Assisi

What if it rains...

If the weather decides not to cooperate, don't worry.

With its fairy-tale landscapes and cities rich in art and history, Umbria will surprise you all the same—even in the rain.

Here are a few suggestions for turning rainy weather from an obstacle into an opportunity, and discovering Umbria at its most authentic, intimate and atmospheric.

Large chocolate cake-shaped installation inside the Chocolate City museum in Perugia.
Day 1: Perugia, between art and chocolate

Your journey begins in Perugia, Umbria's regional capital, a city full of indoor attractions.

  • The City of Chocolate: Located in the heart of the historic centre, this interactive museum is the perfect destination for a rainy day. Discover the fascinating history of the "food of the gods" through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities, learn how cocoa is processed and uncover the secrets of the ancient craft of chocolate-making. A delightful experience that warms both body and soul.
  • National Gallery of Umbria: Home to one of Italy’s most important art collections, the gallery displays masterpieces by Perugino, Pinturicchio, Piero della Francesca and many other great artists. The ideal place to spend a wonderful afternoon sheltered from the rain while surrounded by beauty.
  • Etruscan Well: Beneath the streets of the historic centre lies an extraordinary third-century BC Etruscan cistern, a masterpiece of ancient hydraulic engineering well worth visiting. In the same square, don't miss the Island of San Lorenzo, including the city's Cathedral and the Chapter Museum, where you can explore underground Perugia and discover its Etruscan history, all while staying comfortably indoors.
Street in the historic centre of Spello with stone houses, cobblestone paving and potted
Day 2: Assisi and Spello, spirituality and flower-filled villages

The second day is dedicated to discovering two of Umbria's most beautiful towns, where art and spirituality come together.

  • Assisi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city of Saint Francis, Assisi offers countless treasures to explore even on a rainy day. The Basilica of Saint Francis is a true masterpiece, housing frescoes by Giotto, Simone Martini, the Lorenzetti brothers and many other renowned artists. Other churches and museums, including the Cathedral of San Rufino, the Basilica of Saint Clare and the Municipal Art Gallery, also provide unforgettable cultural experiences.
  • Spello: Just a few kilometres from Assisi, Spello is one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, famous for its flower-filled streets and remarkably preserved Roman walls. A stroll with an umbrella through its narrow stone alleys becomes a romantic and atmospheric experience, perfect for capturing charming photographs. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore offers a peaceful refuge from the rain where you can admire Pinturicchio's magnificent frescoes.
Piazza del Comune in Montefalco at night with the Town Hall and its arcades.
Day 3: Montefalco, the heart of Umbria's wine country

Treat yourself to a day entirely devoted to Umbrian wine and cuisine, without having to worry about the weather.

  • Montefalco: Known as the "Balcony of Umbria", this beautiful medieval hill town is also the historic home of Sagrantino, Umbria's internationally renowned native red grape and wine. Join a guided winery tour with tastings, and visit local olive mills to discover the secrets behind the production of Umbria's "liquid gold".
  • Bevagna: Just a few kilometres away, this charming medieval village is the perfect place to stop for lunch in one of its traditional restaurants and savour authentic Umbrian cuisine. While strolling through the historic centre, don't miss the magnificent Piazza Silvestri, framed by three remarkable churches and the Palazzo dei Consoli.
Interior of St Patrick's Well in Orvieto with its spiral ramps illuminated by light from above.
Day 4: Orvieto, beneath the rock

Perched atop a dramatic volcanic tuff cliff, Orvieto offers an unforgettable experience even on rainy days.

  • Orvieto Cathedral: One of the masterpieces of Italian Gothic architecture. Inside, the Chapel of San Brizio, frescoed by Luca Signorelli, houses one of the most extraordinary Renaissance painting cycles in Italy.
  • St Patrick's Well: A unique feat of engineering designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. Descending the 248 steps of its ingenious double-helix staircase is a fascinating experience, entirely sheltered from the rain.
  • National Archaeological Museum and Opera del Duomo Museum: Two essential stops for discovering the city's Etruscan and medieval history.
  • Orvieto is also famous for its underground world of caves, tunnels and passageways. Exploring this hidden labyrinth is like stepping into a parallel world.
Spoleto Cathedral illuminated at night, viewed from the steps leading to Piazza del Duomo.
Day 5: Spoleto, Umbria's artistic capital
  • Spoleto: Home to the renowned Festival of Two Worlds, Spoleto enchants visitors with its breathtaking views, museums and churches rich in art and history.
  • Be sure to visit the Cathedral, with its frescoes by Filippo Lippi, its Cosmatesque floor and the painted cross by Alberto Sotio; the National Archaeological Museum, housed alongside the Roman Theatre; and the imposing Albornozian Fortress. Lovers of modern and contemporary art should not miss Palazzo Collicola, which combines outstanding temporary exhibitions with a remarkable permanent collection.
Stretch of the Tiber River in the Tiber River Park with trees reflected in the water.
Not just indoors: soulful walks in the rain

Even in the rain, some places are worth experiencing outdoors.

  • The Silent Villages Trail: For adventurous travellers, this 90-kilometre route through the Amerini Mountains and thirteen ancient villages offers an unforgettable immersion in nature and silence. With an umbrella and the right clothing, even a short section of the trail can become a memorable experience.
  • Along the Tiber: A walk beside Italy's great river offers a different perspective on the Umbrian landscape.
  • A leisurely stroll around the Clitunno Springs, celebrated by poets and artists for centuries, is equally rewarding. From there, continue to the tiny village of Casco dell'Acqua, where water and lush vegetation create a fairy-tale atmosphere, even beneath rainy skies.