Nearby villages
There is a local saying: “Go to Deruta to buy a pitcher and to Torgiano to fill it.” This is because Torgiano is famous for its excellent wines, namely the prestigious ‘Torgiano Rosso riserva’. You will find a museum in Torgiano dedicated to wine and olive oil, both important products in the local area.
Bettona is small but worth visiting to see the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, the small art collection in the Palazzo della Podestà (both with works by renowned master Perugino), as well as the remains of the Etruscan and medieval town walls.
Spello, on the lower slopes of Monte Subasio, was built as a colony on the Via Flaminia, the old Roman road between Rome and the Adriatic. Today, you can see the remains of many Roman monuments such as the amphitheatre, a temple, the ancient walls and two Roman gates.
Days out
Being based in the Deruta area is perfect for visiting the beautiful cities of Perugia, Assisi and Todi (all 30 minutes or less away), as well as Orvieto, Gubbio and Spoleto (all within an hour).
Lake Trasimeno is easily accessible (approx. 40 minutes), offering boat trips, water sports, lakeside beaches and restaurants, scenic drives or cycle rides.
Another lake, Lago di Corbara, is a similar distance to the south. It was created in the 1960s when a dam was built on the River Tiber, and it has developed into a fascinating ecosystem, full of wildlife. Anglers can fish on the lake, and there is canoeing, rowing, rafting and caving on offer.
Festivals in the area
During the second weekend in June, Spello holds a festival called ‘Le Infiorate di Spello’. The streets are covered with colourful rugs of flowers, in intricate and complicated designs.
Spoleto has become well known for its ‘Festival dei Due Mondi’ (Festival of the Two Worlds). For two weeks every July, the town plays centre stage to a varied programme of music, theatre, dance, poetry and so on, attracting big names from the arts world. Venues include the scenic piazza in front of the Duomo, where the opening and closing concerts take place, the Roman Theatre and an assortment of churches, theatres and palazzi.
Also in July, Perugia hosts the Umbria Jazz Festival, with many internationally renowned stars playing in the parks, churches and piazzas around town.
Gubbio holds two special events in May. Firstly, on the 15th, the ‘Corso dei Ceri’, where wooden statues of three saints are raced through the streets and up to the Basilica at the top of the mountain, before a torch lit procession back down to the square. Then, on the last Sunday in May, the ‘Palio della Balestra’ (Crossbow Festival) takes place. Competitors wear period costume and use ancient crossbows, and it is also a good opportunity to watch the ‘sbandieratori’ and their spectacular flag waving displays!
