La Contessa: a door between land and sea8 November 202418 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

Tour of the Abbeys between Umbria and Marche: an itinerary in the places of silence and prayer

This territory has always been a land in between, extremely important from a historical and cultural point of view because it is a crossroads of peoples and traditions, to bind – over time – the various cultures was religion, which, through churches, convents, abbeys, hermitages, has formed and influenced several generations.

Starting from the territory of the Marche, the first stop on our itinerary is the church of Sant’Ansovino di Avacelli which is located in the territory of ARCEVIA, along the road that leads to Serra San Quirico. Built around the 11th century, it is one of the churches that probably belonged to the Order of the Templars, around it there are many legends linked to the charm and the many secrets that the Knights hid, one of these speaks of an ancient treasure hidden right in the vicinity of the church. A curious story is told by a custodian who in the 17th century, while searching for this ancient wealth, split in half the processional cross with six spheres – symbol of the Knights Templar – located on the facade. Apparently, he found no gold but a terracotta pine cone.

The second stop on the tour takes you to the Abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuse, in the territory of GENGA, one of the most beautiful and important Romanesque buildings in the Marche. The church, built in the birthplace of San Benedetto, to whom it was originally dedicated, was constructed by the Lombards towards the end of the 20th century. Much of the charm of this large building is due to its splendid and scenic location, in the GOLA DI FRASASSI where the mountains create a sort of suggestive amphitheater. Sober and imposing, it has a structure in large white stone blocks, the lack of decorations – in perfect accordance with the artistic canons of the time and with the dictates of faith – gives the visitor an atmosphere of purity and essentiality. A mysterious detail has always attracted the attention of scholars and the curious who have wondered about the meaning of the symbol of the inverted Infinity that is found near the left door of the altar.

Another important example of the Marche Romanesque is represented by the nearby Abbey of Santa Croce in SASSOFERRATO, in the territory of Fabriano, which is located on a small hill surrounded by a fascinating impervious nature. Its construction is particular and fascinating, within the walls of an already existing church built in all probability by the Knights Templar of which various symbols are recognized carved on columns and capitals. The Templar mysteries are not the only ones to arouse curiosity, in fact on the upper floor you can see some symbols that recall the god Mytra, a pagan divinity to whom the ancient original temple was probably dedicated.

The destination of the fourth stage is the Abbey of Sant’Emiliano in CONGIUNTOLI, which, dedicated to the martyr of Numidia, Emiliano, is located on the junction – hence the name in Congiuntoli – of two waterways, the Esino and the Rio Freddo. Although it is located in the province of Perugia, the ancient construction in Romanesque-Gothic style is territorially part – historically and artistically – of this extraordinary border area of the Marca di Ancona. It is a monumental Benedictine abbey with a severe and imposing appearance that includes the monastery and the church and which most likely belonged to the Templar Order which, right on the Rio Freddo, had a historically confirmed headquarters. The loss of the monastery archive does not allow for precise dating or information, what is certain is that it was very important and owned several properties sold in 1860 when the royal commissioner of Umbria suppressed the monastery.

Before leaving the Marche and heading towards Umbria, we will stop at the majestic Monastery or hermitage of the Holy Cross of FONTE AVELLANA, near Serra Sant’Abbondio. Built on the slopes of Mount Catria around the year 1000 as a place of spiritual retreat for monks who wanted pure contact with God, immersing themselves in the silence of nature, it is still an oasis of peace where nature embraces and protects the structure and where many go to pray and meditate. The San Pier Damiani scriptorium is precious, the only one in the Marche that has never been restored and is therefore completely original, where the copyist monks studied and copied the ancient texts.

Returning to Umbria, near DI SCHEGGIA E PASCELUPO, there is the Abbey of Santa Maria di Sitria, located at the foot of Mount Nocria (867 meters), in the narrow valley of the Artino stream, inside the Monte Cucco Park. The hermitage was built by San Romualdo in 1014 while between 1018 and 1021 he founded the monastery there. The church of Sitria is composed of a single nave separated, in the Benedictine manner, from the presbytery by a stone staircase of 8 steps. It has Romanesque-Gothic lines, has a stone ogival vault roof and an altar embellished with three-lobed arches, supported by 13 small columns, most of which were stolen in the sixties and rebuilt. In the apse basin there is a fresco dating back to the 18th century, depicting the Crucifixion, by an unknown artist. The crypt below, which is accessed through an entrance in the center of the staircase, is very elegant and has a vault supported by a granite column with a capital, almost certainly from a Roman building. In the basement of the church, the so-called prison of San Romualdo is indicated, the narrow cell in which the Saint was locked up for six months by his monks.

The last stop on our itinerary that ends in Umbria, is near UMBERTIDE, the Abbey of Montecorona is an imposing Benedictine complex founded in the 12th century. Immersed in a thick forest, the abbey is famous for its Romanesque crypt, an evocative and mysterious environment. The visit offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval history and appreciate sacred art in a natural context of rare beauty.

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Blog Consigli Tips1 November 20249 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

What to do in Umbria in November? UmbriaSì tells you

November in Umbria: The Month of Taste! Our suggestions for an Autumn Holiday

November is the perfect month to visit Umbria if you are a lover of good food, nature and authentic traditions. Known as the green heart of Italy, the region in autumn transforms into a paradise for the senses, especially for food lovers. November is, in fact, the Month of Taste in Umbria, a period in which intense flavors, fine products and local traditions blend into an unforgettable experience.

Here are three tips to organize a holiday in Umbria in November.

Frantoi Aperti: Discover the secret of extra virgin olive oil

November in Umbria is synonymous with Frantoi Aperti, the event dedicated to freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. Throughout the month, you can visit traditional mills, watch the oil extraction process and taste it fresh on a slice of toasted bread, the classic bruschetta.

Villages such as Trevi, Spello and Bevagna organize tastings, guided tours and activities related to this ancient tradition. This is the perfect time to discover one of the region’s most popular products and learn about the processing techniques passed down from generation to generation. In addition, Umbrian extra virgin olive oil is a perfect gift to take home, an authentic flavor that captures the essence of the Umbrian land.

Medieval Villages and Autumn Atmosphere: Tranquility and Tradition

November is the month in which Umbria’s medieval villages show their most intimate and charming side. With fewer tourists and a relaxed atmosphere, you can explore places like Gubbio, Spoleto and Montefalco enjoying their beauty in complete tranquility.

Walking through the cobbled streets of these villages in autumn is a special experience: the warm colors of the leaves, the soft lights and the fresh air create a unique atmosphere. This is the perfect time to slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture, visit ancient churches, discover artisan workshops and stop in an inn to taste typical dishes of the season.

In addition, many places begin to prepare for Christmas with markets and small events that enrich the autumn experience, offering you a taste of the most authentic and welcoming Umbria.

Truffles and New Wine: Autumn Delicacies

November is the month of authentic flavors in Umbria, in particular of the white truffle and new wine. The region is famous for its truffles, and during this period many festivals and exhibitions dedicated to this precious fungus are celebrated. At the same time, November is also the month of vino novello, a young and fruity wine that pairs perfectly with the typical dishes of the season. The Umbrian cellars open their doors to offer you tastings and convivial moments, where you can discover the secrets of wine production and toast to the flavors of autumn.

We are waiting for you in Umbria

Blog Blog Recipe29 October 20245 December 2023 By greenconsulting 0

Dante and the olive tree

We dedicate a space to Dante and Umbrian oil through the book “Dante conversations. Oil from Umbria: what remains of Dante’s Middle Ages in food and wine Umbria” written and edited by Diego Diomedi, trainer and lecturer in the food and wine sector and other writers and journalists who participated in drafting the text. In particular, the author, Diego Diomedi, underlines how his interest and his passion for food and wine arise from a profound curiosity about the origins and Italian food traditions, with particular reference to the Middle Ages and above all to Dante’s approach to Italian cuisine with a focus on the olive tree and Umbrian oil. “The book was born out of the need, starting from the historical re-enactment of San Gemini, to dedicate this great celebration which lasts 2 weeks to the Great Poet. Different topics are dealt with in the text”- Diego tells us

DANTE AND THE OLIVE TREE
The oil and therefore the olive tree is deeply rooted in our tradition and in our culture. It finds origins in the classical age and uses already in Roman and then medieval times. Within the Divine Comedy, references to food or everything related to nutrition is treated not from a material and therefore nutritional point of view but from a purely spiritual and religious point of view.
During the writing of the Divine Comedy Dante Alighieri gives great importance to the olive tree citing it twice as an element rich in religious symbolism: Beatrice herself presents herself to Dante with the olive crown: «sovra candido vel cinta d’ulivo/donna he appeared to me under a green mantle» (vv. 31-32, canto XXX of Purgatory)

The common thread of this book is to talk about Dante through food and wine immersed in central Italy with the connection to Umbria which acts as a bridge, like a flow of thought, roots and traditions.

AFTER THE GREAT WAR
“Oil is rooted in our culture but it is also a product reserved for the few until the Second World War. In fact, the invention of owning an olive grove was bourgeois, as lard and butter were reserved for the poor class. It is only in after the Second World War that the consumption of oil undergoes changes. This surge in consumption for Umbria did not mean a sudden transformation of the characteristics of the market. However, the product is starting to have wider spaces also favored by the greater productions made in the previous decades.”- he explains Prof. Renato Covino, adding that “the pedological nature of the Umbrian hilly soils, often fliscioide (with a high limestone content) leads to the diffusion until recent times of Moraiolo, which produces a few kilos per plant and therefore less oil, and a geographical location especially around the Trasimeno basin, which guaranteed a temperate climate effect, and along the hills that surround the Umbrian Valley (from Assisi to Spoleto). The presence in mixed crops, where it supports or replaces the vine and coexists with cereals, makes it a production intended for substantially domestic use, which becomes part of the subsistence economy of the sharecroppers and of consumption of the landlords”.

UMBRIA, THE GREEN HEART OF ITALY
Ivo Picchiarelli underlines how “in the perception of the imagination of Umbria the gray-green of the olive trees has recently leapt into evidence, in particular that of the piedmont olive belt which, uninterrupted, from Assisi to Spoleto overlooks the Spoletana Valley. Various factors contributed to this. Even the green region of Umbria seems to have chosen this color as its emblem”.

OLIVE OIL AND MODERNITY
Alessandro Giotti talks about the relationship between modernity, tradition and innovation also in the field of olive growing and how the advance of technology has effectively changed the production methods of “historic olive groves and ancient varieties” and the concept of oil in terms of consumption and use in the culinary field and beyond, and in particular he explains that “nowadays technology allows us to have technologically very advanced two-phase mills of small or medium size capable of producing very high quality. Therefore, many mills are spreading which are often born in the heart of the place of production of the olives, making the transformation process very efficient and fast. These crushers, having smaller dimensions, also allow you to manage even smaller batches, facilitating, for example, precision machining, essential for the production of monovarietals. The latter are starting to become more and more widespread and allow us to offer those who are or will be able to appreciate the incredible biodiversity we possess. Just think of Nostrale di Rigali, Borgiona, Dolce Agogia al Raio in our Umbria, not to mention of the prince of all Umbrian and Tuscan cultivars, the Moraiolo.
The intention is to give new life to enchanting places in Umbria, enhancing the territory and production quality and becoming a true destination for those in search of experiences and quality products”.

Blog Consigli Tips1 October 20249 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

What to do in Umbria in October? UmbriaSì tells you

October in Umbria: When Autumn Magic Embraces the Green Heart of Italy!

Dear lovers of autumn adventures and breathtaking scenery, prepare to be enchanted! Umbria, that little gem hidden in the green heart of Italy, transforms into a true natural spectacle during the month of October. Golden and red leaves paint the landscape. It’s the perfect time to explore this enchanting region.

Here are our three tips on what to do in Umbria in October

Unique autumn atmosphere

The medieval villages of Umbria are tinged with warm autumnal shades, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for walks and relaxation.

Perfect landscapes for trekking

The Umbrian paths become ideal for autumn excursions, with the foliage that paints nature in red, orange and yellow, perhaps savoring the best that this land has to offer

Taste autumn in Umbria

In October you will find many events dedicated to typical products such as truffles, new oil, new wine and chestnuts, where you can taste local delicacies directly from the producers.

💚We are waiting for you in Umbria💚

Blog Blog Recipe27 September 20245 December 2023 By greenconsulting 0

Chocolate lessons

Perugia and Perugina
From the foresight, sagacity, vision and revolutionary and modern ideas of Luisa Spagnoli, Perugina was born in 1907 from a small laboratory in the center of Perugia, taking over a grocery store together with her husband Annibale Spagnoli and giving rise to a new idea of understanding and transform cocoa and chocolate: in Perugia, rich in small shops, industrial activities spread which expanded the chocolate market and above all the fame of Perugia.

“The famous creation based on chopped hazelnuts, gianduja and dark chocolate coating, a great intuition of Luisa Spagnoli over a century ago and still today the workhorse of Casa Perugina, originally had the shape and name of a fist or rather of a “punch”. A name that was later changed by Giovanni Buitoni in 1924 into the famous Bacio Perugina”.

The origins
The cultivation, dissemination, marketing and consequently the kaleidoscopic use of chocolate or cocoa is relatively recent. We are between the 16th and 5th centuries BC, in the Yucatan peninsula, when the monkeys began to feed on the cocoa fruit, the pod, eating the pulp and throwing away the seeds (what are known today as cocoa beans) and contributing to the spread of cocoa plants. And it is precisely by imitating the monkeys that the Maya approached the “fruit of the gods” starting from the fifth century BC and spreading cultivation. It is said that the entire Masomaerican population considered cocoa a divine gift: therefore linked to important celebrations and sacred rites. Nonetheless, the Mayans had understood the nutritional properties and the potential contained in the fruit: it was believed, in fact, that cocoa was a sexual tonic and therefore was given to the bride during the marriage ritual. Divine fruit, dish for rituals and still a currency of exchange, cocoa becomes an integral part of everyday life for the Mayan population. The modern processing of cocoa to obtain chocolate actually dates back to the Mayas, with small modifications, different cuts, new techniques but essentially it was the Mayas who taught us how to transform seeds wrapped in a white and stringy substance into modern chocolate: the the fruit (the cabossa) was opened leaving the seeds (the beans) to ferment in the sun; then followed the roasting and grinding with a rolling pin that broke the bean letting out the cocoa butter (the fatty part of the fruit) to which added flavorings and corn flour giving rise to the cocoa mass. They were then preserved by drying in pats and consumed with the addition of hot water, filtered and drunk cold as a drink after a meal and called by the Aztecs “tciocoatl”, while the cocoa plant was “cacahuatl”.

ChocoPills: chocolate and philosophy
“Chocolate was particularly appreciated by the Enlightenment. Voltaire consumed several cups a day, finding chocolate very useful for philosophical speculation: unlike alcohol which dulled cognitive abilities, chocolate stimulates them” – Luca Fiorucci, journalist

But we don’t listen to Voltaire and recommend chocolate with wine!

With chocolate we have organoleptic sensations such as succulence (salivation when tasted), the bitter tendency (linked to the cocoa % of chocolate which we remember have tannins like wine), fatness (linked to cocoa butter and milk), structure, aroma, intensity, sweetness and persistence. Depending on the organoleptic properties of the chocolate, we will be able to combine the wine that best marries and matches. For succulence, for example, we will look for a wine with alcohol and tannins. For the bitter tendency, alcohol and softness. For the fatness a savory wine.

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Blog Recipe24 September 202418 September 2023 By umbriasi 0

Mostaccioli

In the month of September, typically known for the grape harvest and the grape harvest, we find a famous traditional dessert from Umbria
According to tradition, mostaccioli were the favorite dessert of Saint Francis who tasted these “good and fragrant” biscuits, as the saint said, during his first stay in Rome.
Offering what would become her perennial “sin of gluttony” was Jacopa de’ Settesoli, a Roman noblewoman, who became a collaborator of the newborn Franciscan movement and a dear friend of Saint Francis, so much so that he affectionately called her Friar Jacopa. It is said that Saint Francis liked these sweets so much that he desired them even at the point of death!
Ingredients
Flour 600 g
Sugar 200 g
Raisins 50 g
Brewer’s yeast 50 g
Must 300 ml
Zest of 1 lemon
Extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons
Anise seeds (if desired)

Preparation
After sifting the flour, arrange it in a well and add the oil, sugar, sultanas and anise seeds. Mix everything and, once the brewer’s yeast has dissolved in the must, add it to the mixture, continuing to knead until you obtain a dough that can easily be detached from the work surface.
At this point, stretch the dough with your hands to obtain a cylinder, cut it into small pieces and give your mostaccioli the appearance you prefer: diamond-shaped or in the shape of a small donut. Then place them on the baking tray with baking paper. Bake them at 180 degrees and let them cook for about 30 minutes. Once ready, sprinkle a little icing sugar on top.

Curiosity
Cooked must was a typical sweetener throughout peasant Italy and was obtained by cooking fresh must for many hours in low, wide copper containers. Over time, this delicious but time-consuming ingredient has been replaced by sugar.
Cooked must is produced by pressing well-ripe grapes, with a higher sugar quality than that required for the production of wine (23-25% sugar), subsequently filtering the juice obtained. After this, the juice is cooked in containers traditionally made of copper or terracotta, but today replaced by stainless steel. Once boiled, it continues to cook over a low heat for several hours, until the liquid shrinks by a quarter of its initial volume. In many southern regions, “mostaccioli” are famous, desserts made from cooked must, but with a rhombus shape that differentiates them from our tradition.

Blog Consigli Tips10 September 202410 September 2024 By umbriasi 0

Foliage in Umbria

The Green Heart of Italy warms up with colors in autumn: from September Umbria lights up with red, yellow and orange!

After the summer heat, nature blows its most beautiful colors and, temporarily abandoning the green, it colors before the arrival of winter. Autumn in Umbria is made up of the smell of leaves, of wood burning in the first fireplaces that are lit.

It is the season of harvesting and pressing the olives, then boiling the musts and mills where you can taste the bruschetta with the new oil.

Don’t miss a bike ride along the Strada del Sagrantino, with its purple vines, or a walk in the woods, such as the Bosco di San Francesco in Assisi, where you can admire the autumn foliage, or go with the children to collect chestnut curls in the area of Città di Castello.

Blog Consigli Tips1 September 20249 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

What to do in Umbria in September? UmbriaSì tells you

Perfect Climate and Postcard Landscapes: Umbria in September Version

September is the ideal month to discover Umbria, when the summer heat gives way to a cooler and more pleasant climate. The days are still long and sunny, perfect for exploring the picturesque medieval villages, trekking among the green hills, and enjoying the charm of the landscapes that are starting to take on the colors of autumn. Imagine walking among golden vineyards and fields of sunflowers, with the fresh air making every outdoor activity a real pleasure.

Here are our three tips on what to do in Umbria in September

September is the harvest month, a magical time in Umbria when the vineyards are tinged with warm colors and the air smells of must. Participating in events such as Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia is a unique experience: you can visit the cellars, discover the secrets of wine production and participate in guided tastings.

The areas of Montefalco, famous for its prized Sagrantino, and Bevagna, with its white and fruity wines, are ideal for a day dedicated to taste. Don’t forget to taste the local products paired with the wines, such as cured meats, cheeses and bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil

September offers ideal temperatures to discover the wonderful Umbrian landscapes. Trekking lovers will find in the Sibillini Mountains or on Mount Subasio paths immersed in nature, among woods, flowery meadows and breathtaking views. For those who prefer cycling, the Vecchi Ferrovia Spoleto Norcia route is perfect: a suggestive route that crosses fields, medieval bridges and villages rich in history. Furthermore, Lake Trasimeno, with its cycle paths and the possibility of combining bikes and boats to reach the islands, offers a relaxing and regenerating experience.

In September, Umbria comes alive with festivals and historical reenactments that celebrate local traditions. Each Umbrian village has its own unique charm during this period, with romantic views that light up with the colors of autumn.

We are waiting for you in Umbria

Activity Blog7 August 202420 August 2024 By umbriasi 0

Experience an Incredible Adventure: Rafting in Umbria

If you are looking for an adventurous and engaging experience, rafting in Umbria is the perfect choice. Umbria, the green heart of Italy, offers breathtaking landscapes and rushing rivers that lend themselves magnificently to this exciting sport.

Umbria is one of the most fascinating destinations for rafting thanks to its variety of rivers and the natural beauty of the territory. Nestled between green hills, ancient forests and spectacular mountains, the region offers waterways that wind through uncontaminated landscapes, making each descent a unique and unforgettable experience.

The three reasons why you should consider rafting in Umbria

**Contact with nature:** During rafting, you will have the opportunity to experience nature directly, discovering hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes that only the river can offer.
**Adrenaline and fun:** Rafting is a dynamic and adventurous activity, perfect for those looking for strong emotions and guaranteed fun, both for beginners and experts.
**Activities for everyone:** Suitable for groups of friends, families and couples, the rafting experience in Umbria is designed to be accessible to everyone. all, with routes of varying difficulty and expert guides who guarantee safety and fun.

In Umbria, the main waterways suitable for rafting are along the Nera River or its tributary the Corno River, which flows through the picturesque Valnerina, and near the Marmore Falls.

Rafting in Umbria is an experience that offers adrenaline and natural beauty in a single adventurous package. Whether you are an expert rafter or a beginner looking for excitement, Umbria has something to offer everyone. With routes that pass through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the region, a rafting adventure here is not only a sporting activity, but an opportunity to connect with nature and discover the charm of Umbria from a unique perspective.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure among the Umbrian rapids this summer.

💚We are waiting for you in Umbria💚

Blog Consigli Tips1 August 20249 April 2025 By umbriasi 0

What to do in Umbria in August? UmbriaSì tells you

August in Umbria is a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and discovery. Between uncontaminated nature, local traditions and cultural events, you will find everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Here are our three tips on what to do in Umbria in August

Refresh yourself in nature: rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

In August, Umbria is a perfect destination for a holiday that combines nature, culture and traditions. Hot days can be refreshed by exploring unique places such as the Marmore Falls, where water and greenery come together in a regenerating atmosphere. You can relax on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, enjoying a swim or a kayak ride, or immerse yourself in the clear waters of the Nera River, perhaps experiencing the thrill of rafting or simply enjoying the quiet of these natural places.

Participate in summer events: local culture and traditions.

The month of August is also full of events that celebrate Umbrian culture and traditions. You can attend concerts and shows at the prestigious Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto or be fascinated by historical re-enactments such as the Palio dei Terzieri in Città della Pieve, where time seems to go back with costume parades and archery competitions. For lovers of good food, food and wine festivals offer a journey into the authentic flavors of the region, including truffles, wild boar and fine wines.

Experience a slow holiday, away from the crowds.

If you want a quiet and regenerating break, Umbria is the ideal place to discover its relaxed pace. You can stroll through silent streets in medieval villages, where time seems to pass more slowly. August is also the perfect time to treat yourself to a visit to the abbeys and monasteries hidden among the hills, where spirituality and peace reign supreme. Take advantage of this month to immerse yourself in the small pleasures of life, such as enjoying a coffee in a quiet square or walking through the vineyards, enjoying the view without haste.

We are waiting for you in Umbria

Tour of the Abbeys between Umbria and Marche: an itinerary in the places of silence and prayer