Introduction
The Valle Umbra between Perugia and Spoleto is the green heart of Italy, a land of black tartufo, Sagrantino wine, and ancient olive mills.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 4 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Perugia e Valle Umbra:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Perugia e Valle Umbra:
Umbria Jazz
LuglioPerugia · Dal 1973
Festival jazz internazionale di fama mondiale.
Eurochocolate
OttobrePerugia · Dal 1994
Il più grande festival del cioccolato in Europa.
Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero
Febbraio-MarzoNorcia
Fiera del tartufo nero pregiato di Norcia e dei prodotti norcini.
Festa dei Ceri
15 maggioGubbio
Corsa dei Ceri di 280 kg sul Monte Ingino, tra le feste più spettacolari d'Italia.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Perugia e Valle Umbra represent the excellence of the area:
Extra virgin olive oil from the Moraiolo, Leccino and Frantoio varieties grown in the Umbrian hills.
Prized black truffle from the Umbrian hills, harvested from November to March.
Small and flavorful lentil cultivated on the Castelluccio plateau at 1400 m elevation.
Powerful and tannic red wine from an indigenous vine variety, one of Italy's longest-lived wines.
What to eat in Perugia e Valle Umbra
Handmade Umbrian pasta dressed with Tartufo Nero di Norcia.
Whole deboned pork roasted with herbs, salt and wild fennel.
Focaccia cooked on stone (testo), filled with sausage and greens.
IGP lentil soup from the plateau, small and flavorful.
Traditions & Culture
Europe's largest chocolate festival, held in the historic center of Perugia.
World-renowned international jazz festival in the heart of Perugia.
Candle race in Gubbio: three teams carry 280 kg candles up Monte Ingino.
UNESCO Heritage
The Basilica of Assisi with Giotto's frescoes depicting the life of San Francesco.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
Mountain range featuring the Piana di Castelluccio and the lentil blooms.
Mountain overlooking Assisi with forests and Franciscan hermitages.
Historical Figures
Patron Saint of Italy, born in Assisi in 1182, founder of the Franciscan order.
Founder of Western monasticism, born in Norcia in 480 A.D.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Perugia e Valle Umbra are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“The term 'norcino' (expert in pork processing) derives from the city of Norcia.”
“The blooming of lentils at Castelluccio creates a mosaic of colors that attracts thousands of visitors.”
“Perugia is the city of chocolate: Perugina invented the Bacio in 1922.”
“Every year, Gubbio lights up the world's largest Christmas tree on Monte Ingino (750 m high).”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What PDO and IGP products are found in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
In Perugia and Valle Umbra you will find 4 protected designation products, including: Olio Umbria (PDO), Tartufo Nero di Norcia (PAT), Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia (IGP), Sagrantino di Montefalco (DOCG).
2What should you eat in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
Typical dishes of Perugia and Valle Umbra include: Strangozzi al tartufo nero, Porchetta di Norcia, Torta al testo, Lenticchie di Castelluccio. Each of these dishes tells the gastronomic tradition of the territory.
3What UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
In Perugia and Valle Umbra there is 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Basilica di San Francesco and Franciscan sites (Cultural, 2000).
4What are the most famous festivals in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in Perugia and Valle Umbra are: Umbria Jazz (Perugia, July); Eurochocolate (Perugia, October); Black Truffle Market Fair (Norcia, February-March); Festa dei Ceri (Gubbio, May 15).
5What natural parks are in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
Protected natural areas in Perugia and Valle Umbra include: Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (National Park), Parco del Monte Subasio (Regional Park).
6Who organizes the festivals in Perugia and Valle Umbra?expand_more
The festivals in Perugia and Valle Umbra are organized by local communities such as Fondazione Umbria Jazz and Pro Loco Norcia. These local organizations and associations are the custodians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.