Discover the Wonders of Umbria: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy
The Wonders of Umbria: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Despite being one of the smallest regions of Italy, Umbria not only delights visitors with its delicious gastronomy but also presents an opportunity to explore historical monuments that have been recognised as UNESCO world heritage sites.
The UNESCO sites located in Umbria are divided into two groups: Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and the other Franciscan sites; and Places of Power associated with the Lombards in Italy (568–774 AD).
Assisi, The Basilica of San Francesco & Other Franciscan Sites
Assisi, a medieval city built on a hill, is known as the birthplace of St Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order. Assisi is situated on a spur of Monte Subasio at an elevation of 400 metres and overlooks the valleys of the Topino and Chiascio rivers.
The town’s most notable landmark is the Basilica of San Francesco (St Francis), construction of which began in 1228 and was completed in 1253. The two-storey basilica consists of an upper church and a lower church. The crypt in the lower church was added in 1818 when the tomb of St Francis was opened. The basilica is considered to be one of the greatest repositories of early Renaissance fresco painting in Italy.
Lombards in Italy: Places of Power 568–774 A.D.
This historic site consists of seven religious buildings, including fortresses, churches and monasteries, in five regions of Italy. Two of the buildings — the Tempietto del Clitunno and the Basilica di San Salvatore — are located in Umbria.
These buildings were built by the Lombards, a people of Germanic origin who converted to Christianity. They migrated from Northern Europe and developed their own specific culture in Italy, where they ruled over vast territories from the 6th to 8th centuries. The Lombards display an original blend of classical culture, Byzantine influences and the fundamental values of the Germanic world.
The Basilica di San Salvatore is a historic church located in Spoleto. It dates back to the 4th century AD and is one of the oldest surviving Christian structures in the area. Originally, the basilica was part of a larger complex that included a monastery. It was likely built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. Over the centuries, the church underwent several renovations and addi-tions, reflecting different architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Another UNESCO protected site in the region is the Tempietto del Clitunno, a small temple located in Pisignano along the slopes of Colle San Benedetto, which dominates the Spoleto Valley. It is considered one of the most interesting early-medieval monuments in Umbria.
The structure, which was built with reused architectural elements from ancient Roman times, takes the form of a small classical temple: it stands on a high podium with a frontal Corinthian colonnade of four columns supporting the entablature, on which there is an inscription dedicating the temple to the ‘God of the Angels’.
Conclusion
Umbria’s UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a remarkable journey through history, art and spirituality. From the awe-inspiring frescoes of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi to the intricate architecture of the Tempietto del Clitunno and the Basilica di San Salvatore, these sites represent the rich cultural heritage that has shaped this enchanting region. Whether you are drawn by the legacy of St. Francis or the enduring influence of the Lombards, exploring Umbria is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with profound historical significance.