Festivals and culture
Umbria's calendar is full: jazz in Perugia's streets in summer, chocolate in autumn, medieval pageants and religious feasts in the towns. This section is a visitor's guide to the big events and to the region's art, plus a plain explanation of the European Capital of Culture competition in which Perugia once took part.
5 pages
In this section
-
Eurochocolate in Perugia: Visitor Guide for 2026
Eurochocolate for visitors: 2026 dates, how the chocolate festival in Perugia’s old town works, when to go to avoid crowds, where to stay and how to get there.
-
European Capital of Culture Explained: Italy’s Bids
How the European Capital of Culture title works, which Italian cities have held it, how the 2019 race was decided and what comes next with Italy’s turn in 2033.
-
Renaissance Art and Music in Umbria: Where to See It
Where to see Renaissance art in Umbria, from Perugino and Pinturicchio to Signorelli in Orvieto, plus how music sounded in the region between 1450 and 1550.
-
Umbria Festival Calendar: Events Month by Month
Umbria’s festival year month by month: Umbria Jazz, Eurochocolate, the Ceri of Gubbio, Spoleto’s festival, flower carpets in Spello and autumn food fairs.
-
Umbria Jazz Visitor Guide: Dates, Venues, Tickets, Stays
Umbria Jazz for visitors: when the Perugia festival takes place, which concerts are free, how tickets work, where to stay and how to get around the old town.
Other sections
-
Perugia
Umbria's hilltop capital: what to see in the old town, which area to stay in, how the Minimetrò and escalators work, and the best day trips.
-
Assisi
How to visit the Basilica of St Francis, what else to see in Assisi, and how to get there from Perugia by train, bus or car.
-
Hill towns and lakes
Orvieto, Gubbio, Spello, Bevagna, Spoleto, Norcia and Lake Trasimeno: what each place is like, what to see and how to fit it into a trip.
-
Food and wine
What to eat in Umbria, which wines to try, and where truffles and olive oil fit in: a practical guide for travellers who like to eat well.
-
Plan your trip
A seven-day Umbria itinerary, how to choose an agriturismo, and walking the Way of St Francis: the practical side of travelling in Umbria.