| Destination of the week: |
| | Assisi, Umbria |
| |
| |
Umbria proudly calls itself “the green heart of Italy” – and with good reason. It boasts several national parks, lush green valleys through which the Tiber runs; is criss-crossed with scenic walking trails and, of course, it is at the geographical heart of Italy.
It’s certainly a heart that's beating in rude health where real estate in Umbria is concerned. In general, it does not tend to be as expensive as, say, property for sale in Tuscany, its illustrious neighbour to the west.
But development in 2006 that gave Umbria its first international airport, at Perugia, has helped fuelled a buoyant property market in which the value of real estate in Umbria has risen by around 10 per cent a year since the early 1990s.
That's good news whether you're looking for traditional houses in Italy's green belt, a modern holiday villa, an apartment or merely something as an investment.
Sights in Assisi
If Umbria is the heart of Italy, then Assisi is the heart of Umbria. Assisi, like most of this serene, green and pleasant land, is so scenic and unspoilt that going on foot is an ideal way to take it all in.
As did one Giovanni di Bernardone – St Francesco, or Francis of Assisi, to you – in 1206. One of the most scenic ways to see Umbria is by joining the thousands of pilgrims who come here to retrace his footsteps on the 25-mile Sentiero della Pace trek to Gubbio. Visitors can also spend the night at Vallingegno Abbey, where he is said to have rested.
Assisi’s chief attraction is undoubtedly the massive church complex where the saint is buried and which actually comprises two basilicas, both adorned with magnificent frescoes. The church – on which construction began in 1228, two years after his death – suffered enormous damage in a 1997 earthquake but has since been immaculately restored. By the way, it is one of Italy’s most visited religious sites, so don’t come expecting solitude.
Other than the basilicas, Assisi boasts several other sights, including the Roman Temple of Minerva, which forms part of the Church of Santa Maria, and the 12th century Rocca Maggiore fort, which offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
The town is also an ideal base from which to explore nearby picturesque hill towns such as Spello, Gubbio, Gualdo Tadino and Tuoro, which overlooks Lake Trasimeno.
Property in Umbria
Property in Umbria can be surprisingly affordable. At Homes and Villas Abroad we offer one-storey apartments from as little as €95,000 close to Lake Trasimeno; a four-bedroom, 150sq m apartment for just €180,000; or a three-floor, 105sq m family villa for less than €200,000.
Just visit our homepage to use our property quick search facility.
How to get there: Direct flights to Perugia Airport, from which Assisi is a 20-minute drive.
Where to eat: Buca di San Francesco, Via Brizi; The Medio Evo, Via Arco dei Priori.
Where to stay: Hotel Bert Piazza San Pietro 24 (budget); Castello di Petrata, Localita Pieve San Nicolo (luxury)
|
|
| |
Previous destinations of the week:
|
