BY ZEEBA KRUSE
Brufa: A Hidden Village in the Umbrian Landscape
Brufa is not a place one arrives at intentionally so much as one discovers unexpectedly. A small village within the municipality of Torgiano in Umbria, it sits quietly among rolling hills between Perugia and Assisi. It is here that the landscape becomes softer, more subdued, and increasingly contemplative.
What distinguishes Brufa is its integration of art into the environment. The village is part of an ongoing open-air sculpture initiative where monumental contemporary works are placed throughout the countryside. These installations appear along roadsides, vineyards, and open fields, transforming everyday walks into a dialogue between nature and form.
Unlike more structured cultural destinations, Brufa offers no fixed itinerary. Its appeal lies in its openness, the sense that art and landscape coexist without hierarchy, and that discovery happens gradually, one sculpture at a time.
Borgobrufa Spa Resort: Umbrian Silence and Elevated Wellness
Set above Brufa on a gentle hillside, Borgobrufa Spa Resort is designed entirely around the concept of silence, space, and adult-only tranquillity. Surrounded by approximately nine acres of Umbrian countryside, the resort is deliberately secluded, allowing the landscape to become part of the experience.
The property blends traditional Umbrian architecture with contemporary colorful interiors (think neon lime green or rich red suite sinks and massive circular tubs), creating a dialogue between rustic authenticity and modern refinement. Suites open onto panoramic views, with private terraces overlooking vineyards, olive groves, and distant hill towns. Curated selections of local artisans’ paintings, pottery and photography are choice décor in the lobby and long passageways.