Umbria News
Umbria News by Porta Perugia: Hidden treasures, 'Made in Umbria', favorite places, walks, history, theatre, concerts, art, and more.
EXHIBITION NATIONAL GALLERY OF UMBRIA
Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna
Nature in Art, between Fra Beato Angelico, Leonardo and Corot
More than eighty works by the greatest Italian and European artists tell the story of the revolution launched by Saint Francis’s 'Canticle of the Sun', in the year that marks its eighth centennial.​
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​Upcoming 'Tutti in Scena' Concert: Opera Arias and Dinner in the Abbey of Saint Peter, Perugia
On March 2, 2025, nine extraordinary soloists will perform some of opera's most enchanting arias in the medieval setting of St. Peter's Basilica. The 'Tutti in Scena' concert will be followed by a dinner with the artists.
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Basilica di San Pietro, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06126 Perugia. 6pm.
29 January - The feast of San Costanzo, Patron Saint of Perugia
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​​​One of the reasons that time in Umbria seems to stand still, are the traditions in which for centuries the same rituals are repeated. I love that about this region. It must give the Perugini a great connection with the 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.
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Monte Cucco
Autumn in Umbria: Truffle Markets, Olive Festivals and Sagre with Chestnuts on Crackling Fire
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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.
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* 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.
Teatro Pavone
Perugia's Pavone Theatre Opens Its Doors for Three Months
After years of restoration, Perugia's oldest theatre, the Teatro del Pavone (Theatre of the Peacock), will reopen its doors to the public for a short period of time from 18 October 2024.
Various concerts and events are in the pipeline and more detailed information will follow soon. A classical concert by Sofia Manvati, violin, and Giorgio Lazzara, piano, is scheduled for 30 November, on 13 December the wonderful Orchestra da Camera di Perugia will give a Christmas concert playing Mozart, and on the 28th of December Angela Hewitt will be giving a piano recital. Don't miss the chance to visit the Teatro del Pavone, check the Porta Perugia events calendar for updates.
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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.​
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Teatro Morlacchi: A Magnificent Italian Theatre in Perugia
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On the 14th of May 2025, Teatro Morlacchi will host a piano recital by the Hélène Grimaud, a perfect opportunity to see this newly restored theatre in all its glory, one of my favourite places for an evening out in the centre of Perugia.
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The beautiful 'Made in Umbria' Pure Cashmere by Ileana!
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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". ​​Continue reading >
Join a Sagra
Join a Sagra and Celebrate the Summer with the Umbrians
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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.
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