 Introduction
History and Culture
Eventually the Etruscans arrived, forcing the Umbrians to concede much of their territory and to retreat into various central valleys and plains; their was cooperation with the Etruscans, and, many centuries later, the two peoples put up a united front against the might of Rome.
The Etruscans conquered the cities of Umbria, also founding their own, establishing them as autonomous city states with federal agreements between them. Their tenure is still clearly visible in many Umbrian towns and cities, particularly Orvieto, Perugia and Città della Pieve, where the Etruscan city-scape evolves around ridge-following roads, not around central squares, as with Roman settlements. It was the might of Rome that saw the relatively swift decline of the Etruscan civilisation, and the battle of Sentino in 295 BC saw the Etruscans, alliances notwithstanding, defeated, with all of Umbria falling under the control of Rome. Roman rule brought to Umbria a long period of relative peace and increasing cultural and economic prosperity.
By the 4th century there were already 21 distinct dioceses throughout Umbria, and the Bishops came to be the cultural and spiritual figureheads of the region. Umbria was to enjoy a brief period of calm when the Byzantines finally defeated the Goths in 522, this lasting until the Longobards arrived and took possession of large parts of eastern Umbria, eventually establishing the Duchy of Spoleto.
the Umbrian territories, including the Duchy of Spoleto, were passed to the church. With the fall of the empire of Charlemagne, Rome and the church consolidated their position, formally declaring Umbria to be part of the Papal State. The region flourished, and there were increases in both prosperity and population, with merchants and artisans acquiring respect and positions of authority.
The region was a centre of learning courtesy of numerous Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries, and the University of Perugia was established in 1308. The Papacy 'took' Umbria in the 16th century, with Perugia, the main city, being the last to fall in the year 1540. Umbria was briefly occupied by France from 1798 to 1800 and again later from 1808 to 1814, after which it again reverted to Roman rule. Several anti-Papacy revolts later, Umbria joins the Italian state in 1860.
Places in the Region of Umbria
Events
Note d'in…chiostro" is a series of concerts organised by the pastoral committee of the Basilica of St Francis' with the aim of offering young Umbrian musicians and singers the chance to show their talents.
Palio di San Rufino - August 25-26 - Assisi
The Assisi company of crossbowmen celebrates the Palio di San Rufino with a competition between the city's three Terzieri factions (San Francesco, San Rufino, Dive Marie). The winning Terziere wins the Drappo, painted by an artist. The Palio is followed by a procession in period costume.
St. Francesco's Day - October 3-4 - Assisi
National celebration in honour of Saint Francis, the Patron Saint of Italy - Religious services in the Basilica of San Francesco and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Related events include shows of folk dancing and song.
Feast of St Claire - August 11 - Assisi
Assisi celebrates the feast day of St Claire with a number of religious and secular events. Interstingly, St Claire is also the patron saint of television.
Music festival Assisi - July 27-30 - Assisi
Seventh Edition of Cambio Festival which will be held in the medieval Palazzo di Assisi Castle. Music in the Castle during the Assisi summer.
Calendimaggio - May - Assisi
It is a spectacular evocation of medieval and Renaissance costumes and life. The two ancient medieval wards, the “Parte di Sopra” and the “Parte di Sotto”, engage in a spectacular challenge which takes the form of theatre shows, concerts, songs and choruses, dances, processions, archery, crossbow and flag-waving displays. The districts compete in a singing contest among the spectacular floral decorations, flags, torches and candles.
- Assisi
Umbria Jazz Summer - July - Assisi
This was first held in 1973 and today, it has become the top European jazz festival. All of the greatest contemporary jazz musicians have played at Umbria Jazz. The festival lasts for ten days and is held almost entirely in Perugia's historic district in ancient palaces, squares and parks. Thousand of young people and jazz fans throng to Perugia from all over Europe and the United States.
Sagra Musicale Umbra - September - Perugia
It is held in Perugia and other Umbrian cities. It was founded in 1937 and has now become one of the most popular cultural events in the region. It focuses on two types of repertoire: sacred music and twentieth-century music. It has also featured numerous debuts. Some of the most important participants have included orchestra directors such as Karajan, Mitropoulus and Muti, and composers such as Britten, Hindemith, Penderecki and Stockhausen.
Classic Perugia - September - Perugia
This event is dedicated to presenting a broad panorama of acoustical instruments, with shows featuring Italian and foreigner producers. There is also an exhibit of ancient musical instruments made by master craftsmen. This year, the event will be dedicated entirely to the World Piano Symposium. However, just like every year, there will also be classic events: conventions, concerts held in the city theatres and historic sites throughout the city, master classes held by world-famous musicians, and competitions.
Eurochocolate - October - Perugia
The event, dedicated to the food of the gods, transforms the city of Perugia into an animated patisserie each year. Amateur and semi-professional courses, exhibits and other events are held at the Gourmand Theater, the International Chocolate Gallery and Piazza del Bacio. This is a unique and varied festival that also involves the outlying areas and stars the most important sweets industries in Italy and abroad. Each year is celebrated with events worthy of the Guinness record as far as chocolate is concerned: the enormous blocks of sculpted chocolate in the city center, the reconstruction of the Berlin Wall with semisweet chocolate bricks, the cake and the maxi-sized chocolate bar the biggest in the world!
Festival dei Due Mondi - July - Spoleto
Spoleto becomes one big stage during the first half of July, showcasing a remarkable programme of visual and performance arts. Concerts, meetings, exhibitions and screenings fill an agenda for the enjoyment of thousands across a range of venues. Typically, the programme begins with a inaugural concert on the Piazza Duomo outside the cathedral. A prelude concert and several opera performances are held in one of the town's lovely theatres. Dance performances, cinema screenings and a host of classical music performances fill more than two weeks, with a daily series of midday concerts being a particular favorite.
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Umbria Travel Guide
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