Perugia, Umbria
The Capoluogo of Umbria, and a city with a decidedly youthful feel to it, Perugia is one of Italy’s cultural capitals. For music aficionados, July sees the annual Umbria Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious in Europe, roll into town. Foodie? Hold out until October, and treat yourselves to a visit during EuroChocolate, one of the largest festivals dedicated exclusively to the sweet stuff for which Perugia is famous. Perugia is worth a visit at any time, even when there are no festivals on. It has a multitude of historical sights to see, both religious and secular, and a particularly lively feel thanks to not one, but two universities.
(By Sahar)
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Macerata
At the heart of several of the major aftershocks, the medieval hill town of Macerata suffered damage which has resulted in the closure of several churches and other public buildings. Nonetheless, life goes on inside the old walls, which are home to a 13th century university and the early 19th century neo-classical open-air Arena Sferisterio and which host an opera festival every summer.
Assisi, Umbria
“Assisi è stata miracolata” declared the mayor of the Umbrian town, after it escaped damages despite being close to the epicenter of one of the heavier aftershocks. As the birthplace of, among others, St Francis, founder of the Franciscan stream of Catholicism, and St Clare, founder of the Order of the Poor Clares, Assisi is a major pilgrimage site which has become synonymous with the Christian faith. The churches are numerous and remarkable; of particular note is the Basilica of St Francis, which contains works by Giotto, among others. The view from the Rocca Maggiore castle is also not to be missed, and more than worth the climb.
Photo: http://www.presidente.provincia.mc.it/?p=22365