Stories
Here you’ll find all of my stories categorized by region. Stories about major cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples, are grouped separately. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try searching here or contact me.
Assisi: a complete guide through the birthplace of San Francesco
My first visit to Umbria and the city of Assisi was back in 2017. A year before that, I had already caught a glimpse of the region. It was winter …
Duomo di Orvieto: Golden Lily of Italian cathedrals
The Duomo di Orvieto was, without a doubt, the highlight of my visit to the city. You can easily spot this landmark from afar, standing proudly on the isolated tufa plateau on which Orvieto is built …
Orvieto: Umbrian hilltop gem
Orvieto is definitely one of my favorite places in Umbria. The town is perched on top of a steep tufa hill that rises amid the verdant landscape. But the beautiful location of the city …
Nera River Park: hike through the Green Heart of Italy
The Marmore Falls in southern Umbria attract thousands of visitors every year. But did you know the falls are part of an even larger park? The Parco Fluviale del Nera, or Nera River Park …
Marmore Falls: Europe’s tallest man-made waterfall
Traces of ancient Roman ingenuity can be found all over Italy. Roads, bridges, aqueducts, amphitheaters, you name it. However, a completely different Roman invention can be found in southern Umbria …
Terni: city of love and steel
Terni is the second-largest city in Umbria and is located in the region's south. Unlike many of Umbria's medieval towns, Terni's layout and architecture are mainly modern. This is the result …
Hike to Eremo delle Carceri: the isolated hermitage
Interested in the life of San Francesco di Assisi, or simply want to enjoy Umbria's nature? I can recommend a hike to the Eremo delle Carceri. The Eremo delle Carceri is a hermitage …
Basilica di San Francesco: masterpiece of human creative genius
Like many towns in Umbria, the medieval city of Assisi is built on a hillslope. From miles away, you can see the city rise from the slopes of Monte Subasio. One building in particular will immediately …
Spoleto: medieval town packed with Roman history
If you ask me, Spoleto is one of the most beautiful places in Umbria. The green surroundings and the mix of remnants from its Roman and medieval pasts make this town unique …
Trevi: Umbria’s capital of olive oil
Between Foligno and Spoleto, the medieval town of Trevi rises from the slopes of Monte Serano. Most of the town is densely built around the hilltop, offering you some of the best views in Umbria …
Spello: Umbria’s most colorful town
Sometimes people ask me whether the many medieval streets make the Umbrian villages look gray or drab. Personally, I don't think so. In my opinion, they make Umbrian towns look unique and …
Procession of the Dead Christ: an unforgettable experience
No matter what time of year you visit Italy, there's always something going on. Alongside the charming towns and monuments to explore, Italians are experts at orchestrating lively celebrations…
Gubbio: visit the ‘city of fools’
Gubbio is one of Umbria's hidden gems. The town, also known as the 'city of fools', is located at the foot of Monte Ingino northeast of Perugia. Narrow streets gradually lead you up the hill to the medieval center …
Lago Trasimeno: discover Italy’s fourth largest lake
Nestled among the hills of Umbria, you'll find one of Italy's largest lakes — Lago Trasimeno. Positioned on the boundary between Umbria and Tuscany, the lake is an ideal hub for various day trips…
Perugia: top 15 things to do
The region of Umbria, also called the green heart of Italy, is located in central Italy. It is the only Italian region that borders neither the sea nor another country …
Umbria: a brief history lesson
The region of Umbria, also called the green heart of Italy, is located in central Italy. It is the only Italian region that borders neither the sea nor another country …