Embarking on a journey through central Italy, to the regions of Umbria and Tuscany, promises a delightful experience filled with nature, fantastic food, great wine, art, and love.
Umbria: Italy’s Green Heart
Marmore Falls
Our adventure commences in Umbria, also known as the green heart of Italy, just an hour’s drive from Rome. Explore the stunning Marmore Falls and witness the spectacular effect when the falls are turned on in full flow.
The Cascata delle Marmore, also known as Marmore Falls, is a man-made wonder crafted by the ancient Romans. The Velino river was significantly enlarged in 271 BC, creating a vast zone of swampy and unhealthy water. To tackle this problem, the Roman consul ordered the construction of a canal to divert the stagnant waters into the natural cliff at Marmore. The canal leads to a precipice, where the water falls a total of 165 meters into the river of the Nera river that runs below.
In modern times, most of the water in the canals above Marmore Falls is diverted into a hydroelectric power plant, causing a significant reduction in the flow of the falls themselves. Nonetheless, the waterfall remains an impressive sight, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness its grandeur.
The falls are scheduled to turn on at specific times, creating a breathtaking display when at full flow. To witness the falls at their best, it is advisable to check the opening times before planning a visit.
Spello
Located in the province of Perugia, Italy, Spello is an ancient town known for its beautiful medieval aspect, built of stones and enclosed in a circuit of medieval walls on Roman foundations. The town hosts a grand flower exhibition called Spello’s Infiorate every year on the ninth Sunday after Easter. Almost a thousand people work to create captivating carpets and pictures made of flowers along the narrow streets of the town. Spello is a charming destination worth visiting any time of year for its captivating beauty.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a breathtaking region of Italy, resembling a beautiful art piece with its scenic vineyards, majestic mountains, and iconic Tuscan Cypress trees.
Chianti
During your visit, be sure to experience the pleasure of watching the sunset in Chianti, a postcard-perfect part of Tuscany that is world-renowned for its excellent red wine.
Chianti is home to many historic landmarks, including olive groves, honey-coloured stone farmhouses, dense forests, Renaissance villas, and impressive stone castles built during the Middle Ages. These iconic sights add to the charm of the region, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
Florence
After enjoying the natural beauty of Chianti, we made our way to the bustling city of Florence, also known as Firenze. This city is a hub for Italian art and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world.
If you find yourself in Florence, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must. This leading art museum is home to some of the most famous art pieces in the world and is located near Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence, Tuscany. As you explore the gallery, you will be amazed by the stunning collection of art and sculptures, including works by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. A visit to the Uffizi Gallery is an unforgettable experience for any art lover.
In summary, Italy represents simplicity and sophistication, offering stunning views, natural beauty, delicious food with natural ingredients, and an effortless way to live happily and healthily. I can’t wait to return soon.
Until next time,
Paz.
