Umbria

...and an apparent obsession with doors.

By Stewart Barr

November 27^th, 2013

two weeks in umbria

In July 2013 I went on holiday with my girlfriend and her family to the beautiful Umbria region of Italy.

Umbria, Italy’s only landlocked region, is famous for it's green hills, historic villages and local produce such as wine, olive oil and tobacco.

Domus Nova

We stayed at Domus Nova, a converted farmhouse situated in the rolling hills just outside Gualdo Tadino owned by the very welcoming Maria & Luigi. We were told to make ourselves at home and help ourselves to anything from the garden and to pop down with a jug if we ever wanted any red wine made from the vineyard in the garden; we tried hard not to take advantage.

We would have lazy days by the pool and would eat like kings at lunch with a spread of the local produce; cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, balsamic, bread, olives, (huge) watermelon and wine, you name it.

As the sun went down I would enjoy wandering the vineyard taking photos then enjoying a beer while waiting for the flames on the BBQ to die down. After (during and before) dinner we would enjoy the local red wine.

seeing umbria

We visited Gualdo Tadino, Gubbio, Bevagna, Nocera Umbra, Montefalco, Castiglione del Lago Trasimeno and Assisi along the way.

Here are some of my favourite photos from the holiday.

Gubbio

Gubbio was the first little town we visited. I had seen photos of the Roman amphitheatre online and had plans to get some of my own. However, it was the streets within the historical walled town that stole the show. That and the pistachio gelato!

the Classic Fiat 500l

I loved seeing all the old Fiat 500's. You can understand why they are so popular once you have walked the steep narrow streets of these villages. This one was sitting on Via della Rocca, Assisi.

Assisi by day

I thought that Assisi being one of the more well known places would have been a bit of a tourist trap, but I was wrong. Yes there were tourists and the odd gift shop but not over the top or tacky. I guess that's the beauty of Umbria; a bit hidden away from a lot of the main touristy places of Italy.

Assisi was just stunning. "A photographer's wet dream" was uttered by one.

Basilica of st francis

The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, I'd imagine this is one of the most visited buildings in Umbria if not Italy.

Bevagne 74

What are these photos about?

Bevagna

Bevagna was recommended to us by Luigi. A stunning walled village. It was here I realised I had a bit of an obsession with these old doors. I took many many more photos of the doors.

The return to assisi

Assisi just blew me away on the first visit. So much so I thought it would be the perfect place to return a few days later and propose to my girlfriend.