The 10 Most Beautiful Places in Umbria – For Casa Burnie

Umbria is known as the green heart of Italy and offers an impressive variety of nature, culture, and history in a compact region. From Casa Burnie in Monte Castello di Vibio, you can reach many of the region’s highlights within 30–45 minutes. Each section introduces a town, provides background information, tips, and reveals a “hidden gem.”

1. Todi – A Medieval Jewel with Underground Secrets

Todi sits atop a hill and is surrounded by several concentric walls, ancient Roman cisterns, and Renaissance palaces. The main square, Piazza del Popolo, with Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo del Capitano, and Palazzo del Popolo, exudes medieval charm; cobblestone alleys, small shops, and cafés invite you to linger. A highlight is the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, with its magnificent façade, rose window, and interior frescoes. The former people’s fortress and the Captain’s Palace are architectural testimonies of the free city-republic and today house a museum.
Hidden gem: Under the square stretches a five-kilometer labyrinth of Roman cisterns and tunnels that can be visited on guided tours — perfect for hot summer days.

2. Deruta – Ceramic Town with Vibrant Workshop

The small town of Deruta has been one of the most famous centers of majolica ceramics since the 15th–16th century. In the narrow streets around Porta di S. Michele Arcangelo and the squares Piazza Biordo Michelotti and Piazza dei Consoli, you’ll find numerous workshops where artisans paint traditional designs such as “Raffaellesco,” “Ricco Deruta,” or “Arabesco.” A visit to the Regional Museum of Ceramics and the Pinacoteca inside Palazzo dei Consoli provides insight into history and craftsmanship.
Tip: Deruta consists of two parts — the lower area with most shops and the upper medieval district offering peace and beautiful views.
Hidden gem: The “Scalinata del Ceramista,” a staircase of 58 hand-painted ceramic tiles, connects the lower part to the historic center and is a colorful photo spot.

3. Orvieto – A Cliff-Top City with Cathedral and Underground World

Orvieto lies spectacularly atop a steep tuff cliff and rewards visitors with panoramic views in all directions. A funicular connects the train station to the old town. The heart of the city is the cathedral — a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture with a white-and-black marble façade, bas-reliefs, and a colorful rose window. Inside the Chapel of San Brizio, frescoes by Luca Signorelli depict dramatic scenes of the Last Judgment. Along the Corso, palaces, the Torre del Moro, and the Etruscan necropolis invite you to explore.
Hidden gem: Beneath the city runs a labyrinth of Etruscan caves, cisterns, and chambers that can be visited on guided tours — including ancient oil mills, escape tunnels, and the “Pozzo della Cava,” a well that once connected the fortress to the outside world.

4. Perugia – Culture, Students, and Underground Fortresses

Perugia lies atop several hills and is the vibrant capital of Umbria — known for its international university, chocolate festival, and medieval cityscape. The heart of the city is Piazza IV Novembre with the Fontana Maggiore, Palazzo dei Priori, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The Rocca Paolina, a 16th-century fortress built over an entire medieval quarter, is particularly impressive: today you can stroll through its underground streets. The alleys of the historic center, viewpoints over the Tiber Valley, and numerous cafés and shops give the city a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Tip: Use the escalators inside the Rocca Paolina — a unique way to explore Perugia.
Hidden gem: The “Ipogeo dei Volumni,” an Etruscan family tomb with chambers, sarcophagi, and decorations, lies just outside the city and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Umbria.

5. Assisi – A Spiritual Town Full of Frescoes

Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare, is a spiritual center with a centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. The Basilica of San Francesco, with its upper and lower churches, is one of the most important sacred buildings in Europe. Inside, magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue illustrate the life of St. Francis in vibrant colors. The town itself enchants with steep alleys, medieval houses of pink limestone, and views into the valley. A walk through the historic center leads to churches, monasteries, and the Roman Temple of Minerva.
Tip: Plan enough time — Assisi is extensive and divided into several levels.
Hidden gem: The quiet Eremo delle Carceri, located above Assisi in the forest, was once a hermitage for Francis and his followers and is still a place of contemplation today.

6. Monte Castello di Vibio – A Tiny Village with the World’s Smallest Theater

Just above Casa Burnie lies Monte Castello di Vibio, a charming medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, and panoramic views over the Tiber Valley. The village is home to the Teatro della Concordia — considered the smallest theater in the world — built in the 19th century and beautifully preserved. Only a few hundred inhabitants live here, giving the place a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. From the village square, you can reach cafés, historic buildings, and scenic walking paths.
Tip: Book a guided visit to the theater — the stories behind it are fascinating.
Hidden gem: Just outside the village runs the ancient “Strada di San Lorenzo,” a walking path leading through olive groves and fields, offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

7. Cascate delle Marmore – One of Europe’s Highest Man-Made Waterfalls

The Marmore Falls, created by the Romans, drop a total of 165 meters in three cascades and are among the highest man-made waterfalls in the world. The spectacle is particularly impressive when the water is released at fixed times — the thunder of the waterfall can be heard from far away. Several hiking trails lead to viewing platforms, bridges, and cool mist zones. The surrounding area is a nature reserve with forests and rock formations.
Tip: Check the water release schedule before your visit.
Hidden gem: The “Balcone degli Innamorati,” a platform hidden behind the falling water — you will definitely get wet!

8. Bevagna – Hands-On Medieval Crafts and a Unique Marketplace

Bevagna is a quiet medieval town with cobblestone streets, artisans, and charming shops. The heart of the town is Piazza Silvestri with its churches and historic buildings. Bevagna offers the unique opportunity to experience medieval crafts: paper-making, candle-pulling, weaving, or goldsmithing. Workshops and small studios allow visitors to watch or even participate.
Tip: The “Mercato delle Gaite,” a medieval market held every year in June, brings the entire town to life.
Hidden gem: The Roman baths with well-preserved mosaics — less known but wonderfully atmospheric.

9. Spoleto – A City of Art, Theater, and Panoramas

Spoleto combines ancient, medieval, and modern elements. The fortress Rocca Albornoziana dominates the skyline, while the Ponte delle Torri — a monumental bridge — connects the fortress with Monteluco Hill. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta impresses with its façade and frescoes by Filippo Lippi. The city hosts the world-famous “Festival dei Due Mondi,” a festival of music, dance, and theater.
Tip: Use the long escalator system from the lower town — it makes exploring much easier.
Hidden gem: The forest of Monteluco with hermitages, walking paths, and ancient cypress trees.

10. Lake Corbara – Wines, Views, and the Forello Gorge

Lake Corbara stretches between Orvieto and Todi and is surrounded by vineyards, farms, and nature. The lake view is stunning, especially at sunset, and the area is ideal for picnics, photography, and quiet walks. Nearby wineries offer local Umbrian varietals.
Tip: Combine your visit with a wine tasting in one of the surrounding wineries.
Hidden gem: The Forello Gorge (“Gole del Forello”), a natural canyon near the lake — rugged, quiet, and perfect for exploration.

Conclusion

Casa Burnie is the perfect starting point to explore Umbria. Whether you’re drawn to medieval towns, natural landscapes, spiritual places, or artistic treasures — everything is nearby. Each destination offers its own unique charm, and the central location of Monte Castello di Vibio allows you to experience the diversity of Umbria in just a few days.

Sources

1. Regional tourism sites and official city information: Umbria Tourism (umbriatourism.it), Italia.it, Discovering Umbria, Exploring Umbria.

2. Cultural and historical references from municipal archives, local museums, and online heritage databases.

3. Travel guides and experiential reports from visitors and authors who documented Umbria’s villages, landscapes, and cultural sites.

4. Public domain articles, accessible map resources, and open-access descriptions of attractions.

5. Local event and festival information from municipal websites and cultural associations in Todi, Bevagna, Spoleto, and Orvieto.