Today we encounter a different side of Umbria, moving away from grand medieval structures toward a gentler beauty shaped by nature and carefully nurtured by human hands over centuries.
Driving through the hills, we uncover hidden oases that must be experienced to be believed, striking, luminous turquoise waters created by the interplay of minerals and sunlight, set against the backdrop of a tiny medieval hamlet. From here, we stroll onward to a waterfall engineered by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, where thundering white tiers reveal a remarkable union of natural force and ancient ingenuity, a refreshing pause in the Umbrian summer.
Midday brings a traditional lunch at a cosy local restaurant, cherished by residents and tucked into a village of just 400 inhabitants, bordered by a gently flowing river.
In the afternoon, we are guided underground in one of Umbria’s medieval villages. Only uncovered in 1979, this hidden network of stone corridors and chambers reveals layers of history, from Roman cisterns to medieval chapels adorned with centuries-old frescoes. As we move through this labyrinth, the weight of centuries becomes palpable, offering rare insight into a lesser-known, deeply evocative side of Umbria.
We return to our 17th-century home for a leisurely early evening at rest, before gathering once more for a sumptuous Umbrian dinner in the gardens.
