchange for money or, more often, according to simple barter rules, for other essential products. It can be reasonably assumed that not only did every town, fortress, or village exhibit its own galantine recipe, claiming it to be the best, but every woman or man who ventured into the task had their own personal interpretation. This stuffed chicken terrine is both majestic, intimidating, and instructive. We could consider it a kind of relic of “synthetic” cuisine, as it puts everything (literally everything) together. It’s also a bit like a Chinese puzzle box, as each element is skillfully fitted inside the other. It starts with the chicken, deboned and gutted. The outer layer is filled with meat (chicken, beef, salted tongue, ground pork), eggs, mortadella (but also ham and lard), pistachios, cream, truffles. The resulting food chimera is secured with sturdy strings (twine), cooked in broth, and, once cooled, served in slices with chicken jelly.

          First Course:

          Cappelletti in Broth
          Homemade cappelletti are a must during the Christmas holidays in Umbria. These small ravioli filled with beef and pork are cooked and served in a rich broth, providing warmth and comfort to diners during the cold winter days.

          Second Course:

          Stewed Capon
          It is a castrated rooster cooked slowly in a rich sauce based on red wine and aromas such as rosemary and bay leaves. The capon is marinated with garlic, white wine, and herbs before cooking. Often accompanied by side dishes like mashed potatoes, Stewed Capon represents Umbrian culinary tradition, offering a tasty dish symbolizing conviviality.

          Desserts:

          Panpepato
          Panpepato is one of the most beloved Christmas delicacies in Umbria. A mixture of nuts, almonds, candied fruit, honey, chocolate, and a myriad of spices, this sweet recalls the Sienese panforte but with a unique Umbrian touch. It is a true explosion of Christmas flavors that delights the senses.

          Torciglione
          Among the typical Umbrian Christmas sweets, there is one with a very particular shape: torciglione. Its origins are still uncertain: some claim that its shape resembles a lake eel, others that of a snake. Regardless of its history, it is a famous sweet throughout the region, with various versions that can vary in dosage or the presence of certain ingredients, but especially in the final decorations, leaving ample space for creativity.

          Rocciata
          A traditional sweet during the winter holiday period (from early November to Carnival), mainly prepared at Christmas, roc- ciata is a typical recipe of Foligno, Assisi, and Spello. Its spiral shape resembles that of a snake coiled upon itself, and its red color is given by alchermes. Inside the dough, a rich filling of cooked apples with walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, dried figs, raisins, and chocolate. Naturally, there are variations based on the area and family traditions, which usually remain secret!

          Pinoccata
          Traditional Christmas sweets in Perugia, pinoccate are packaged in colorful and festive papers that brighten shop windows, gift baskets, and tables. It seems that these sweets were in use among Benedictine monks since the 14th century and were still consumed at the end of lavish Christmas lunches in the late 18th century.

          Almost exclusive to the Umbrian capital, this sweet owes its name, known in variations such as pinoccati, pinocchiati, pinoccate, and pinocchiate, to pine nuts, formerly more frequently called pinocchi, which constitute its main ingredient and give it an unusual and spicy taste. It consists of a mixture composed only of water and sugar boiled until obtaining a thick syrup, in which a quantity of pine nuts almost equivalent to that of sugar is immersed. On half of the dough, from which many small diamonds will then be drawn, cocoa is added, useful to dampen the excessive sweet taste and also to diversify these products, then wrapped in pairs: one white and the other black.

          The contrast between the two colors seems to evoke medieval decorative taste when very distant colors were approached, a taste found in architecture, decorative arts, but also in coats of arms, shields, banners, and banners (not to mention games – from checkers to chess – and city factions like whites and blacks). The packaging with which the sweet is presented seems to refer to the same medieval and Renaissance world: wrapped in paper as if it were a large candy, it is similar to those “throwing sweets” that were actually thrown during mock battles between knights and in tournaments of the feasts of those distant times.

           

          Your Christmas in Umbria

          Discover our collection dedicated to Christmas: let yourself be inspired for your holiday.

          What to do in Umbria in December? UmbriaSì tells you

          December is a magical month in Umbria, when the landscape transforms into an enchanting winter scene. We would like to guide you through a unique journey in this fascinating region, offering you an unforgettable experience during the festive season. Discover with us what to do in Umbria in December and let yourself be enchanted by this unique destination.

          Christmas markets
          Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by exploring the Christmas markets of Perugia and Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Orvieto, Terni…
          The squares are filled with twinkling lights, colorful stalls and the delicious scent of local specialties. It is the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts and savor Umbrian delicacies.

          The largest Christmas tree on water in the world on Lake Trasimeno
          The Christmas tree on Lake Trasimeno is a magical tradition that lights up the shores of the lake in December. Located near Passignano sul Trasimeno, the tree sports twinkling lights, creating an enchanting sight reflected on the water. The lighting ceremony, usually accompanied by festive events, attracts visitors and residents, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere on the shores of this picturesque Umbrian lake. An unmissable experience to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays in an evocative context.

          The largest tree in the world in Gubbio
          It is certainly among the most impactful Christmas attractions not only for Umbria, welcoming visitors who flock to admire the largest tree in the world from all over Italy and abroad.
          Located along the slopes of Monte Igino, it is made up of around 800 lights powered by renewable sources and therefore not only a project with a great tourist impact but also an eco-sustainable one.
          The Gubbio Tree is 450 meters wide and 750 meters high and measures 13 thousand square meters, reaching the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo on the top of the mountain.

          Christmas in Cascia
          In Cascia at Christmas, visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rita and admire the lights in the square. Participate in local traditions with cultural events and Christmas concerts. Delight your palate with Umbrian culinary specialties and indulge in excursions into winter nature. Don’t miss the evocative midnight mass to fully experience the magic of Christmas in this fascinating Umbrian town. Cascia offers an authentic and unforgettable experience during the holidays.

          Living Nativity Scenes: Tradition and Authenticity
          Umbria is a land of ancient traditions and profound spirituality. With today’s article with a Christmas flavor we will immerse ourselves in one of the most significant traditions: the Nativity scene of Saint Francis of Assisi.
          This sacred representation is a testimony to the Umbrian cultural and religious heritage, an icon of faith and devotion that attracts visitors from all over the world.

          Umbria in December offers a unique experience that blends the magic of the holidays with the beauty of nature and tradition. Trust us to organize your trip, guaranteeing you complete immersion in the culture, gastronomy and scenic wonders of this fascinating Italian region. Make your December unforgettable with a trip to Umbria.

           

          The Story of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis

          Umbria is a land of ancient traditions and deep spirituality. In today’s Christmas-flavored article, we will delve into one of the most significant traditions: the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis of Assisi. This sacred representation is a testament to Umbria’s cultural and religious heritage, an icon of faith and devotion that attracts visitors from around the world.

          The Birth of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis The Nativity Scene of Saint Francis has ancient roots dating back to the 13th century. The story goes that in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Italy and founder of the Franciscan order, created the first living representation of the Nativity Scene in the Umbrian town of Greccio. This year marks the eight hundredth anniversary of the first representation. The Nativity Scene was a true gift to the birth of Jesus Christ, and Saint Francis thus initiated a tradition that has lasted for centuries throughout Italy and beyond.

          The representation of the Nativity Scene in Greccio was conceived by Saint Francis as a humble cave, with a worn-out manger, and at its center, the Saint with his prayers, hymns to life, holy songs, and his profound devotion. It is in this atmosphere that the Baby Jesus makes His presence known.

          Today, as in the past, the Nativity Scene is not just an artistic representation but also a powerful spiritual symbol. It embodies humility, simplicity, and the love that Saint Francis had for the child Jesus. This tradition encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and the importance of reflecting on the true values of Christmas: love, compassion, and sharing.

          The Magic of the Umbrian Nativity Scene Every year, during the Christmas season, the small villages and cities of Umbria come alive with the magic of the Nativity Scene of Saint Francis. Streets are filled with sparkling lights, Christmas music, and the air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Citizens passionately dedicate themselves to creating intricate and detailed scenarios depicting the nativity. Houses, streets, and squares are transformed into real living paintings, capturing the attention and admiration of residents and tourists.

          The Umbrian Nativity Scene stands out for its authenticity and attention to detail, capturing the essence of daily life at the time. The figurines, skillfully crafted by local artisans, are often handmade and painted with vibrant colors, lending the Nativity Scene a touching realism.

          Visiting Umbria During the Christmas Season For anyone wanting to live this unique experience, visiting Umbria during the Christmas season is an unforgettable adventure. In addition to contemplating the wonderful Nativity Scenes of Saint Francis and the living nativities in various historical and medieval villages, there are scattered Santa Claus Markets in picturesque locations such as Perugia’s Rocca Paolina, or the world’s largest Christmas tree in Gubbio or the world’s largest Christmas tree on the water of Lake Trasimeno.

          Don’t miss these fantastic events; we look forward to welcoming you for your Christmas in Umbria!

           

          Christmas in Umbria

          Discover our Christmas-themed collection in Umbria: let yourself be inspired for your holiday.

          Rafting Umbria

          Rafting Umbria

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            Tipografia Grifani Donati

            Tipografia Grifani Donati

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              Studio Moretti Caselli

              Studio Moretti Caselli

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