One of the most magical places in Umbria is the Piano Grande, the tableland of Castelluccio. After driving up the winding and steep road from Norcia suddenly a breathtaking panorama opens up: a plain like a green lake, surrounded by high mountains. And in the early summer the "lake" colors itself in all the shadows of the rainbow, as if touched by a magical hand ... The area around Castelluccio and Norcia has been terribly affected by the earthquakes in 2016 but reconstruction is in progress to make one of the most beautiful areas of Umbria accessible again for tourists by early summer 2017.
Would you rather not spend the entire Christmas morning in the kitchen? Would you rather stay comfortably in bed for a bit longer instead?For "lazy housewives" Ornella has an incredibly simple pork roast recipe that makes a delicious Christmas lunch.
Olive oil is the "liquid gold" of Umbria, a high-quality and healthy food, that should not be missing in any kitchen. The olive harvest begins in mid October. Everywhere the nets get spread out under the trees. The pickers pick the olives from the trees by hand or with shaking sticks, then the olives they are taken to the oil mill. Read here how the olives finally become olive oil.
A very special experience: Going on a historic steam train from Perugia to Terontola, along the Trasimeno lake. The 150 th anniversary of the Terontola-Foligno railway line was celebrated on November 6, 2016 with an extraordinary train journey - and we were on board.
Italian cuisine is considered to be one of the best in the world, but what is it that makes it so special? We will reveal to you some of the secrets ...
One of the most spectacular views to be enjoyed from La Rogaia is the view of Monte Amiata. It is an extinct volcano, 5,702 feet high and the second highest mountain of Tuscany. A trip to Monte Amiata is worth in every season. It is a 2 hours drive from La Rogaia almost to the top of the mountain. Only the last few hundred meters have to be climbed by foot. A trip to Monte Amiata is particularly attractive in midsummer. On the mountain heights one can escape the summer heat.
Every yearin Julyjazz loversfrom around the world come to the Umbriancapital,to celebrateone of themost importantjazzfestivals in the world, setinthemagnificent scenery of thehistorical town centre ofPerugia. This year's programme features a number of giants ofjazz and pop.
We are often askedwhat it is like at LaRogaiain winter,and how Christmasis celebrated here.
During a summer vacation with 35° Celsius in the shadow understandably it is difficult to imagine what the joys of winter and Christmas in Umbria look like.
On Friday November 20 we took the last load of olives to the oil mill and got our delicious, deep green, new olive oil. The mild November wheather has blessed the olive pickers with days full of sunshine. Of course it is much more fun to pick olives or to take a rest on the mint scented meadows under the trees when the sun is shining. But already a day later the winter came to Umbria ...