Umbria, The Land Of Saints

St. Benedict of Nursia writing the Benedictine rule, portrait in the church of Heiligenkreuz Abbey near Baden bei Wien, Lower Austria. Portrait (1926) by Herman Nieg (1849-1928) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) stained glass window. Cathedral of Saint-Rombouts, Mechelen (Belgium). In the book an extract of St. Thomas's hymn Pange lingua ("Sing, My Tongue"): Verbum caro pane vero verbo carnem efecit fit(que ...) Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature by His word to Flesh He turns, and He makes ... (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Francis of Assisi (circa 1182-1220) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

In Umbria, villas are beginning to gain stock among international tourists as the preferred choice of accommodation. While people are slowly discovering the quaint, rural charms the region has to offer, what many may not be aware of is this region of Italy is best renowned, internally, for being the birthplace of an uncommon number of saints.

In fact, one of the monikers the region often goes by among Italians is precisely translated as 'The Land of Saints'. Tourist officials and providers of Umbria villas are also quick to point out this connection, usually following it up with a list of the many interesting mediaeval sites one can visit in the region. However, while this may be seen by some as just a cheap marketing ploy, the fact is the region does offer a number of interesting spots of both religious and historical interest.

The saints

Perhaps the most famous saint to be born in this part of Italy was St Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order of monks and main responsible for Western monasticism. Visitors who have an interest in exploring some religious history when renting Umbria villas should visit the nearby monasteries, including Saint Peter in Perugia, Santa Maria of Valdiponte in Montelabbate (near Perugia), Saint Benedict at Monte Subasio, close to Assisi, Saint Salvatore of Monte Corona and the abbeys of Petroia, near Citt� di Castello, and Sassovivo, near Foligno. A trip to St Benedict's birth village of Norcia is also mandatory, if only to appreciate the recently rebuilt Benedictine monastery - the work of a group of American monks invested in bringing the order back to its birthplace, after Napoleonic laws had banished them over two centuries previously.

Another relevant saint to hail from the region in a time long ago was St Francis of Assisi, founder of the famed Franciscan order. The basilica of Assisi is a compulsory stop for people wanting to find out more about this saint, whilst the church of Saint Fortunate contains the remainders of Jacopone, a devout follower of the saint who was also one of the first poets to compose in 'common' ancient Italian dialect.

Other major places of interest for tourists renting Umbria villas and interested in the lives of saints are the basilica and monastery of Santa Rita, in Cascia, and the basilica of Saint Valentine, who was beheaded in Rome and whose name is synonymous with the day dedicated to celebrating love. However, religious history aficionados will find saint-related monuments and locales in almost any nook and cranny in Umbria. Villas will never be far from these magnificent religious works of art.

It is clear to see, then, why the region fully deserves its unofficial title of 'The Land of Saints'. Those interested in history or religion that are planning a stay in Umbria villas will be in for a treat.

Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect [http://www.to-tuscany.com/]Umbria villas as well as those in Tuscany and Puglia. With an excellent reputation, all our properties are personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the regions.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Umbria,-The-Land-Of-Saints&id=8113849] Umbria, The Land Of Saints

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Exploring the Captivating Charms of Chianti

Landscape in the Italian wine region of Greve in the Chianti area in Tuscany, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

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Alberobello (Photo credit: daysecoyle)

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Florence Roofs (Photo credit: plemeljr)

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Piazza del Campo with Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, town of Siena, Tuscany/Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Experience picture postcard Tuscany as you explore the stunning and beautiful Chianti area in the heart of Italy. Wander around the quaint hilltop towns, visit some of the country's most romantic cities and soak up the unique light and atmosphere while meandering through the countryside. When choosing to stay in Tuscany, villas dotted throughout the region are the perfect way to make the most of your time here. In Tuscany, villas are offered for rent by many excellent companies, all with something different to offer. You are certain to find one that suits your group size and holiday aspirations. Whether you are travelling with a group of friends, family, or even if you and a loved one are looking for a peaceful getaway, there will be somewhere perfect for you in this stunning region.

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Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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The Highlights of Lucca - A True Tuscan Gem

Salumi e vino lucchese. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Learning Holidays in Chianti

Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Must See Sights in Spectacular Tuscany

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Visiting the Tuscany Umbria Border Area of Italy

Orvieto Le Dôme-Façade-Ombrie-Italy- (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Emma Cordingley

South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbria's  north
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to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions
while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and
enjoying one of its greatest cuisines.  The area is largely rural, the main crops are
sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out.  Modernity
has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many
visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years.   Staying in this area
you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within
two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns
such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi.  Apart from their art treasures these
towns are places everyone enjoys visiting.  All have their own architectural delights
and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are
the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of
Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto.  Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit
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Playing Knights and Princesses: Exploring Umbria with Kids

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Devouring the Unique Cuisine of Umbria

'Wine Break', Italy, Apennine Mountains, Umbria, Castelluccio di Norcia (Photo credit: WanderingtheWorld (www.LostManProject.com))

By []Giovanni Balboni

Ask people what their favourite food is and chances are pretty high they'll answer 'Italian'. From pizza, to pasta, to the most amazing entrees and desserts, everyone is sure to have a favourite Italian dish.

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Tuscan Cuisine: Simple, Rustic and Delicious

Bistecca alla fiorentina (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

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Travel to Volterra and Discover the Real Tuscany

Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By Giovanni Balboni


Volterra is not one of the best-known settlements in Tuscany, however, it is certainly one of the most appealing. Of all of the hilltop towns in the region, there are few that can match it.
There are many reasons so many people decide to make their holidays in Tuscany; villas in this region provide visitors with rolling hills, exquisite landscapes, quaint architecture and a more relaxed way of life. Volterra has all of these in abundance, making it the ideal place to spend some quality downtime.

The Ampelography of Chianti

A close-up view of sangiovese grapes to be made into Chianti at the Colle Lungo vineyard in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Giovanni Balboni


While there are many people who might enjoy a wonderful holiday with a Chianti villa rental, there is one subsection of the general populace who find it particularly appealing - ampelographers! Confused? Don't worry - if you've never heard it before, ampelography is just the term for the field of botany which studies the classification and identification of grapevines. As a scientific discipline, it grew to prominence in the 19th century, as it became important to gain a greater knowledge of grapevines in the face of diseases and pests such as phylloxera. The grape vine is an extremely mutable species, making the study of it absolutely fascinating - and its good news for wine lovers as well, as it allows the range of different vintages we enjoy today. An ampelographer visiting Chianti will find a lot to mull over while sampling the region's wines.

What to Do on Holiday in Lazio and Rome

Rome (Photo credit: ryarwood)By Andy Gibson


Rome is one place that is known all over the world for its rich history and spectacular architecture. Many tourists come to this part of Italy and stay in holiday rentals.
There are some truly amazing holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments that can be rented in this part of Italy as self catering holiday homes.
Rome is capital city of Lazio and Italy and is the most populated one as well. It is situated in the western- central portion of the Italian peninsula over the River Tiber.

Agriturismo Holidays in Italy

Il Mulino Degli Elfi (Photo credit: diroussel)Property panorama (Photo credit: Daniel Pertovt)


By Fiona Tankard


For some people, the perfect holiday might be summarized as follows: arrive at the airport, check into a luxury hotel, spend the rest of the time at the pool or the beach with the latest bestseller. That may be a good way to unwind and indulge in a bit of unstructured, do-nothing time, but it has always seemed to me to be a bit of a waste, especially when you are a foreign country. Not that I am advocating racing around museums or culturally worthy sights, especially when the weather is hot and you are faced with queues and cross children, but maybe there is a way to have the best of both worlds.
In Italy, one way to experience an authentic taste of the country, its cooking and its way of life is to book yourself into an agriturismo. This roughly translates as a 'farm holiday', but the type of holiday accommodation you find can vary from the simple and rustic to a level of sophistication that's on a par with any five-star hotel.

Visiting the Tuscany Umbria Border Area of Italy

Image via WikipediaBy Emma Cordingley


South eastern Tuscany meets its smaller neighbour Umbria, on Umbria's north

eastern border. The border area of Tuscany and Umbria in Italy is a wonderful place

to stay as the visitor is able to visit the many cities and towns of the two regions

while staying in one of the most picturesque areas the world has to offer and

enjoying one of its greatest cuisines. The area is largely rural, the main crops are

sunflowers, maize, olives, vines and tobacco which is being phased out. Modernity

has been slow to reach this area and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, many

visitors feel as if they had stepped back in time 30 or 40 years. Staying in this area

you are within 90% of UNESCOs world art treasures: Rome and Florence are within

two hours drive and one must not forget the important art works of nearer towns

such as Arezzo, Siena, Perugia and Assisi. Apart from their art treasures these

towns are places everyone enjoys visiting. All have their own architectural delights

and meandering lanes and interesting shops and restaurants. Also worth visiting are

the Tuscan towns of ; Cortona and Sansepolcro and the Umbrian towns of

Gubbio,Citta di Castello, Todi and Orvieto. Lovers of ceramics will also want to visit

Deruta famous for its production of some the world's finest majolica.
Wine lovers are also in for a treat as many great wines are found in this area.

Although Chianti is not strictly on the Tuscany Umbria border it is only a short drive.

The brunellos of Montalcino and Vino Nobile of Montepulciano are found in this

area.
There is a wide choice of accommodation available for those wishing to come to this

area of Italy. Agriturismi offering either self-catering apartments or B&B type

accommodation have sprung up everywhere. A popular choice for the visitor to this

area of Tuscany and Umbria is to rent a self-catering villa, farmhouse or apartment

through a rental agency. With a rental agency one can be sure that the house or

apartment has been properly scrutinised and is priced fairly to reflect its quality,

situation and accessibility. Farmhouses, villas and apartments with or without

swimming pools are all available. If one wishes to stay in a country property in this

area car hire is almost essential. Public transport in the rural areas of Tuscany and

Umbria although reliable, is sparse. Most villages have a bus service once a day,

relying upon this creates a lack of flexibility. Many of the farmhouses and villas for

holiday rental are on hillsides a good walk from a main road. Often vacation rental

houses in Tuscany and Umbria are reached along gravel roads or "strade bianche" .

City inhabitants are often alarmed at these gravel roads but after the initial drive

along them the nerves are soon overcome.

Please visit http://www.tuscanyumbria.com to find a rental property for your holiday in the

Tuscany or Umbria regions of Italy.
Emma Cordingley, originally from the UK has lived on the Tuscany Umbria border for 7 years with her husband and 2 daughters. Together with her husband she runs a vacation rental agency offering villas, farmhouses and apartments for holiday rentals, http://www.tuscanyumbria.com and walking holidays; http://www.tuscanyumbriawalks.com.

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