Summer in Umbria: the beauty of spirituality, festivals and nature

Summer in Umbria means reveling in the beauty of spirituality, festivals and nature and it also combines contemporary culture and slow tourism.

The 800 anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi

From major events dedicated to the 800th anniversary of St Francis to festivals set in woods, along cycle paths, walking trails and historic villages, Umbria is The Green Heart of Italy and confirms its transformation into an experiential, well-organized and accessible destination. Today visiting Umbria no longer means simply letting yourself be guided by intuition or the beauty of the landscapes. In recent years, the region has built an integrated tourism system, where lightweight infrastructure, digital tools and local networks allow for the planning of detailed and personalized itineraries.


This is the case with Bike in Umbria, a project that has redefined cycle tourism through detailed routes, downloadable GPX tracks and itineraries with precise information on elevation gains, journey times and rest stops. The same approach underpins “Cammini in Umbria”, a network linking spiritual, nature and cultural trails throughout the region. One of the most successful examples of this new approach is the Lake Trasimeno area. Here a 58-kilometre circular cycle route connects Castiglione del Lago, Passignano, Tuoro and Magione, passing through lakeside landscapes and nature reserves. Branching off from the main route are paths leading to the hilltop villages of Panicale, Paciano and Città della Pieve, The Trasimeno museum circuit is accessible with a single ticket.

The summer Festival of Two Worlds

Alongside slow tourism Umbria continues to invest in culture and major events. The summer season opens with the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto and Umbria Jazz in Perugia, historic events that attract international audiences. But the calendar extends well beyond the major urban centres. Suoni Controvento brings concerts to meadows and mountains, whilst Moon in June transforms Lake Trasimeno into a natural stage.


ph credits: Umbria Region

Exhibitions honouring Saint Francis

This year the symbolic heart of Umbria remains Assisi, with the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis transforming the city into an international cultural hub. Exhibitions, spiritual journeys and contemporary events accompany visitors throughout the year. Among the most eagerly awaited events is Michelangelo Pistoletto. Franciscus. Brother in Art, an exhibition at the Rocca Maggiore, which brings cntemporary art and Franciscan thought into dialogue. In Perugia the exhibition Giotto and St Francis. A Revolution in 14th-Century Umbria explores the deep connection between the saint and the region’s artistic history.

Castelluccio is famous for its colourful blossoms

The Valnerina also takes centre stage once more thanks to the reopening of Norcia’s historic centre and the Basilica of St Benedict. Here, the blossoming of Castelluccio continues to be one of Italy’s most iconic natural spectacles. Between late May and mid-July, the high plateau called Piano Grande is covered with huge patches of colorful flowers: poppies, cornflowers, daisies, violets, narcissus, and especially the tiny lentil flowers for which Castelluccio is famous. Nearby Cascia and the sites associated with St Rita reinforce the area’s spiritual appeal, and not far away, the Marmore Falls completes the picture with outdoor experiences immersed in nature.