Umbria News

Umbria News by Porta Perugia: Hidden treasures, 'Made in Umbria', favorite places, walks, history, theatre, concerts, art, and more.

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San Costanzo depicted by Perugino, 1496-1500

29 January - The feast of San Costanzo, Patron Saint of Perugia

One of the reasons that time in Umbria seems to stand still, are the traditions in which for centuries the same rituals are repeated. It must give the Perugini a great connection with their ancestors, since they experienced the same festivities and celebrations. Thanks to such festivals and the stories that accompany them, the medieval city comes alive.

This is also true for the festivities in honour of San Costanzo, which take place every year at the end of January.

Amelia - Teatro Sociale

Spoleto - Teatro Menotti

Two Historic Umbrian Theatres Nominated for UNESCO Status

Italy has nominated its unique 18th- and 19th-century “condominio theatres” for UNESCO World Heritage status — and two gems from Umbria are on the list.

In Amelia, the Teatro Sociale has been included, along with Spoleto’s Gian Carlo Menotti Theatre. These theatres were once managed by "condominio companies", partnerships between the local authorities and prominent families, and they share some distinctive features, such as a horseshoe-shaped structure and the arrangement of seating between stalls and boxes.

The final UNESCO decision is expected in July 2026. More information >

Cherrynia Vanderpuye

The Magical Voice of Soprano Cherrynia Vanderpuye, Student in Perugia

What better place to study the Bel Canto technique than Italy, the birthplace of opera

Just off Corso Vannucci in the historic centre of Perugia lies the Morlacchi Conservatory, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious music institutes. I used to live nearby and occasionally attended concerts in its auditorium. This is how I came to know soprano Cherrynia Vanderpuye, who left an unforgettable impression with her amazing voice. How could this fragile young woman produce such a powerful sound? I decided to ask her.

Collegio del Cambio

The Perugino Frescos at the Nobile College di Cambio: A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Perugia

If you are in the centre of Perugia, be sure not to walk past the door on the left in the photo, on Corso Vannucci 25D. Here is the ancient seat of the Money Changers' Guild, the Nobile Collegio del Cambio, with magnificent frescoes by the painter Perugino. Even in his own time, the decorations were considered to be among Perugino's best works. A small but important museum in the heart of Perugia.

Website of the Museum >

Teatro Morlacchi

Teatro Morlacchi: A Magnificent Italian Theatre in Perugia

If you are looking for a special evening out in Perugia, I'd highly recommend a concert or opera at the recently restored Teatro Morloacchi.

Paintings, gold decorations, crystal chandeliers and the many small boxes, each with its own entrance, make a concert here a unique experience. A place where the Perugini meet and socialise before the beginning of the show.

Monte Cucco

Autumn in Umbria: Truffle Markets, Olive Festivals and Sagre with Chestnuts on Crackling Fire

Umbria is so beautiful in autumn, with the leaves turning a range of colours from ochre to brown and the ever-changing spectacle of the sky.

At this time of year I love to take a walk in one of its natural parks, such as the Bosco di Monte Cucco or near Lake Trasimeno. Did you know that more than forty per cent of Umbria is covered in forest, making it the green heart of Italy? The delicious produce of the woods is celebrated with truffle markets, olive harvest festivals and sagres (village feasts) with chestnuts on a crackling fire.

* Photo taken by Federico Leandri, in the "Parco Regionale del Monte Cucco". More beautiful photos by Federico on Instagram. If you are in Umbria, you can contact him for a printed version.

UNTIL 7 JAN. 2026

An Extraordinary Homecoming: Raphael's Masterpiece Returns to Perugia

After more than two centuries, the Madonna of Monteluce—commissioned from Raphael and completed by his pupils Giulio Romano and Giovanni Francesco Penni—makes its long-awaited return to Perugia.

In 1505, the Poor Clares of Monteluce entrusted a young, already-celebrated Raphael Sanzio with the creation of a monumental altarpiece: The Coronation of the Virgin. In the early 19th century, it was seized by emissaries of Napoleon and taken to Rome. Today, it is housed in the Vatican Museums, where it is recognized as one of the most treasured works in the Vatican Picture Gallery. Now, after centuries of absence, this iconic masterpiece makes a historic return to the city that first inspired it. Museo del Capitolo/Isola San Lorenzo, Chiostro Cattedreale di San Lorenzo, Piazza IV Novembre, Perugia. Tickets Euro 8. Website

Made in Umbria

The beautiful 'Made in Umbria' Pure Cashmere by Ileana!

When I first met Ileana and she showed me her beautiful colourful shawls, I immediately fell in love. They are incredibly soft and come in a range of vibrant colours.

Ileana, who has a background in fashion design, says: "If you look at green in nature, it is not just one colour, but thousands of different shades of green. All my designs are inspired by the colours of the natural gardens in Umbria".

New Festival: Music Fills the Air in Umbrian Castles, Renaissance Halls and Roman Theatres

The Umbrian summer will be enriched by a wonderful new cultural festival called INAUDITO. A series of high-level concerts performed in historical venues such as the Bufalini Castle, the Albornoz Fortress in Spoleto, the National Gallery of Umbria and the Palaeontological Museum of Pietrafitta.

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the National Museums of Umbria and the Cucinelli Foundation, which supports classical music in the region. All concerts have free entry, but you will need a reservation. Website

Sagra with truffles and olive oil near Assisi at the Sibylline Mountains in the provice of Perugia, Umbria

Join a Sagra

Join a Sagra and Celebrate the Summer with the Umbrians

At this time of year, Umbria is buzzing with 'sagre' (village festivals) celebrating the summer, the harvest, or a local saint. Taking part in one is a fantastic way to get to know the area and enjoy an authentic Italian experience. A sagra is usually served at long tables, with excellent local wine and live music for dancing.

The menu features regional specialities, and some dishes are still based on ancient traditions. Like the 'Sagra delle Fregnaccia' in Otricoli. After the hard work of harvesting, the community would eat a simple but nutritious toasted bread called 'fregnaccia'. There was no time to spend long in the kitchen, since all hands were needed to bring in the harvest.

Joining a Sagra in Umbria is a wonderful opportunity to get to know village life. If you want to give it a try, keep an eye out for posters in towns and villages across Umbria-you might just find one happening close to where you're staying.

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