Umbertide

Medieval bastions and contemporary art. The ancient stone wall of Umbertide houses a borough suspended in time. Carved by the River Tiber and the River Reggia, the village rises on a green valley dominated by Monte Acuto. In the stretches lapped by the waters of the rivers, its historic centre is still enclosed by the medieval walls.

The village's symbol is the 15th-century fortress that opens in Piazza Fortebracci. The square tower, which rises for thirty-one-meters, is located in front of the River Reggia, connected inward by two lower circular turrets and a third square bulwark. An ancient prison which also hosted Armo Fortebracci da Montone among its prisoners, after a careful and patient restoration, it is nowadays used as a centre for contemporary art exhibitions. The ancient cells and stately rooms are part of a lively museum trail, thanks to the sensitivity of art lovers, collectors and expert curators.

The origins of Umbertide date back to the Etruscan period: in the VI century.  There are the bronze medals of Monte Acuto, votive objects found at the top of the mountain where a sanctuary once stood. The first reliable record of the city was in 1189, when the town was subject to the jurisdiction of Perugia.

From the most splendid periods, artistic treasures are preserved in beautiful churches. Like the church of Santa Croce from 1610, restored and transformed into a museum. Inside there is the La Deposizione dalla Croce by Luca Signorelli and a painting by Pomarancio. Or the church of Santa Maria della Pietà (1486) with the famous fresco attributed to Pinturicchio and the church of Saint Francis, the oldest in Umbertide (1299). The church of St. Bernard and the church of Santa Maria della Reggia, are also praiseworthy.

The valley surrounding Umbertide is full of castles (Civitella Ranieri, Serra Partucci, Montalto, Ascagano, Romeggio and Polgeto), ancient medieval villages (Preggio, Montemigiano and Santa Giuliana) and churches framed by beech and chestnut woods such as San Salvatore and the hermitage of Monte Corona).

The soul of the clashes that have been consumed on the territory between the Risorgimento troops is still preserved today among the houses of the villages. Once a year, theatrical performances, battles, concerts and popular balls revive the atmosphere of the past during the historic re-evocation called "Fratta dell'Ottocento". The streets are populated by costumed figures and singers who shout with the crowd and the town band while taverns and inns offer ancient Fratta cuisine. September is the month of feasts. The commercial liveliness once again returns to the Fairs hosting two hundred merchants and about forty-four stands in the historic centre, while popular music is played.