Luisa Spagnoli

Beyond Fashion and Chocolate, a Woman Philanthropist on the Horizon

Luisa Spagnoli, a name that evokes immediate images of refined fashion and chocolate delicacies. However, his legacy goes far beyond runways and treats. Today, we want to reveal the lesser-known side of this extraordinary woman: her philanthropist soul.

For those, like me, who were fortunate enough to wander the picturesque hill of Santa Lucia at a young age, it was not at all uncommon to come across angora bunnies that had escaped from Luisa’s gardens. After the devastation of the Second World War, Luisa Spagnoli became passionate about these adorable animals, starting not only to create a collection of them, but to intuit a secret that would revolutionize the world of fashion: the art of combing, rather than shearing, these rabbits . A kind gesture that allowed us to obtain a yarn with unprecedented softness, a fabric that pampered the skin like no other.

And what about his delicious chocolates? The Bacio Perugina is a name known throughout the world, but there is another tablet that bears his name, a creation that some Perugians affectionately call “Carrarmato”, perhaps as a tribute to his tenacity and strength of mind.

And finally, we cannot forget the contribution of Luisa Spagnoli to the creation of Città della Domenica, the first theme park in Italy, born thanks to the ingenuity of her son Mario in 1963. She decided to use the land she owned on Mount Pulito, in the Ferro di Cavallo neighborhood in Perugia, in a park for family leisure, a sort of ideal city that was initially supposed to take the name of “Spagnolia”. Of enormous size for its time (over 43 hectares of land), the park presents, immersed in the dense Umbrian vegetation, wildlife areas and fairy-tale themed structures.

Luisa Spagnoli was much more than just a fashion and chocolate icon. She was a visionary woman, a generous philanthropist and an inspiration to future generations. His legacy extends far beyond the confines of catwalks and chocolates, a shining example of how passion, dedication and kindness can shape the world for the benefit of all.

Credit photo by:
Cittàdelladomenica.it
NestlèItalia.it
Ilverdemondo.it
Kongnews.it
IlDenaro.it

The Templars in Gubbio

Welcome to the heart of Umbria, where history blends with the charm of the Templars. Gubbio, a picturesque medieval city hides secrets that date back to the era of the Knights Templar. In this article, we will take you on a journey through time to discover the fascinating link between Gubbio and the Templars, offering a panoramic view of this ancient order and its traces in the heart of this city.

The history of the Templars
To fully understand the influence of the Templars in Gubbio, it is essential to take a look at their history. The Order of the Templars, also known as the Knights Templar, was founded in the 12th century during the Crusades in the Holy Land. These warrior-monk knights were famous for their military prowess, their religious devotion, and their incredible wealth.

The Templars played a significant role in the Crusades, defending Christian pilgrims and amassing vast amounts of wealth and property throughout the known world. Their influence also extended to Italy, and Gubbio was no exception. From a famous writing by a nobleman from Eugubino we read about a certain Knight Battista Sforzolini: “Battista Sforzolini, knight of the Temple of Jerusalem, was one of the bravest warriors of his time; he was always the first in all the most dangerous ventures; he never escaped danger, he almost overcame it with valor and wisdom, and in the most frightening battles he showed that a generous heart cannot find danger that frightens it.”

The Templars in Gubbio
Gubbio, with its strategic position and historical importance, became an important center for the Templars in Italy. This city was a crucial crossroads for travelers and pilgrims heading to Rome and played a key role in the network of Templar settlements in Italy. The Inquisition process was inaugurated in Gubbio, in the palace of the Church of Santa Croce della Foce and in the palace of the Bishopric.
Between Gubbio and the neighboring municipalities of Scheggia and Pascelupo, Scheggia, Costacciaro, Sigillo, Fossato di Vico… there are many traces and symbols such as the Templar crosses which testify to the presence of the Templars in the Umbrian land.

Gubbio is a hidden treasure for history buffs and those fascinated by the history of the Templars. This fascinating journey will allow you to discover the secrets of this ancient order and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a city that has kept its Templar heritage alive over the centuries.

Umbria Jazz 2023

Umbria Jazz is finally back, the most awaited musical event in Umbria, the most important musical festival dedicated to the world of Jazz in Italy and among the most influential in the world.
A festival between the warm notes of the Sax and the rhythmic notes of the trumpet that resonate in the alleys of the Historic Center of Perugia and its stages distributed in locations with breathtaking historical settings, such as the stage in Piazza IV Novembre, the Jazz Jam Session at the Morlacchi Theater, concerts for purists at the National Gallery of Umbria, up to the Main Stage located in the Santa Giuliana arena for the concerts of the great Italian and international artists who have crossed the door of Umbria Jazz.

Herbie Hancock, also present at Umbria Jazz this year, describes the festival as follows:

It’s where you need to be at this time of year”

Did you know that Umbria Jazz was also mentioned in episode n.16-season 33 of The Simpsons?

The Origin of Umbria Jazz 

It was born in 1973 (it celebrates its 50th birthday this year!) by the will of Carlo Pagnotta, manager of a clothing shop and above all a great lover of Jazz music who wanted to bring a festival dedicated to this musical genre to his Umbria region. The story goes that he had the idea or the electrocution of Jazz in a historic bar in Via Mazzini, now closed.
The first concert took place in 1973, in the natural theater of Villalago in Piediluco, in the province of Terni. Other locations for the stages were Perugia right in Piazza IV Novembre where Weather Report made their Italian debut, and again Gubbio, just to give the idea of a music festival that embraced all of Umbria.

Not everything went smoothly…

In the difficult and hot 70s and 80s, between clashes and conflicting political ideas between “black music” and “white music”, Umbria Jazz did not see the light of the stages in 1978 until 1982!

Umbria Jazz Return

The year of its “re-birth” dates back to 1982 with novelties and changes such as the introduction of the entrance ticket for some concerts, which until then were free.
In 1985 the Umbria Jazz Association was born which manages the event and the Umbria Jazz brand which remains the property of the Umbria Region.
Another novelty is the choice of Perugia as host city for Umbria Jazz with only a few concerts held over the years in Terni, Assisi, Gubbio. Or with the Umbria Jazz Winter Edition held every year in December in Orvieto.

The streets plays Jazz

Duration Umbria Jazz, which has traditionally been held for 10 days in the month of July, it is possible to watch and listen to musicians, jazz musicians, singers who perform all along Corso Vannucci, creating unique atmospheres between the notes of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul , rhythm ‘n’ blues…
Famous for their concert itineraries are, for example, the Funk Off!
The power is Umbria Jazz is having created a Jazz Music event in Italy, with all the nuances ranging from blues to reggae music, from pop to soul, between great artists and emerging artists, between “street” music and great stages. An event able to excite and bring everyone together, young and old, under the notes of Jazz.

Mentioning Alessandro Baricco in his theatrical monologue Novecento:

“When you don’t know what music is, then it’s Jazz!”

Some great artists who have participated in Umbria Jazz

Alicia Keys 
Art Blakey 
B.B. King 
Carlos Santana 
Diana Krall 
Earth, Wind & Fire 
Elton John 
Eric Clapton 
Herbie Hancock
Johnny Depp 
Lady Gaga
Liza Minnelli
Massive Attack 
Mika 
Phil Collins 
Pino Daniele
Prince 
Simply Red 
Stefano Bollani 
Sting
The Chainsmokers 
Tony Bennett 
Vinicio Capossela  

Festival of Ceri in Gubbio

Every year, on May 15, Gubbio prepares for the Festival of Ceri, a very ancient and folkloric popular tradition that draws its origins, the pagan ones, from ancient propitiatory rites that the ikuvini (the original Italian name of the Eugubini) dedicated to the divinities present in the seven Tables of Gubbio, in particular the Goddess Ceres and which are now kept in the Palazzo dei Consoli.
Another origin, purely Christian, celebrates the Patron Saint of Gubbio, Sant’Ubaldo starting from May 1160, on the anniversary of his death.

The Festival of Ceri is a tradition deeply felt by the Eugubini and which tells the story of a people that draws the strength of being from its roots: among the protagonists of this festival there are the Ceraioli, those who carry the Cero and which involves them also as a tradition to be handed down from father to son.

The Ceri, kept in the Church of Sant’Ubaldo during the year, are wooden structures built in the shape of octagonal prisms that overlap. In order to reinforce the structure, inside the wooden prism there is a frame made up of an axis and the part that protrudes is called “timicchione“: the one placed at the top becomes the support for hoisting the Saint, while the one at “barella“, is used by the Ceraioli to carry it during the race through the streets of the town until you reach Monte Igino, where the Basilica del Santo is located with the remains placed in 1194.
The Saints who are instead transported on the Ceri by the Ceraioli are, in addition to Sant’Ubaldo, San Giorgio, Sant’Antonio, in the order in which they parade. If Sant’Ubaldo is the Patron of Gubbio, San Giorgio is the protector of merchants and Sant’Antonio of farmers.

The route of the Corsa dei Ceri, which starts from the Chiesa dei Neri, is about 4 km long and then ends with a big party in the characteristic alleys of Gubbio among food and wine tastings, shows and music.

In short, a real celebration, felt and loved by the Eugubini as well as by all the Umbrian people and which every year attracts many visitors and tourists, curious to discover an ancient tradition rich in history and peculiarities.

Since 1973 the Ceri have even become the symbol of the Umbrian Region.

Discover Gubbio with Gubbio Express

Gubbio Express is the City Tour of the City of Gubbio, the best way to comfortably start your visit.